This document lays out a plan to further modernise the football world, make it increasingly inclusive and pave the way to a landscape in which, one day, we will have around 50 national teams and 50 clubs from all continents at a top competitive level. This is a vision to make football truly global.
Women's Football
Think of Erin McLeod and you’ll doubtless form a picture of one of her generation’s foremost goalkeepers.
You’ll think of the four FIFA Women’s World Cups, the 118 Canada caps and the Olympic bronze medal. You might even know that she’s an artist and philanthropist, and that she has gained renown for her work as a motivational speaker and eloquent advocate on LGBTQ+ issues, human rights and female empowerment.
What you’re unlikely to realise is that these achievements belie a life and career blighted by pain and self-doubt. Beyond several serious physical injuries, McLeod has contended with identity and self-worth issues, an eating disorder, bouts of depression and a painful divorce.
Now 37, the veteran has not played for her country in well over a year, missed the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019™ with injury and is unsure of her prospects of being selected for next year’s Olympics. Yet it was a positive, serene and, thankfully, happy McLeod who spoke to FIFA.com from Iceland, where she has been playing on loan with Stjarnan.
Think of Erin McLeod and you’ll doubtless form a picture of one of her generation’s foremost goalkeepers.
You’ll think of the four FIFA Women’s World Cups, the 118 Canada caps and the Olympic bronze medal. You might even know that she’s an artist and philanthropist, and that she has gained renown for her work as a motivational speaker and eloquent advocate on LGBTQ+ issues, human rights and female empowerment.
What you’re unlikely to realise is that these achievements belie a life and career blighted by pain and self-doubt. Beyond several serious physical injuries, McLeod has contended with identity and self-worth issues, an eating disorder, bouts of depression and a painful divorce.
Now 37, the veteran has not played for her country in well over a year, missed the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019™ with injury and is unsure of her prospects of being selected for next year’s Olympics. Yet it was a positive, serene and, thankfully, happy McLeod who spoke to FIFA.com from Iceland, where mindfulness is helping her enjoy a new lease of life.
Looking back, I think I could have progressed a little quicker as a young player if I had been less self-critical and known how to react to disappointments. And what I know for sure is that I would have enjoyed my football a lot more.
FIFA World Cup
Brazil coaches, throughout time, have been pestered by a persistent problem: getting their cosmically gifted but equally carefree attackers to track back.
Tite has had a paradox problem. The present Seleção shot-caller, indeed, requested that his spearhead do less tracking back as he endeavours to polish him into a bona fide striker. Roberto Firmino responded by scoring twice as Brazil thumped Bolivia 5-0 in step one of their mission to reach the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™.
"I have a natural urge to help out, get back – I do this for Liverpool – so I have put this aside and do what Tite has asked of me" Firmino told FIFA.com. "I enjoy being involved in play, creating goals, but I also enjoy being in the box, scoring goals.
The Liverpool man also chatted to us about the forthcoming game against Peru, Philippe Coutinho, Neymar and Mohamed Salah and his eagerness to help Brazil win football’s most prestigious prize.
Brazil coaches, throughout time, have been pestered by a persistent problem: getting their cosmically gifted but equally carefree attackers to track back.
Tite has had a paradox problem. The present Seleção shot-caller, indeed, requested that his spearhead do less tracking back as he endeavours to polish him into a bona fide striker.
Roberto Firmino responded by scoring twice as Brazil thumped Bolivia 5-0 in step one of their mission to reach the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™.
The Liverpool man chatted to FIFA.com about this positional modification, the forthcoming game against Peru, Philippe Coutinho, Neymar and Mohamed Salah and his eagerness to help Brazil win football’s most prestigious prize.
Philippe Coutinho is phenomenal. You simply can’t say that he’s not a magician. He has magical powers. He produces plays that don’t exist, that you couldn’t make up.
FIFA World Cup
Everton, and their pigeon-dancing No7, have made flying starts to 2020/21. Richarlison has hit four goals in five-and-a-bit games, while the Toffees have breezed into the quarter-finals of the EPL Cup and sit top of the Premier League.
It’ll prove no flash-in-the-pan phase according to Richarlison, who believes the club can finish the season with a trophy and UEFA Champions League football in the bank.
Three big reasons for his confidence are Carlo Ancelotti, James Rodriguez and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, all of whom he showered in praise. Another player in for some Richarlison love was Neymar, with whom he will try to get Brazil to the next FIFA World Cup™.
The 23-year-old chats to FIFA.com about the difficulty of the South American qualifiers, wanting to perform his patented goal celebration at Qatar 2022 and the Seleção’s biggest rivals for the Trophy, as well as his World Cup memories, best position and hobbies.
Everton, and their pigeon-dancing No7, have made flying starts to 2020/21. Richarlison has hit four goals in five-and-a-bit games, while the Toffees have breezed into the quarter-finals of the EPL Cup and sit top of the Premier League. It’ll prove no flash-in-the-pan phase according to Richarlison, who believes the club can finish the season with a trophy and UEFA Champions League football in the bank.
Three big reasons for his confidence are Carlo Ancelotti, James Rodriguez and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, all of whom he showered in praise. Another player in for some Richarlison love was Neymar, with whom he will try to get Brazil to the next FIFA World Cup™.
The 23-year-old chats to FIFA.com about the difficulty of the South American qualifiers, wanting to perform his patented goal celebration at Qatar 2022 and the Seleção’s biggest rivals for the Trophy, as well as his World Cup memories, best position and hobbies.
He’s a very special talent. He’d walk into any team in the Premier League. I watch a lot of Premier League games – what team wouldn’t want James Rodriguez?
Portugal into top five, Russia on the move
Discover
Belgium
Pts. 1765
France
Pts. 1752
Brazil
Pts. 1725
England
Pts. 1669
Portugal
Pts. 1661
Spain
Pts. 1639
Status quo remains in Women's Ranking
Discover
USA
Pts. 2181
Germany
Pts. 2090
France
Pts. 2036
Netherlands
Pts. 2032
Sweden
Pts. 2007
England
Pts. 1999
As the world’s number one sport, football is uniquely placed to strengthen initiatives that can improve the lives of young people around the world.
