Cleats on, battle real: sustainability and gender equality in women’s football

Objective This study aims to examine the rise of women’s football in Turkey and the challenges faced by female footballers both on and off the field from the perspectives of gender and sustainability. Methods Conducted with a phenomenological design, the study involved semi-structured interviews with 18 female footballers playing in the Super League between June and September 2025, using a snowball sampling method. The data were analyzed thematically. Results The findings revealed that the experiences of female footballers are shaped at the intersection of individual motivation, environmental support, and structural inequalities. Participants indicated that gender biases, economic constraints, and lack of media visibility limit their career development. Inadequate facilities, scarcity of female coaches, and limited professional opportunities were also identified as key barriers. Conclusion Women’s football is not only a sporting activity but also a social arena with the potential to foster gender equality and sustainable development. The development of inclusive strategies by the Turkish Football Federation and clubs—such as equal pay policies, sponsorship support, female coach training programs, and “female-friendly” facility arrangements—is critically important for the sustainable growth of women’s football.