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The Conversation

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Two women from different parts of the world share the stories of their lives

Two women from different parts of the world, united by a common passion, experience or expertise, share the stories of their lives.

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The Conversation: Champions of women’s football

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Sara Gama and Rafaella Souza

02/01/2023 GMT

Champions of women’s football

BBC World Service - The Conversation, Champions of women’s football

Italy’s Sara Gama and Brazil’s Rafaelle Souza on crowds, equality and building the game

Italy and Juventus captain Sara Gama and Brazil and Arsenal player Rafa Souza tell Kim Chakanetsa about playing in front of record crowds and greater equality in the women’s game.

Women’s football is being played in front of record crowds – interest and attendance has soared and the game is flourishing but getting here hasn’t been easy and there are still some significant hurdles to overcome. Kim Chakanetsa talks to two players at the very top of their game who have been instrumental in helping bring about change. 

Sara Gama is captain of the Italy women’s football team and Serie A club Juventus. Growing up she was unaware women even played football and was the only girl her team. She’s been pivotal in gaining greater recognition and equality for the women’s game in Italy which finally became professional in July 2022.

Women’s football has changed a lot since Rafaelle Souza used to play barefoot with the boys in the small town in Brazil where she grew up. Rafa went to the United States on a football scholarship and studied civil engineering, she then became the first foreigner to play for a club in China. She’s now at Arsenal. 

Produced by Jane Thurlow

(Image: (L) Sara Gama, credit Getty Images. (R) Rafaelle Souza, credit Getty Images.)

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