SOURCE: Insider Sport
As the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 begins, the Lionesses are not just chasing another trophy — they’re carrying the weight of a movement that has transformed the face of English football. New data released by matchday app FotMob reveals just how significantly England’s 2022 victory has impacted fandom, participation, and even mental well-being across the UK.
According to a survey of over 2,000 UK-based fans, more than 32 percent began following women’s football after England’s 2-1 victory over Germany at Wembley in 2022 — a historic win that served as a cultural catalyst for the women’s game. Nearly half of respondents (49.8 percent) say they’ll be watching this summer’s tournament, and an overwhelming 87 percent believe the Lionesses can go all the way once again.
The Legacy of 2022: From Trophy to Tipping Point
England’s win in 2022 wasn’t just about silverware — it changed the landscape of sport in the UK. The final attracted a record-breaking 17.4 million peak viewers on BBC and was watched by 50 million people overall. Globally, the match reached 365 million viewers. The attendance at Wembley that day — 87,192 — remains the highest ever for a women’s football match in Europe.
Since then, the ripple effects have been profound. The FA reports a 56 percent increase in women’s football participation in the UK, while Deloitte’s research shows that Women’s Super League (WSL) clubs surpassed £1 million in matchday revenue for the first time, with a 73 percent increase in earnings during the 2023/24 season.
Football’s Impact Beyond the Pitch
A major outcome of this surge in participation is improved mental health, particularly among young women and girls. Research by EE, conducted with child and adolescent psychologist Dr. Sheila Redfern, highlights the positive effects of football on confidence and emotional resilience.
According to the study:
- 93 percent of girls involved in football feel more confident through their participation.
- 69 percent say football gives them a sense of belonging.
- 72 percent of football participants feel equipped to deal with online negativity.
- Only 44 percent of non-participants report similar confidence online.
In contrast, girls not involved in football are more likely to report that social media has negatively affected their self-esteem, with 27 percent saying their confidence has declined as a result.
From Icon to Advocate: Kelly Smith on Football’s Transformative Power
Former England star Kelly Smith, who scored 46 goals in 117 appearances, reflected on football’s role in shaping her identity both on and off the pitch.
“Football gave me everything growing up. I wasn’t a confident or outgoing person, but as soon as I was playing, I could be myself,” said Smith. “Today’s pressures on young people are immense, especially online. But football creates a space for connection, for resilience, and for self-expression. There’s no community more powerful than the football family.”
Looking Ahead: EURO 2025 and the Future of the Game
As England opens its EURO 2025 campaign against France on July 5, momentum is clearly on the Lionesses’ side — not just on the pitch, but across an entire generation of fans and players who now see football as a space for growth, community, and empowerment.
Consulting Insight by 365247
This is more than just a tournament — it’s a cultural inflection point. Brands, leagues, and broadcasters that fail to take women’s football seriously in 2025 risk falling behind in both relevance and resonance. The numbers don’t lie: fan interest, participation, and emotional connection are all on an upward trajectory. Smart stakeholders will move fast to invest in authentic narratives, inclusive campaigns, and infrastructure that supports this wave of engagement.
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SOURCE: Insider Sport
