We are often classified as lesbians, prostitutes, and called names we don’t represent.
For ninety minutes on the field, we struggle, sweat, and give our all to reach a certain goal but the world still judges us for who they think we are, not for what we do.
People expect us to wear sexy clothes, braid colorful hair, live fancy lives going to restaurants, hotels, and entertainment spots. But behind every smile after a goal lies the memory of a battle we almost lost the time we nearly gave up.
Growing up, life pushed hard. My parents disliked football. They believed school was the only path to success. They feared the rumors — that “female footballers are all lesbians.” Like many parents, they were scared, not because they hated us, but because they didn’t want their daughters to be labeled.
Sadly, 77% of people believe girls who play football are lesbians. They forget we are just girls chasing dreams.
Living in a community where insults come easily being hated, losing friends, struggling to fit in is painful. You can’t even relate to classmates anymore. Their conversations and yours don’t match.
You get called names simply because you said no to a man, or because you choose not to dress in revealing clothes.
This life, the life of a female footballer is not easy.
Imagine training and playing through menstrual pain. Studying while on football camp, carrying your notebooks and laptop to keep up with school. Missing classes because you’re traveling with your team. Still giving your best on the pitch, even when fans insult you for one bad game.
We are expected to be mothers someday yet today, we take push-ups, sit-ups, and run under the sun for 90+ minutes. We give our all, sometimes getting injured in ways that last forever.
While others are enjoying life, we’re out here sweating for passion, not for money.
We struggle. We cry. We laugh. But we never give up, because there’s a dream we’re chasing.
Female footballers are women, mothers, aunties, and role models.
We deserve respect.
To all my sisters in football don’t give up. Fight for your reputation. Correct the errors. Add what’s missing. Remove what’s wrong. Carry yourself with pride and good morals. Be the inspiration for the young girls coming after you.
The truth is the money we earn in Africa from women’s football isn’t enough to sustain us. But we still play, because of passion.
So, let’s stand tall as women of integrity not as lesbians or prostitutes, but as followers of Christ, shining bright in the world of football.
Let’s not be carried away by temporary pleasures. The future is bright and we need God’s spirit to keep us going.
Beware of fake “managers” who only want to exploit you. Protect your dreams, your dignity, and your freedom.
We are women, leaders, and footballers born to make a difference.
To the young girls coming up: don’t chase money or materials. Uphold your values. Love the sport. Be humble. Stay true to your gender and your purpose. You are a female, and that is your strength.
Be an inspiration. Walk in the light. Make a difference not through worldly things — but through good character and the spirit of Christ.
Our light will shine brighter and brighter.
Playing football in Africa is not easy. We go to training on empty stomachs. We face insults. We endure pain. But still, we have purpose.
So, let’s make the difference.
I am Dalphine G. Glao, this is my story, my experience, and my message to every female footballer around the world, especially in Liberia.
I was insulted. Rejected. Laughed at. Called names. But today, by the help of God my story is changing.
I don’t want you to go through what I went through.
So please read this, learn from it, and make the difference.
Let our light shine brighter in the world of football. Brighter and brighter.
