Pauline Peyraud-Magnin

“I had to take a step down to get back onto the road that’s taken me to where I am today. Never giving up is something that is part of who I am.”

“People identify with sportspeople, and even more so with football players, since it is the most-watched sport in the world. So it is important to convey a positive message, because a lot of people look up to us.”

“I think nowadays it’s essential to be present on social media, to promote women’s football and show the positive aspects of it.”

“And something else that may seem a small detail, but has made a big difference, is that we now have jerseys and shorts that are designed for us and are not tailored specifically for men. For me this has been a revolution, as has having our names on the back of our jerseys.”

“In my opinion, one of the major things that’s so attractive about women’s football, especially for the fans, is how approachable we are. We always take time at the end of the games to take pictures with the fans, sign autographs and chat with them.”