Women making history in football

In recognition of International Women’s Day (8 March 2016), we are taking a look at some of the women who have been making history in the footballing world.

We have been celebrating the achievements of women in football for many years to applaud and acknowledge their amazing achievements. We all share a passion, dedication and belief for the sport, whether you are a player, coach, reporter or fan, we all play a role in the growth of the game and we thank you all.

Below are just some of the historic achievements we have witnessed.

Abby Wambach (USA)

Abby Wambach holds the record of the number of international goals scored by a player (184). Wambach broke Mia Hamm’s record of 158 goals on June 20, 2013.

Marta (Brazil)

Marta is Brazil’s highest goalscorer beating Pelé’s previous record of 95 goals. She is also the first footballer to win the world’s best footballer of the year award five times. Argentina’s Lionel Messi equalled her record this year.

Fara Williams (England)

With 150 international appearances for her country, Fara Williams is England’s most capped player.

Mallory Pugh (USA)

At just 17, Mallory Pugh became the youngest player in US Women’s National Team history to play in an Olympic qualifying game.

Formiga (Brazil)

Formiga’s goal in Brazil’s World Cup (2015) Group E match against Korea Republic made her the oldest goalscorer in the history of the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Canada 2015 was a record 6th appearance at a Women’s World Cup (shared with Homare Sawa).

Homare Sawa (Japan)

Homare Sawa holds a Japan record of 205 caps and 83 goals. The INAC Kobe Leonessa midfielder appeared in the World Cup for a record sixth time this summer in Canada 2015 (a record shared with Formiga).

Stephanie Roche (Republic of Ireland)

In 2014, Ireland’s Stephanie Roche became the first female footballer to be shortlisted for FIFA’s Puskas award.

Jacqui Oatley

Jacqui Oatley is the first female commentator to appear on the BBC’s Match of the Day.

Lydia Nsekera

Lydia Nsekera was elected as the first woman to FIFA’s executive committee in the governing body’s 109-year history.

Karren Brady

Aged just 23, Karren Brady was appointed Managing Director of Birmingham City Football Club when the club was in administration. Four years later, she became the youngest managing director of a UK plc, when she floated the club on the London Stock Exchange. In 2010 she was appointed Vice-Chairman of West Ham United FC in January.