England defender Lucy Bronze said that as women’s football becomes more popular and gets more attention, racist abuse toward players has also increased. She spoke emotionally during a press conference after her teammate Jess Carter, who is Black, shared that she had faced racist abuse since the EURO 2025 tournament began. Bronze, who played an important role in England’s quarter-final win over Sweden, said, “As the game grows, more people watch and support it — but sadly, that also means more critics and negativity.”
“We’re happy to hear feedback and criticism — that’s part of the game we love — but abuse is not okay. In women’s football, especially, online abuse is getting worse and worse.
“In men’s football, you often see abuse both online and in stadiums, but for women’s football, it feels like most of the abuse is focused online.
“We know this is a serious problem. We believe there is a way to fix it. I don’t know the exact solution, but I’m sure one exists.”
“I hope those young players know that no matter what happens, they’ll be supported by this team. We do not accept this kind of behavior. We want to fight for change — not just in football, but in the world. We want these young players to believe they can grow up to be stars and heroes for England.”
“We’re building a space where players can succeed and be themselves. No matter where you’re from, you can still represent England at the top level.”
England will face Italy in the semi-finals on Tuesday in Geneva.
FAQ
Who is Lucy Bronze?
Lucy Bronze is an English professional footballer, widely regarded as one of the best defenders in women’s football.
What issue has Lucy Bronze spoken about?
Lucy Bronze has raised concerns about the increasing incidents of racism in women’s football.
What examples has she given regarding racism in the sport?
While specific examples may vary, Lucy has highlighted that racist abuse—both online and on the field—is becoming more frequent and worrying.
Why is racism in women’s football a growing concern?
As the sport gains popularity and visibility, unfortunately, some negative behaviors, including racism, have also increased, affecting players’ mental health and the sport’s reputation.