Poland Stands Alone: The Sole Eastern European Team at Euro 2025
Warsaw: Poland was the only eastern European team to participate in Euro 2025, highlighting the ongoing challenges and cultural perceptions surrounding women’s football in the region.
According to Deutsche Welle, Nadine Kessler, UEFA’s women’s football director, emphasized that the event transcended being just a tournament, instead becoming a movement that is setting new standards for women’s football globally.
Despite significant advancements, such as a 156% increase in the prize pot to £41 million ($47.5 million) and a 55% rise in social media engagements since Euro 2022, cultural barriers persist in eastern Europe. Ljubojevic, a former player for NK Osijek and Dinamo Zagreb, noted that entrenched cultural beliefs often discourage girls from pursuing football, as societal norms traditionally confine them to domestic roles. The European Union’s Gender Equality index from 2024 corroborates this, as no eastern European countries ranked above the EU average.
Ljubojevic remarked on the transformative impact that tournaments with sold-out stadiums have had on perceptions within his homeland and the broader region. However, he stressed the need for better infrastructure to support the growth of women’s football. Despite having promising talent, clubs like ZNK Osijek struggle to draw large crowds, with matches attracting only about 300 spectators. Ljubojevic advocates for investment in coaching and infrastructure to enable players to turn professional.
Dariusz Wojtaszyn, a professor at the University of Wroclaw, highlighted the positive developments driven by UEFA’s initiatives and local football associations. He noted significant increases in women’s football budgets across central and eastern Europe, often exceeding 100%. UEFA’s revamped competitions, such as the Champions League and Europa League, have opened doors for clubs and teams from all associations.
Nevertheless, Wojtaszyn pointed out that the region’s political history continues to impede progress. The post-communist era saw economic difficulties for football clubs, with women’s teams struggling to attract sponsors and maintain proper facilities. The rise of right-wing parties in countries like Romania, Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary has further entrenched traditional values, making professional football less appealing for women.
Despite these hurdles, there is optimism for the future. Ljubojevic is hopeful that with significant investment and education, the region can unlock its vast talent pool. Poland, in particular, expects a surge in interest following their Euro 2025 campaign, with national team head coach Nina Patalon forecasting an increase in female players from 30,000 to 300,000.
Ljubojevic envisions Croatia and other countries in the region following Poland’s lead by hosting future tournaments, which could serve as a catalyst for growth in women’s football. He believes that serious investment from national federations and governments is crucial to riding the “new wave” of women’s football.