Forbes 30 Under 30: USWNT

Forbes’ 30 Under 30 summit, which is known as “today’s greatest gathering of young game changers, movers and makers,” so for US Women’s National team members to be brought in to this is truly deserved. These women are powerful feminists, whether you like that term or not, it’s what they are and they’re rocking the boat in the best way possible.

In their session, they discuss the pay gap between women and men soccer players, which is absolutely astounding. Male soccer players make 11 times that of a female player. Since I don’t know their exact salary, I’m just going to use an example. If a woman makes $50,000 then a man makes $550,000. Does that bother anyone?

Julie Johnston mentions in this discussion that, “It’s bigger than a sport but it also comes with other responsibilities.” Some say that soccer is just a sport and it is indeed, just a sport, just another game, BUT as a former player I can tell you that it is also so much more than that.

I idolized the 1999 USWNT as a kid. My walls were covered in everything women’s soccer and they were the best role models I could have ever asked for growing up. It makes me incredibly happy knowing that another generation of young players have these women to look up to, which is what Johnston is getting at. They are role models, business women and are fighting for female athletes to have their voices heard in this world.

So, yes, these players have to be the best role models they can be because they represent not only women’s soccer, but women everywhere. These ladies are to be respected and know that they have to fight that much harder than the men do. Young kids, especially young girls, have women to aspire to be like who are breaking boundaries and proving that “girl power” is a force to be reckoned with.

Alex Morgan cites Didier Drogba in this video and how he refused to play on turf with his move to the MLS. It would have been his first time playing on turf. As a general fan of soccer, I hated that this Women’s World Cup was played entirely on turf. If the women refused to play, I don’t think FIFA would have put up the fight to get them to play. Can you say the same about the men? Would FIFA have fought tooth and nail to get them to play? You tell me.

I found this discussion to be an interesting and insightful one into a world that isn’t always heard. I love that Forbes had these ladies on to bring attention to the business side of women’s soccer and how important it is in today’s society. These women have so much power in their hands with women’s soccer and athletics and are making the ground shake with how hard they are fighting.

“I think players need to get paid for what they’re worth, for what they put up on the field.” 

-Alex Morgan