THE EVOLUTION OF WOMEN'S FOOTBALL: FROM PASSION TO PERFORMANCE

Rezumat

This article explores the historical trajectory and contemporary development of women’s football, tracing its journey from marginalization to increasing recognition, with a special emphasis on the Romanian context. The origins of women’s football date back to the late 19th century in the United Kingdom, where despite prevailing social resistance and restrictive gender norms, women organized informal matches and began to challenge traditional conceptions of femininity. The sport’s popularity surged during World War I, when women’s teams, such as the famous Dick, Kerr’s Ladies, attracted significant public attention and large audiences. However, the English Football Association’s 1921 ban on women’s football from official grounds severely limited the sport’s growth for decades, a setback whose effects were felt internationally. Globally, the professionalization of women’s football gained momentum only in the latter half of the 20th century. The establishment of international competitions culminated with FIFA’s inauguration of the
Women’s World Cup in 1991, which marked a pivotal moment in the sport’s legitimacy and global visibility. In Romania, the development of women’s football was considerably delayed due to a combination of limited infrastructure, insufficient institutional support, and cultural attitudes that hindered female athletic participation. The foundation of the national women’s league and the official creation of the Romanian women’s national team in 1990 represented crucial milestones in overcoming these barriers.
Despite these advances, persistent disparities between women’s and men’s football remain stark, particularly regarding funding, media exposure, and societal recognition. Nevertheless, recent initiatives by the Romanian Football Federation (FRF), combined with the growing international success of Romanian female players, signal promising growth and potential.
This article emphasizes the importance of sustained institutional support, strategic investment, and cultural transformation to foster equitable opportunities and ensure the long-term development and professionalization of women’s football both in Romania and globally.