“There are a lot of programs, a lot of teams now that have the backing of federations, the growth of the game domestically. You see this with Holland; you see this with Italy. It's a matter of time. I had to leave my home country to go and experience the game. Now, it's delightful that these countries are actively supporting women's football.”

English-American football manager and executive

Jillian Anne Ellis is an English-American football manager and executive. As of March 2026, she serves as chief football officer of FIFA, a post she took in December 2024. Ellis has built her career in football management and administration, moving from coaching into one of the sport’s top executive roles. Her public profile is tied to leadership in the game rather than to a single playing career, and her name is most often associated with modern football governance and development.