Barcelona emerged victorious in the Women's Champions League final, defeating Lyon 2-0 to claim their third European trophy. The match, held at the San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, witnessed a record attendance of 50,827 spectators, showcasing the growing popularity of women's soccer.
The triumph for Barcelona comes amidst a period of significant growth for the women's game, with increased participation, revenue, and fan engagement observed across all levels of the sport. The success of the 'Time for Action' project initiated by UEFA in 2019 has played a pivotal role in boosting women's soccer, doubling the number of women and girls actively involved in the sport.
UEFA's strategic investments and initiatives have led to notable advancements in women's soccer, with 47 associations now having dedicated strategies for the women's game. The introduction of a new group stage format for the Women's Champions League and plans for a single-league stage in the future aim to enhance competition and promote domestic growth.
UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin emphasized the organization's commitment to the growth of women's football, highlighting the significant progress achieved through focused strategies and substantial investments. The Women's Champions League has been instrumental in showcasing the talents of top players, breaking attendance records, and inspiring young girls to engage with the sport.
Furthermore, the launch of new national team competitions such as the Women's Nations League and the Women's European Qualifiers aims to develop the national team game and improve competitive balance. Collaborations with media partners like DAZN have helped increase visibility and attract global audiences to European women's soccer.
The average attendance at the Women's Champions League semifinals this season exceeded 35,000, with clubs like Chelsea and Lyon setting new attendance records. The growing interest in women's soccer is evident from the surge in stadium attendance and the positive reception from fans worldwide.
As women's soccer continues to thrive and gain recognition, the sport is poised for further growth and success, inspiring generations of girls to pursue their passion for the game.
