The Most Influential Female Footballers to Elevate Your Event

The Importance of Female Representation in Sport

Female representation in sport is key for equality and societal progress. Female athletes have long faced bias, with research showing they hold just 27% of senior management roles, and women’s sports receive under 5% of media coverage. Celebrating female footballers challenges biases and inspires future generations.

The Growing Influence of Women’s Football

Women’s football is surging. The 2022 UEFA Women’s Euro final drew 87,000 spectators at Wembley – a record for any European Championship final. The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 also achieved record engagement with over 2 billion viewers.

Beyond their achievements on the pitch, female footballers are driving conversations on gender equality, leadership, and resilience. Their impact extends far beyond sport, making them exceptional motivational speakers for corporate events, leadership summits, and industry conferences.

Top Female Football Speakers

To curate this list, The Female Motivational Speakers Agency conducted an official survey across 275 sporting events between 2022 and 2024, identifying the most influential female footballers who have inspired audiences through their achievements, leadership, and advocacy.

With their inspiring journeys of perseverance, teamwork, and success, these female footballers bring invaluable insights to any event. Here are the top trending female footballers to inspire your audience:

• Alex Scott – Sports Broadcaster at BBC Sport and Sky Sports, Former Arsenal and England Right-Back
• Casey Stoney MBE – Head Coach of San Diego Wave FC (NWSL), Former England Women’s National Team Captain
• Ellen White – Former Manchester City and England Striker, England Women’s All-Time Leading Goal Scorer
• Emma Hayes – Former Manager of Chelsea FC Women, Current Head Coach of US Women’s National Soccer Team (USWNT)
• Eniola Aluko – Former Sporting Director at Angel City FC, England & Chelsea Forward, Current Football Executive & Broadcaster
• Fara Williams – Former Reading FC and England Midfielder; England’s Most Capped Women’s Player, Football Coach & Mentor
• Jill Scott MBE – Euro 2022 Champion; Former Everton, Manchester City & England Midfielder, Television Personality
• Lucy Bronze – Barcelona & England Right-Back, UEFA Women’s Player of the Year Winner
• Mary Earps – Manchester United and England Goalkeeper, 2023 FIFA Best Goalkeeper Award & World Cup Golden Glove Winner
• Millie Bright – Captain of Chelsea FC Women and Vice-Captain of England, UEFA Women’s Champions League Finalist
• Rachel Yankey – Arsenal FC Women Legend and Former England Winger, Current Youth Coach at Arsenal & Broadcaster
• Sarina Wiegman – Head Coach of the England Women’s National Team, UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 Winning Manager
• Sue Smith – Former Doncaster Rovers Belles and England Winger, Current Football Analyst, Pundit for Sky Sports & BBC Sport

1. Alex Scott

Alex Scott is a former England international and Arsenal legend who has become one of football’s most influential voices. As the first female pundit on BBC and Sky Sports, she has broken new ground and championed diversity across sport. Her journey from elite player to primetime presenter highlights resilience, leadership, and the ability to break barriers – qualities that make her a superb choice for events seeking to showcase the power and influence of women’s football today.

2. Casey Stoney MBE

Casey Stoney is a pioneering figure in women’s football, excelling both as a decorated England captain and successful manager. Having led Manchester United Women and now coaching abroad, she combines tactical brilliance with a deep commitment to inclusivity and equality in sport. Her leadership on and off the pitch makes her an exceptional speaker, ideal for audiences who wish to celebrate female footballers who have shaped and elevated the game through courage and determination.

Casey’s Official Testimonials:

“Everything went very well with Casey today, she was really amazing. Thank you for the organisation…” – Veronika, Zentiva

Casey’s Official Speaker Topics:

• Captaining a winning team
• Speaking out against gender discrimination
• LGBT+ representation

3. Ellen White

Renowned for her prolific goal-scoring, Ellen White is a celebrated figure in English football. Central to England’s Euro 2022 triumph, she retired as the nation’s all-time top scorer, exemplifying dedication and peak performance. Ellen’s story of perseverance and thriving under immense pressure offers rich inspiration for events that seek to highlight footballers whose achievements have transformed perceptions and set new standards within the sport.

Ellen’s Official Speaker Topics:

• A Story of Perseverance
• Elite Performance
• How to Handle Setbacks

4. Emma Hayes

Emma Hayes has redefined success in women’s football through her extraordinary leadership of Chelsea Women. With multiple league titles and European success, her expertise in strategy, culture-building, and high performance has made her a respected figure well beyond the sporting world. Emma’s insights are perfect for events seeking speakers who reflect the transformative influence of women who have driven professional standards to new heights.

Emma’s Official Speaker Topics:

• Creating a High-Performance Culture
• Mastering Leadership Under Pressure
• How to Build a Winning Team

5. Eniola Aluko

Eniola Aluko is a dynamic presence in football, combining a successful playing career with roles in administration, law, and punditry. Her leadership as Sporting Director and her advocacy for diversity have significantly shaped the women’s game. Eniola’s journey of resilience and achievement resonates strongly at events honouring those who have pushed boundaries and championed progress both on and off the pitch.

Eniola’s Official Speaker Topics:

• Mental resilience and personal determination
• Leading a team to success
• Pioneering female representation

6. Fara Williams

England’s most capped female footballer, Fara Williams, embodies resilience and excellence. Overcoming personal hardship to become a central figure in international football, Fara’s story of perseverance and mental toughness offers profound lessons. She is an inspiring voice for events that celebrate female footballers whose journeys reflect unmatched influence, determination, and the ability to overcome adversity.

Fara’s Official Speaker Topics:

• Peak Performance
• Overcoming Adversity
• International Football
• English Football

7. Jill Scott MBE

Jill Scott MBE’s impact on women’s football is indelible. As a key player in England’s Euro 2022 victory and a beloved figure off the pitch, she brings energy, humour, and authenticity to every appearance. Her legacy of leadership and charisma perfectly suits events looking to feature footballers whose influence extends beyond sport, showing how character and excellence can captivate and inspire audiences of all kinds.

Jill’s Official Testimonials:

“She has played a hugely influential part in our women’s team’s various successes during that time, but has also endeared herself to everybody at the club as well – she is one of football’s finest characters and we’re incredibly proud to have had her represent us for such a length of time.” – Manchester City

8. Lucy Bronze

Lucy Bronze is globally recognised as one of football’s finest defenders, winning Champions League titles and excelling for both club and country. Her relentless drive, adaptability, and leadership have made her a transformative figure in the sport. Lucy’s journey offers rich inspiration for audiences seeking insight into the mental resilience and ambition that propel women to the highest echelons of football.

Lucy’s Official Speaker Topics:

• Overcoming Injury & Maintaining Momentum
• Adapting to New Environments
• Mental Resilience in Women’s Football

9. Mary Earps

Mary Earps captivated the nation with her outstanding performances at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, earning the Golden Glove. Her path to becoming England’s number one goalkeeper showcases resilience, self-belief, and an ability to excel under intense pressure. Mary’s story is perfect for events celebrating the women who continue to redefine excellence and inspire the next generation through football.

Mary’s Official Speaker Topics:

• Participating in the Women’s Premier League
• Overcoming Adversity in Olympic Football
• How to Perform Under Pressure to Maximise Success

10. Millie Bright

Millie Bright has become synonymous with strength, leadership, and unwavering determination in women’s football. A commanding presence for England and Chelsea, Millie has played crucial roles in major tournament successes. Her journey offers invaluable lessons on resilience, teamwork, and achieving peak performance – ideal qualities to highlight at events that aim to honour the influential female footballers shaping the future of the sport.

Millie’s Official Speaker Topics:

• Overcoming Adversity
• Performing Under Pressure
• Resilience
• Maximising Success
• Women’s Football
• Peak Performance
• Leadership
• Development

11. Rachel Yankey

Rachel Yankey paved the way for future generations as one of England’s first professional female footballers. Her decorated career with Arsenal and the national team reflects a pioneering spirit, resilience, and the ability to break new ground in a male-dominated arena. Rachel’s inspiring story brings authenticity and hope to events that seek to showcase the foundational influence of early trailblazers in women’s football.

Rachel’s Official Speaker Topics:

• The Rise of Women’s Football
• International Football
• Overcoming Racism in Football

12. Sarina Wiegman

Sarina Wiegman’s tactical brilliance and leadership have made her one of football’s most respected coaches. Leading England to their first Euro title, she has demonstrated how vision, strategic thinking, and high-performance culture can deliver historic success. Sarina is an exceptional voice for events seeking to feature women who have not only excelled but have profoundly influenced the standards and expectations of football leadership.

13. Sue Smith

Former England winger Sue Smith continues to influence the game through her expert punditry and passionate advocacy for the growth of women’s football. With her deep knowledge, engaging personality, and commitment to encouraging future generations, Sue is a superb choice for events celebrating the influential figures who have contributed to the sport’s ongoing evolution and expansion.

Sue’s Official Testimonials:

“The event was very well received and Sue was very good. She engaged particularly well with the other panel members and provided great insight into the development and future of the game” – Gary, Kings Chambers

Sue’s Official Speaker Topics:

• Being a Woman in Sport
• International Football Experiences
• Reaching Peak Performance Individually & as a Team

Hire a Top Female Football Speaker for Your Event

Bring the energy, inspiration, and expertise of these incredible footballing icons to your next event. Whether you are hosting a corporate event, leadership summit, or sports conference, booking one of these speakers will leave your audience motivated and engaged.

To book a female football speaker, contact The Female Motivational Speakers Agency today via our online contact form or call us on 0207 0787 876.

The speakers featured in this blog were identified as the top female football speakers based on an official survey conducted across 275 sporting events between 2022 and 2024.