19215 December 1921London
The FA bans women’s football
“The game of football is quite unsuitable for females and ought not to be encouraged.” Affiliated clubs may no longer lend them their grounds.
50 yearsof prohibition
Feature · 1881 — 2026
The history of women’s football.
From the Easter Road pitch in Edinburgh in 1881 to the Maracanã in 2027: the pioneers, the banned years, the comeback, then the boom of a sport that went global.
The timeline · 1881 → 2035
Fifty dates
50 dates shown
Key dateOther dateUpcoming
The pioneers
5 datesLong before the first written rules, women were already playing: as early as the 1790s, in Midlothian, Scotland, annual matches pitted married women against single women. Association football brought the first public matches, the first clubs and then, during the Great War, factory teams that filled stadiums.
…proving to the world that women are not the “ornamental and useless” creatures men have pictured.
- May 1881Edinburgh · Easter Road
3–0Scotland – England
The first “international” match
A team billed as Scotland beats “England” 3–0 in front of more than 1,000 spectators. Lily St Clair scores the first recorded women’s goal.
CompetitionsShow on the timeline ↑ - 23 March 1895London · Crouch End
≈ 10,000spectators
The British Ladies’ Football Club
Founded in late 1894 by Nettie Honeyball, the club plays its first match, North against South (7–1), in front of some 10,000 spectators.
- 1917Preston
The Dick, Kerr munitionettes
During the Great War, workers at the Dick, Kerr & Co. munitions factory form the team that will become the most famous of its time.
- 30 April 1920Preston · Deepdale
25,000spectators
Dick, Kerr Ladies – France
25,000 spectators for the visit of a French side, beaten 2–0. The game is widely regarded as the first women’s international.
CompetitionsShow on the timeline ↑ - 26 December 1920Liverpool · Goodison Park
53,000spectators
Boxing Day at Goodison Park
Dick, Kerr Ladies face St Helens Ladies in front of 53,000 people: women’s football fills England’s biggest stadiums.
RecordsShow on the timeline ↑
The banned years
4 datesAt the height of its popularity, women’s football was banned. England closed its grounds in 1921; other countries followed, by federation decision or by law. Players carried on elsewhere, on makeshift pitches, far from the stands.
The game of football is quite unsuitable for females and ought not to be encouraged.
- NetherlandsKNVB1896–1971 · 75 years
- EnglandThe FA1921–1971 · 50 years
- WalesFAW1922–1970 · 48 years
- FranceVichy, then FFF1941–1970 · 29 years
- BrazilDecree-Law 3,1991941–1979 · 38 years
- NigeriaColonial administration1950–1960 · 10 years
- West GermanyDFB1955–1970 · 15 years
- USSRSports authorities1973–1987 · 14 years
279 years of bans combined across these 8 countries. Dates used: known federation or legal decisions; for France, the Vichy ban (1941) then recognition by the FFF (1970).
- 5 December 1921London
50 yearsof prohibition
The FA bans women’s football
“The game of football is quite unsuitable for females and ought not to be encouraged.” Affiliated clubs may no longer lend them their grounds.
Bans & battlesShow on the timeline ↑ - 1922United States
The American tour
Deprived of grounds in England, Dick, Kerr Ladies cross the Atlantic and take on nine men’s teams: three wins, three draws, three defeats.
- 14 April 1941Brazil
38 yearsof prohibition
Decree-Law 3,199
Brazil bars women from sports deemed “incompatible with their nature”. Football will remain closed to them until 1979.
Bans & battlesShow on the timeline ↑ - 1955West Germany
The DFB closes its pitches
The West German federation forbids its clubs from hosting women’s teams, deeming the game contrary to feminine grace. Lifted on 31 October 1970.
Bans & battlesShow on the timeline ↑
The comeback
7 datesThe bans fell one after another. Independent tournaments drew huge crowds, federations took back control, continents staged their first championships and FIFA tested, in China, the idea of a World Cup.
- 1970Italy
A World Cup outside FIFA
Organised by an independent federation, the FIEFF, the first women’s “World Cup” is won by Denmark.
CompetitionsShow on the timeline ↑ - 1971Europe
The end of the bans
UEFA recommends that its member associations take on women’s football; only Scotland votes against. The FA lifts its ban, fifty years on.
Bans & battlesShow on the timeline ↑ - 5 September 1971Mexico City · Estadio Azteca
≈ 110,000spectators (estimate)
Copa 71
Around 110,000 spectators for the final of the unofficial World Cup: Denmark beat Mexico 3–0, with a hat-trick from 15-year-old Susanne Augustesen.
RecordsShow on the timeline ↑ - September 1975Hong Kong
The first Asian Cup
New Zealand beat Thailand 2–1. It is the oldest women’s continental championship still contested.
CompetitionsShow on the timeline ↑ - December 1979Brazil
Brazil lifts the ban
After thirty-eight years, Brazilian women can play again. Women’s football will be regulated there in 1983.
Bans & battlesShow on the timeline ↑ - May 1984Europe
The first European tournament
UEFA’s first competition for women’s national teams: Sweden beat England on penalties.
CompetitionsShow on the timeline ↑ - 1988China
FIFA’s test tournament
Twelve national teams gather in China; Norway beat Sweden 1–0. The event’s success paves the way for a World Cup.
CompetitionsShow on the timeline ↑
The global era
10 datesThe FIFA World Cup was born in China in 1991, the Olympic Games opened their tournament in 1996 and Europe created its club cup in 2001. A first generation of global stars emerged, from Michelle Akers and Sun Wen to Mia Hamm, Birgit Prinz and Marta.
| Edition | Host | Champion | Final | Runner-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | China | United States | 2–1 | Norway |
| 1995 | Sweden | Norway | 2–0 | Germany |
| 1999 | United States | United States | 0–0 (5–4 pens) | China |
| 2003 | United States | Germany | 2–1 a.e.t. | Sweden |
| 2007 | China | Germany | 2–0 | Brazil |
| 2011 | Germany | Japan | 2–2 (3–1 pens) | United States |
| 2015 | Canada | United States | 5–2 | Japan |
| 2019 | France | United States | 2–0 | Netherlands |
| 2023 | Australia & New Zealand | Spain | 1–0 | England |
| 2027 | Brazil | Upcoming | 24 June – 25 July | — |
| 2031 | CRC, JAM, MEX, USA | Upcoming | 48 teams | — |
| 2035 | United Kingdom | Upcoming | — | — |
- 30 November 1991Guangzhou · Tianhe Stadium
80 minper match
The first FIFA World Cup
Twelve teams, 80-minute matches and 63,000 spectators for the final: the United States beat Norway 2–1, with a brace from Michelle Akers.
CompetitionsShow on the timeline ↑ - 1991Africa
The first Women’s AFCON
Nigeria win the first edition of the African championship. The Super Falcons will become the continent’s most successful team.
CompetitionsShow on the timeline ↑ - 1991South America
The first Copa América
Brazil win the first edition of the South American women’s championship.
CompetitionsShow on the timeline ↑ - 1 August 1996Athens, Georgia
Women’s football at the Olympics
The first women’s Olympic tournament: the United States beat China 2–1 in front of 76,489 spectators.
CompetitionsShow on the timeline ↑ - 10 July 1999Pasadena · Rose Bowl
90,185spectators
The Rose Bowl final
United States – China: 0–0, then 5–4 on penalties. It remains the attendance record for a Women’s World Cup.
RecordsShow on the timeline ↑ - 2000FIFA
Players of the Century
FIFA jointly honours China’s Sun Wen and America’s Michelle Akers.
FiguresShow on the timeline ↑ - 2001FIFA
Mia Hamm, the first winner
The FIFA World Player of the Year award is created for women; America’s Mia Hamm wins it in 2001 and 2002.
FiguresShow on the timeline ↑ - May 2002Frankfurt
The first European club cup
1. FFC Frankfurt win the first UEFA Women’s Cup, which will become the Champions League in 2009.
- 2006 – 2010Brazil
17World Cup goals
The Marta era
Five straight FIFA World Player awards, a sixth in 2018. Her 17 World Cup goals are a record, men and women combined.
FiguresShow on the timeline ↑ - 30 September 2007Shanghai
Champions without conceding
Germany retain their world title by beating Brazil 2–0, without conceding a single goal in the whole tournament.
RecordsShow on the timeline ↑
The boom
9 datesRecord crowds, billion-strong audiences, first victories for equal pay: in a decade, women’s football changed scale, and its clubs filled Europe’s biggest stadiums.
91,648spectators at Camp Nou for Barcelona – Wolfsburg, in 2022
87,192at Wembley for the Euro 2022 final
1.12 bnviewers for the 2019 World Cup
- 17 July 2011Frankfurt
Japan on top of the world
Four months after the Tōhoku earthquake, Japan beat the United States on penalties. The first senior world title for an Asian nation, men or women.
CompetitionsShow on the timeline ↑ - 5 July 2015Vancouver
A hat-trick in sixteen minutes
The first 24-team World Cup. In the final, Carli Lloyd scores three times in sixteen minutes; the United States beat Japan 5–2.
RecordsShow on the timeline ↑ - 2016 – 2020Lyon
8European titles
Five Champions Leagues in a row
Olympique Lyonnais, now OL Lyonnes, win five titles in a row. Eight in total: the competition record.
- 7 October 2017Norway
Equal pay
The Norwegian federation pays its two national teams the same, a world first according to the players’ union.
Bans & battlesShow on the timeline ↑ - 3 December 2018Paris
The first Ballon d’Or Féminin
Norway’s Ada Hegerberg, Lyon’s striker, receives the first Ballon d’Or Féminin.
FiguresShow on the timeline ↑ - June – July 2019France
1.12 bnviewers
More than a billion viewers
The World Cup in France reaches 1.12 billion viewers. The United States retain their title by beating the Netherlands 2–0 in Lyon.
RecordsShow on the timeline ↑ - 22 April 2022Barcelona · Camp Nou
91,648spectators
The Camp Nou record
Barcelona – Wolfsburg, Champions League semi-final: the attendance record for a women’s club match.
RecordsShow on the timeline ↑ - 18 May 2022United States
Equal pay in the United States
After years of campaigning by its players, the US federation guarantees equal pay for its two national teams.
Bans & battlesShow on the timeline ↑ - 31 July 2022London · Wembley
87,192spectators
The Lionesses at Wembley
England beat Germany 2–1 after extra time. The Lionesses’ first major title, and the attendance record for a European Championship, men or women.
RecordsShow on the timeline ↑
A new world
12 datesA 32-team World Cup, a first million-dollar transfer, a global club competition. And the next milestones are already set: Brazil in 2027, 48 nations in 2031, a return to the United Kingdom in 2035.
- 20 August 2023Sydney
Spain world champions
The first 32-team World Cup, in Australia and New Zealand. Spain beat England 1–0 with a goal from Olga Carmona.
CompetitionsShow on the timeline ↑ - August – September 2023Spain
#SeAcabó
The kiss forced on Jennifer Hermoso by the president of the Spanish federation sparks a worldwide outcry. He resigns in September.
Bans & battlesShow on the timeline ↑ - 5 December 2023Vancouver
190international goals
Christine Sinclair’s farewell
Christine Sinclair plays her last match for Canada. Her 190 international goals remain the world record, men and women combined.
FiguresShow on the timeline ↑ - January 2025London
The first million-dollar transfer
Naomi Girma leaves San Diego for Chelsea: the first transfer in history above one million dollars.
- 24 May 2025Lisbon
Arsenal, eighteen years on
Arsenal beat Barcelona 1–0 through Stina Blackstenius and win their second Champions League.
- 26 July 2025Rabat
10African titles
Nigeria, ten-time champions
Trailing Morocco 2–0, the Super Falcons win 3–2. A tenth African title, a record for any women’s national team on any continent.
RecordsShow on the timeline ↑ - 27 July 2025Basel
England retain the Euro
1–1 against Spain, then 3–1 on penalties: a second consecutive European title for the Lionesses.
CompetitionsShow on the timeline ↑ - 2 August 2025Quito
Marta, still
At 39, Marta scores twice in the final (4–4). Brazil beat Colombia on penalties and win their ninth Copa América.
FiguresShow on the timeline ↑ - September 2025Paris
Three Ballons d’Or for Aitana
Aitana Bonmatí becomes the first player to win three Ballons d’Or, and in consecutive years.
FiguresShow on the timeline ↑ - 1 February 2026London · Emirates Stadium
The first FIFA Women’s Champions Cup
Arsenal beat Corinthians 3–2 after extra time and win FIFA’s first global women’s club competition.
- 21 March 2026Sydney
74,397spectators
Japan, queens of Asia
Japan beat Australia 1–0 through Maika Hamano and win the Asian Cup for the fourth time.
CompetitionsShow on the timeline ↑ - 23 May 2026Oslo
Barcelona’s fourth crown
Barcelona beat OL Lyonnes 4–0 in the Champions League final, with braces from Ewa Pajor and Salma Paralluelo.
Upcoming
- 202724 June – 25 July 2027 · BrazilThe World Cup in South AmericaThe first Women’s World Cup on South American soil. Opening match and final at the Maracanã.
- 2031Costa Rica, Jamaica, Mexico, United States48 nationsThe World Cup grows from 32 to 48 teams.
- 2035United KingdomBack to the cradleEngland, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland host the World Cup, 154 years after the Edinburgh match.
Portraits
They made history
- Lily ParrEngland · 1905–1978Dick, Kerr Ladies winger, credited with nearly 1,000 goals. The first female footballer honoured with a statue, in 2019, at the National Football Museum.
- Susanne AugustesenDenmark · Copa 71A hat-trick in the final at the Estadio Azteca, aged 15, in front of some 110,000 spectators.
- Michelle AkersUnited States · 1991 World CupTen goals at the first World Cup, including both in the final. FIFA Player of the Century.
- Sun WenChina · 1999 World CupFIFA Player of the Century alongside Michelle Akers, 1999 World Cup finalist.
- Mia HammUnited States · 1987–2004The first winner of the FIFA World Player of the Year award, in 2001 and again in 2002.
- Birgit PrinzGermany · 1994–2011World champion in 2003 and 2007, three-time FIFA World Player of the Year.
- MartaBrazil · six World CupsSix FIFA World Player awards and 17 World Cup goals, the all-time record.Photo: Hameltion - CC BY-SA 4.0
- Homare SawaJapan · 2011 World CupCaptain of the 2011 world champions and FIFA World Player of the Year 2011.
- Kristine LillyUnited States · 1987–2010354 caps: the most-capped footballer in history.
- Christine SinclairCanada · 2000–2023190 international goals, a world record, and Olympic gold in Tokyo.
- Asisat OshoalaNigeria · Super FalconsSix-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year, a record.
- Aitana BonmatíSpain · FC Barcelona2023 world champion and three consecutive Ballons d’Or, from 2023 to 2025.Photo: Barcex / CC BY-SA 4.0
The story goes on.
Every new season joins the HerPitchData database: players, clubs, competitions and transfers, match after match.