Women’s World Cup 2023

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      Former Australia star reveals she has ‘no regrets’ over nude calendar as country prepares to host Women’s World Cup

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      FORMER Australia Women’s star Tracie McGovern has no regrets about taking part in a nude calendar 24 years ago.The ex-midfielder was Miss January in a calendar that was produced to promote the women’s side ahead of the Sydney Olympics in 2000.
      Tracie McGovern is proud of taking part in the nude calendarCredit: BBC Sport
      Amy Duggan appeared on the front cover of the Olympic Games calendarCredit: BBC Sport
      McGovern, who is the founder and director of The Australian Sportswoman website, enjoyed the photoshoot and looked back on her snap with pride ahead of the Women’s World Cup.
      “A lot of people knew me as Miss January.
      In an interview with the BBC, she said: “It was mainly about the profile. We wanted to get bums on seats at the Games, but I don’t think any of us expected the attention that we got.
      “I had a great time, although the team shot was a little awkward. We all had our robes on, we got into position and then we threw the robes off, had the photo taken and then scrambled to get them back on.
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      “I don’t regret it at all. I look at that photo after 20 years and I’m proud of it.”
      McGovern spoke about the backlash the team received but hopes people no longer feel shameful about that period in the history of the Matildas.
      “There were some feminists that felt that we had sold out,” McGovern added.
      “I totally respect that opinion and not all of the team took part in the calendar photoshoot. I did it for my own personal reasons. And then I did it for the greater good of the team. I think we achieved that objective.
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      “It was controversial, but again we got people to go to our games and we got the name out there. Could we have done it any other way? I’m not sure.
      “I really hope that people will start to embrace that part of history and don’t feel shameful about it.” More

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      How England Women could line up for World Cup 2023 opener against Haiti with left-back leading line as STRIKER

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      ENGLAND kick off their World Cup campaign this weekend with a highly-anticipated match against Haiti.The Lionesses have their eyes on the prize this summer following last year’s European Championship triumph.
      England are preparing to face Haiti in their Women’s World Cup openerCredit: Getty
      Millie Bright has returned from injuryCredit: Getty
      Rachel Daly could start in attackCredit: Getty
      How England could line up against Haiti
      However, Sarina Wiegman has been forced to make some major changes to her squad.
      Captain Leah Williamson was ruled out of the tournament in April after suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament during a Women’s Super League match against Manchester United.
      Her Arsenal team-mate Beth Mead has also been left out of the squad with the same injury.
      And Chelsea midfielder Fran Kirby, who has been a mainstay in the England team since 2015, underwent knee surgery in May, so she will be unavailable for a “significant period” of time.
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      Wiegman has been handed some severe selection headaches this summer, with several young stars bursting onto the international scene.
      Chelsea ace Lauren James, who narrowly missed out on a spot in last summer’s squad, has travelled to Australia along with Manchester City defender Esme Morgan and Brighton winger Katie Robinson.
      Established WSL stars Jordan Nobbs, Niamh Charles and Katie Zelem also made the trip.
      But with the stakes so high, SunSport have predicted how England will line up ahead of Saturday’s opener against Haiti.
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      Millie Bright, who was handed the captain’s armband in the wake of Williamson’s devastating ACL injury, is expected to start in the heart of defence despite her recent ankle injury.
      There had been some question marks surrounding the 29-year-old’s involvement, with her injury preventing her from taking part in full training until just last week.
      However, she took part in a behind-closed-doors warm-up match against Canada on Friday, indicating that she will be fully fit to start against Haiti.
      Bright will likely line up in defence alongside Barcelona right-back Lucy Bronze, her Chelsea team-mate Jess Carter and Man City’s Alex Greenwood.
      Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway are expected to start in midfield, with Ella Toone filling in for Kirby in a slightly more attacking position.
      Lauren Hemp will likely keep her starting position on the left wing, but there are some question marks surrounding who she will line up alongside in attack.
      Chelsea forward James could start on the right wing, with former defender Rachel Daly in the No9 position.
      Daly played a crucial role in Wiegman’s European Championship-winning squad last summer, but as a left-back.
      Following the tournament, she joined Aston Villa in a permanent transfer from Houston Dash and quickly adapted to become a striker.
      The 31-year-old scored 22 goals throughout the 2022-23 WSL campaign and won the Golden Boot, so it would be no surprise to see her leading the line at the World Cup.
      While there is some uncertainty surrounding a few positions, one player is expected to start every game unless she is ill or injured.
      That player is Manchester United’s Mary Earps, who was named as The Best Women’s Goalkeeper in the World by Fifa earlier this year.
      Alternative England line up vs Haiti
      Unlike last summer, Wiegman is not expected to start every game with the same line-up.
      Alessia Russo, who joined Arsenal in a shock free transfer at the beginning of the month, could start up front instead of Daly.
      Read More on The Sun
      Chloe Kelly could also muscle her way into the starting squad amid her impressive run of form, which could mean that James moves into the attacking midfield role.
      And Carter could be replaced by in-form Arsenal defender Lotte Wubben-Moy or 22-year-old Man City star Morgan. More

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      I’m an England star and here’s what I’ve packed in my bag for the World Cup – but I need some lash tips in Australia

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      HAVE you ever wondered what a potential World Cup winner takes with her to the other side of the globe?Well, England hopeful Katie Zelem has let the cat out of the bag.
      Katie Zelem (right) has revealed to SunSport what is in her bag for the World CupCredit: PA
      Zelem will keep her eye on the ball in AustraliaCredit: Getty
      Zelem on holiday – but it will be all work for the midfielder Down UnderCredit: Instagram
      Here, the Manchester United midfielder talks SunSport through her World Cup preparations Down Under — from false eyelash appointments to board games.
      SO Katie, it is your first World Cup and major tournament, how did the packing go?
      “I always leave it to the last minute. I write lists for everything. Everyone laughs at me because I’m like, ‘Don’t worry girls, I’ll write a list’ and then I tick everything off.”
      WHAT was the weirdest thing that went in the suitcase?
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      “I’m a heavy over-packer. If anyone needs anything, they come to me because I’ve probably got it.  I’d say an Amazon Fire Stick. It’s a long time out there, we need something to keep us entertained.”
      BOX sets or films in the suitcase?
      “I’m actually doing a Masters in sports business, so I need to do some lectures.  I’ve packed lots of books and highlighters, I love a bit of colour co-ordination!”
      WHAT about the beauty side of things, lashes and nails?
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      “My nails needed an in-fill, so I left it until the last day to try and do as much beauty maintenance as I could. Any good lash tips here in Australia, please hook me up as I’m going to need a good in-fill!”
      ANYTHING in the suitcase related to a pre-game ritual?
      “I always wear the same sports bra and knickers — you’ve probably heard this so many times but we wash them! 
      “I always put my right shin pad on before my left and my right boot first.”
      WHAT have you packed to pass the time?
      “Someone said this makes us sound like old women but we like to play board games.
      “We played a game called Partners.  We played it at United and now we’re slowly teaching everyone here.
      “You’ve got four players so if someone doesn’t want to play you have to recruit someone in. We like to play cards, too.”
      FAVOURITE card games?
      “Trump and s**thead!”
      Read More on The Sun

      COFFEE or tea in the suitcase?
      “I’m not a coffee drinker and I don’t like tea, so I’m out of the Lionesses coffee club. Ellie Roebuck replaced Jill Scott as the club’s leader. She loves her coffee art, making hearts and leaves.” More

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      ‘Disappointed’ Lionesses blast FA in statement over bonus row days before England kick off Women’s World Cup campaign

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      ENGLAND have hit out at a lack of progress with talks concerning bonus pay for players at the Women’s World Cup.The Euros champs are dismayed no resolution has been reached following ongoing negotitiations with the FA over performance bonuses. 

      Skipper Millie Bright shared players’ thoughts in a written statement signed by every member of Sarina Wiegman’s squad.
      Their words, shared via social media, come just four days before England’s group D opening game against Haiti on July 22.
      And the Lionesses have decided to put talks on hold to focus on their progress at the World Cup hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
      In the statement tweeted by Bright earlier today, players wrote: “Last year we presented the FA with our concerns relating to our bonus and commercial structures.
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      “We are disappointed that a resolution has still not been achieved.
      “We view the successful conclusion of these discussions, through player input and a transparent long-term plan, as key for the growth of women’s football in England.

      “With our opening game on the horizon, we Lionesses have decided to pause discussions, with full intentions of revisiting them following the tournament.
      “We collectively feel a strong sense of responsibility to grow the game and while our focus now switches fully to the tournament ahead, we believe every tackle, pass and goal will contribute to the work we are committed to doing off the pitch.
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      “We look forward to playing for our country in this World Cup with pride, passion and perseverance. Thank you for your support.”

      England players are pausing talks with the FA over Women’s World Cup bonuses until after the tournamentCredit: Alamy
      The Lionesses’ statement comes a month after Fifa announced changes to how prize money is allocated to players at the Women’s World Cup 
      For the first time in the tournament’s history pay from the authority will go directly to squad members on each team.
      And the amount paid is based on players’ performance with the figure rising the further a team progresses in the contest. 
      Prior to Fifa’s new set-up national football bodies would choose how prize money was distributed 
      It is thought some are willing to fund additional pay to players outside Fifa’s new structure. 
      England players are believed  to be dismayed that the FA has not taken a leaf out of the book of their United States counterparts.
      The USA’s federation has a collective bargaining agreement which sees players receive bonuses in addition to prize money paid directly to them by Fifa.
      PFA chief Maheta Molango warned it would be “a massive mistake” to underestimate players’ feelings on the matter.
      Sarina Wiegman’s aces are focusing on their upcoming World Cup fixtures including a group stage opener against HaitiCredit: Getty
      The Professional Footballers’ Association boss said: “It is no coincidence this is particular issue for nations where there is no collective bargaining agreement in place for players and governing bodies.
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      “There will always be consequences when players feel they are having to come back, issue by issue, to push for parity and progress.
      “It doesn’t need to be like this.” More

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      Lionesses winning Euros last summer was wonderful – here’s three reasons why we should roar them on again at World Cup

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      IF I tell you I have a hunch about a sporting event, then have a hunch of your own that the opposite will happen. I have a terrible track record with these things.But last year I got something right.
      Alessia Russo’s stunning surprise backheel against Sweden in the semi-finalCredit: Getty
      Ace Chloe Kelly celebrates her winnerCredit: PA
      The Lionesses gatecrash the press conference and partyCredit: Getty
      I wrote in The Sun that England’s women would win the Euros.
      And they did. Thrillingly, miraculously, brilliantly, inspiringly . . . they only went and did it.
      There were a trio of Three Lionesses moments which are right up there with anything our men have done. Moments which changed everything.
      Oh the joy of Russo’s backheel in the semi-final.
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      Very occasionally a player will do something which no one sees coming. They sell a dummy which everyone buys.
      Their teammates, their opponents, the commentators, the cameras, the crowd and the TV audience all look for the ball to go one way, but it goes ­somewhere else.
      No matter how many times you watch it back, Alessia Russo’s backheel takes you by surprise.
      This was the moment even the most cynical, not-for-me women’s football refusenik went “Oof! Wow! OK.”
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      Then there was Chloe Kelly’s winner in the final. By then we were so into it.
      Earlier, as we became true believers, it dawned on us that while everything was different, it could all yet turn out the same.
      Same old England, sure to lose in the end, to Germany, inevitably.
      But no! Into the net went the ball and over her head came Chloe’s shirt. Iconic.
      This was the moment we knew the Lionesses were different.
      They were winners. And we all felt like winners too.
      And then there was the invasion of the press ­conference.
      The all-singing, all-dancing, conga of ­mischief and joy.
      This was the moment we were reminded that, at its great beating heart, football is actually about, you know, having fun.
      Total ­uninhibited happiness.
      Great, great times.
      And this week we go again.
      Conga of ­mischief and joy
      It’s going to be harder this time.
      Not just because it’s the World Cup, nor because it’s happening a world away in a land down under.
      No, it’s because now England expects.
      Success creates its own pressure.
      And this means they need us to get behind them more than ever before.
      They gave us something wonderful last summer and now, in a sense, we need to give them something back.
      Someone once said that success has many fathers, but failure is an orphan.
      True that. We need to demonstrate that we’ve not been fairweather friends to our Lionesses.
      We need to be with them all the way.
      We can’t bide our time and wait for a moment of glory to be within our grasp.
      They need us right behind them from the off. They need us now.
      Shirt-shedding
      And it’s not just about the World Cup either.
      Last week Karen Carney, former Lioness midfielder and chair of a major review into the women’s game, published her report.
      It’s not a back-patting, look-how-far-we’ve-come exercise.
      It’s much more important than that.
      Her call is for the top two tiers of women’s football to be made fully professional; for a new regular broadcast slot on television; for better investment, better facilities, higher standards all around.
      This isn’t romantic stuff about backheels, shirt-shedding or crazy congas.
      This is the gritty, tricky, challenging stuff needing to be done to get more girls playing, and more women winning, in the environments they’ve earned the right to enjoy.
      There’s 126 pages to this report, and it’s well worth a read, but Karen sums it up rather neatly for us in just a few words.
      “Nothing can take away from our great achievements,” she says.
      “But it is like Instagram vs reality, and the latter is worrying and we need to address it.”
      She’s right. The Instagram posts tell a story of shiny new success with money to match.
      The reality is huge areas of the women’s game underfunded and underloved. The poor relation.
      The seeds of failure are often sown in times of success.
      Power is in our hands
      It would be all too easy for us to say, “Oh yeah, women’s football. Love it! I get it! We’re brilliant! Job done!”
      Never mind the facilities, let’s just admire that backheel again.
      Even if the Lionesses win the World Cup and conga all the way home with the trophy, the gap between Instagram and reality won’t be closed.
      If anything, it will be wider. The ­Instagrams will look even glossier, and the reality will change barely a jot.
      A massive opportunity could go ­begging, and that would be a dreadful thing.
      So what, you might ask, can we, the fans, do to close Karen’s Instagram vs reality gap?
      Well, much of it, to do with finance and administration and business planning, we have no direct control of.
      But the power is still in our hands.
      Because if we carry on seeing the power and potential of the women’s game, and stick with it, and demand ­better, all the good stuff will follow.
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      More than ever before, at this World Cup and way beyond, everyone from the Lionesses to the little girl in the park wanting a kickabout, need our backing.
      Let’s do this. More

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      England Lionesses given warning over World Cup 2023 hotel with stars facing sleepless nights

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      ENGLAND’s Lionesses have been warned that they could face some sleepless nights throughout this year’s World Cup.Sarina Wiegman and her squad landed in Australia earlier this month to prepare for the tournament, which is set to kick off on Thursday.
      The Lionesses are staying at the Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific HotelCredit: INSTAGRAM @crowneplazaterrigalpacific
      The hotel is situated on the Central Coast of New South WalesCredit: INSTAGRAM @crowneplazaterrigalpacific
      It has been closed to the public while England are thereCredit: INSTAGRAM @crowneplazaterrigalpacific
      The most expensive rooms are £270-a-nightCredit: INSTAGRAM @crowneplazaterrigalpacific
      FA chiefs selected the Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific Hotel – situated on the Central Coast of New South Wales – as the team’s base earlier this year.
      However, the hotel has received several noise complaints as it is directly opposite a nightclub.
      One TripAdvisor user, named Maryanne C, gave it a scathing review, writing: “If you want to sleep don’t stay here. Paid far too much for a thumping headache and the worst night’s sleep EVER.
      “The hotel is nice enough but the nightclub downstairs is LOUD until after midnight (we were there on a Saturday night). Reception kindly moved us to another room when we queried the noise but it was no better.”

      Meanwhile, a local resident told The Mirror: “The area around the hotel can get quite rowdy at weekends. It’s popular with residents and visitors and is right next to the beach, so it’s a great place to enjoy yourself.
      “But I’m not sure that I’d recommend it if you need a perfect night’s sleep!”
      The most expensive rooms in the hotel are valued at $519AUD-a-night, which is equivalent to £270.
      The complex includes 199 rooms, a pool, fitness centre and conference rooms, which will all be shut to the public during England’s stay.
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      The hotel is directly opposite Sirens NightclubCredit: Sirens Nightclub
      Sirens describes itself as ‘the Central Coast’s best nightspot’Credit: instagram @sirensthenightclub
      Sirens, the nightclub next door to the hotel, describes itself as “the Central Coast’s best nightspot”.
      The Women’s World Cup kicks off on Thursday, when New Zealand host Norway at Eden Park in Aukland.
      England begin their campaign on Saturday against Haiti.
      The Lionesses took a 90-minute flight to Brisbane from their base camp on Sunday ahead of their opening match.
      After Saturday’s game, they will return to their hotel in New South Wales for their second group match against Denmark, which will take place in Sydney.
      The England team will then fly another two hours to Adelaide, where they will take on China. More

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      Sealing Arsenal move before start of World Cup is a ‘weight off’ shoulders of Lioness star Alessia Russo

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      ALESSIA RUSSO says having her Arsenal move wrapped up before the World Cup feels like a weight off her shoulders. And the England star, 24, is enjoying proving a former coach wrong after he joked she “couldn’t head a ball for sh**”. 
      Alessia Russo is happy to have sorted her club future ahead before the start of England’s World Cup campaignCredit: Getty
      The Lioness star joined the Gunners as a free agent in July following the expiry of her contract with Manchester United in JuneCredit: Getty
      The WSL ace and the Lionesses arrived in Brisbane, Australia on Monday ahead of the Group D opening duel with Haiti on July 22. 
      That clash comes 18 days after the former Red Devil signed for Arsenal as a free agent. 
      Russo, who joined the Gunners after a three-year Manchester United spell, said: “I’m really glad it’s all done. 
      “It feels like a little bit of a weight is off my shoulders ahead of the World Cup and that’s what I wanted. 

      “I hoped to try and get it all sorted before the tournament kicked off. 
      “Now I can fully focus on this World Cup and after that head into Arsenal. I’m really excited.”
      Russo, who began her senior career at Chelsea in 2016, is arguably one of the Gunners’ biggest signings this summer. 
      And the Kent-born Lioness featured in a video welcoming Declan Rice to Arsenal. 
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      The video, produced by the club’s kit makers Adidas, went viral on social media. 
      When asked if there would be any banter from her Man United pals in England’s camp over move, Russo said they will “always be friends”. 
      She added: “I’m still best mates with them all and I always will be. 
      “It’s nice to have this summer and have some time with them again. We’re just all enjoying Australia.”
      Russo’s involvement in a World Cup tournament for the first time in her career comes after her netting 10 goals in 20 WSL games last term. 
      One of her most memorable was a headed effort last November that led to Man United becoming the first WSL team to beat Arsenal at the Emirates. 
      And Russo, who has earned plaudits for her aerial displays in the box, recalls her former coach Anson Dorrance jokingly mocked her heading abilities. 
      The former US Women’s national team boss, who led the side to their first World Cup win, coached Russo during her two-year stint at North Carolina Tar Heels. 
      The Lioness spent some of her teenage years at the US college side renowned for spotting and nurturing rising stars of the women’s game
      Like Russo, Lucy Bronze and Lotte Wubben-Moy, are also former Tar Heels players. 
      The trio flourished under Dorrance who has been in charge of the North Carolina University team for 46 years.
      Russo, who played for Tar them from 2017 to 2019, added: “When I was in America my coach out there told me that I couldn’t head a ball for shit. 
      “That was something that I wanted to prove him wrong with.
      “I’ve still got a long way to go, but yeah I think physicality is a huge thing as a nine. “You’ve got to be strong, you’ve got to be powerful. 
      “Some centre halves are bigger and stronger than you so you’ve got to find ways to get one up on them.”
      On whether she is still in contact with legendary Tar Heels boss Dorrance, Russo said: “I still speak to Anson and his assistant Damon Nahas.
      Russo still maintains contact with her coaches at the US women’s college side North Carolina Tar HeelsCredit: Getty
      “I probably speak to them maybe once a month. It’s nice to check in with them and they played a big part in my journey and my career. 
      “They’re coaches I have huge respect for and love to speak to.”
      Russo is eager to keep developing the physical aspect of her game in particular her strength for duels with her markers.
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      The WSL ace, who has scored 11 times in 21 senior England appearances, added: “Understanding my body and how to use it best, and then just trying to be as clinical as possible in front of goal. 
      “As a nine that’s something you want to work on every single day.” More

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      Meet the Women’s World Cup stars with legions of fans raking it in on Instagram

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      WOMEN’S football is big business.The WSL grows in influence year-on-year, and the enthusiasm for the Lionesses is bigger than ever following their Euros triumph.
      Women footballers like Alisha Lehmann of Switzerland are coining it in on InstagramCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7
      First superstar women’s footballer Marta followed by 2.6 million on InstagramCredit: Getty
      Marta is raking in £10,070 per Instagram post according to data analysts Gracenote NielsenCredit: Getty
      This week, the World Cup kicks off – with Sarina Wiegman hoping to lead England to glory in Australia and New Zealand.
      On show will be the game’s biggest personalities, who have all become powerful influencers in their own right.
      These successful women have scored millions of followers on Instagram, as they share snippets from their day-to-day lives.
      While brands are jumping on the bandwagon and utilising them to push their products.
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      But, who gets paid the most per post? Data analysts Gracenote Nielsen have compiled a list of the top 10 at the World Cup, with estimates on how much they make.
      10. Marta, Brazil, £10,070
      The Brazilian was the first superstar women’s footballer and boasts 2.6 million followers.
      This will remarkably be Marta’s sixth World Cup and probably last at the age of 37.
      She has scored at her first five tournaments, and if she manages to score in her sixth she will create history as the first player to do so.
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      As Brazil’s record scorer with 115 strikes, you wouldn’t bank against it.
      9. Jule Brand, Germany, £11,397
      2022 Euros runner-up Brand is a growing social media star.
      She boasts over 200,000 followers and engages her audience with snaps of holidays in Greece and paid partnerships with brands including Sony Pictures.
      The 20-year-old also has plenty of time for growth and has been given the tag ‘Future of German Football’.
      She reportedly earns £11,397 per Instagram post.
      Germany’s next superstar Jule BrandCredit: INSTAGRAM @jule_brand
      Brand is the youngest in the top 10 at just 20

      8. Megan Rapinoe, £12,998
      Long-serving American star Rapinoe is one of the most famous sports stars in the States.
      Outspoken, she has won the Women’s Ballon d’Or, won a gold medal at the 2012 Olympics and two World Cups.
      Away from the pitch, the 37-year-old Californian is an advocate for numerous LGBTQIA+ organisations, including the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) and Athlete Ally.
      Despite her standing, she is worth just £12,998 per post.
      USA star Megan Rapinoe is an advocate for numerous LGBTQIA+ organisationsCredit: AP
      Rapinoe has won two World Cups and is aiming for a thirdCredit: AP
      7. Alessia Russo, £14,016
      Famous for her stunning back-heel goal for England against Sweden that was nominated for a Puskas Award in 2022, Russo is the Lionesses’ threat upfront.
      The forward, who just completed a move to Arsenal, is one of football’s fashionistas.
      She appeared on the cover of Women’s Health, while she is also sponsored by Beats by Dre, PlayStation, and showed off Adidas’ exclusive Gucci collaboration on social media.
      At 24 she has plenty of room for growth – and is making around £14,016 per post.
      Fashionista Alessia Russo is the Lionesses only representative in the top 10
      Russo is making over £14,000 per Instagram postCredit: Getty
      6. Sam Kerr, £17,776
      Chelsea and Australia star Kerr is one of the world’s most lethal strikers.
      She was voted 2022 PFA Player of the Season, and has cleaned up trophy-wise – winning four WSL titles, three FA Cups, two League Cups and two Cup of Nations.
      Her stock is high – with a reach of 1.2 million followers on Instagram, who she shows off her glam life too, including eating out at fancy French restaurant Bagatelle in London.
      For that reason, high-end brands including IWC watches offer her paid partnerships – netting the goal-getter around £17,776 a pop.
      Sam Kerr is one of the world’s most lethal strikersCredit: Getty
      Kerr boasts high-end paid partnerships including a deal with IWC watches
      5. Sakina Karchaoui, £23,238
      France footballer Karchaoui is sponsored by Nike, has a deal with Xbox and models for Pandora jewellery.
      The 27-year-old PSG star has 723,000 followers on Instagram.
      On the pitch she was crucial for her country getting to the semi-finals of the Euros.
      Off it, she is a role model for Arabic sports women.
      She can make around £23,238 per Instagram post.
      Sakina Karchaoui is a role model for Arabic women sports stars
      Karchaoui is endorsed by Xbox
      4. Alex Morgan, USA, £43,752
      Perhaps the most famous female footballer on the planet, American Morgan, now 34, transcended her sport.
      She has appeared in Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit edition three times.
      The FIFA video game put her on their cover for their 2015 game in the States alongside Lionel Messi.
      With 121 goals for her country, she is one of the USA’s most famous footballers which is backed up by her 10 million plus Instagram followers.
      USA star Alex Morgan has transcended footballCredit: The Mega Agency
      Age 34, Morgan is still big business – worth £43,752 per Instagram postCredit: AP
      3. Jordyn Huitema, £59,836
      22-year-old Canadian Huitema already has a staggering 1.6million followers. Impressive for an up and comer.
      She is endorsed by Nike, and is in a sports power couple – dating Seattle Mariners baseball star Julio Rodriguez.
      Already an Olympic champion, she has seemingly been around for years after making her international debut at 15.
      Astonishingly, given her tender years, she makes nigh on £60,000 per Instagram post.
      Canadian Jordyn Huitema is football’s next superstar
      Huitema’s lifestyle photos have earned her a staggering 1.6 million followers at just 22Credit: INSTAGRAM @jordynhuitema
      2. Alexia Putellas, £88,853
      Europe’s best player, Spain and Barcelona ace Putellas boasts 2.8million followers on Instagram.
      She was awarded the Ballon d’Or and Fifa’s Best Women’s Player award in both 2021 and 2022.
      It is believed each post she shares receives 336,000 engagements.
      For that she coins in £88,853 every time, which is amazing given she’s been injured for the past 12 months. However, she will be back in time for the World Cup.
      Barcelona’s Alexia Putellas has been one of the best players in the world in recent yearsCredit: AP
      Putellas’ posts record 336,000 engagements and can net her £88,853Credit: instagram @alexiaputellas
      1. Alisha Lehmann, £241,314
      The Switzerland and Aston Villa forward is now the biggest commercial star in women’s football.
      Lehmann has the most followers on Instagram – over 13 million.
      She is so popular she even has more followers than Roger Federer – making her the most followed Swiss sports star on the platform.
      Read More on The Sun
      Lehmann shares her adventures, travels, bikini photos and enviable lifestyle with her fanbase, although she had to tell her mum to ignore comments on her posts because of internet trolls.
      Astonishingly, it is estimated her branded posts are worth as much as £241,314 to her.
      Alisha Lehmann is the biggest women’s football star on Instagram with over 13 million followersCredit: Instagram / @alishalehmann7
      Lehmann has more Instagram followers than Roger FedererCredit: https://www.instagram.com/alishalehmann7/?hl=en
      Switzerland star Lehmann’s Instagram posts could be worth as much as £241,314 to herCredit: Getty More