Beyond the Pitch: 5 Women Redefining Life After Football
Football isn’t just a game—it’s a launchpad for greatness beyond the pitch. As the sport continues to evolve, more female footballers are making bold moves into business, media, fashion, and leadership, proving that the game doesn’t end at the final whistle. To celebrate International Women’s Day, we’re spotlighting five inspiring women who have successfully transitioned into new careers, shaping industries beyond football.
1. Alex Scott – From Defender to a Pioneer Broadcaster
After an incredible playing career with Arsenal and the England national team, Alex Scott became one of the most influential voices in sports broadcasting. She broke barriers by becoming the first female pundit to regularly appear on BBC’s Match of the Day and has since hosted FIFA ceremonies, major tournaments, and TV shows.
Scott’s ability to command the screen, analyze the game, and advocate for equality in sports makes her a trailblazer for the next generation of female pundits. Her career shift also proves that female footballers don’t just retire—they reinvent.
2. Hope Powell – Leading the Next Generation
As a player, Hope Powell represented England with pride. But her biggest impact came after she hung up her boots. Powell became the first woman and first black coach to manage England’s women’s national team. She later led Brighton & Hove Albion’s women’s team, shaping the future of the game from the sidelines.
Her leadership continues to pave the way for women in coaching, inspiring more female footballers to transition into managerial and executive roles in football. You can read a more thorough breakdown of her career and impact on England’s women’s football in her Hall of Fame profile by National Football Museum.
3. Megan Rapinoe – More Than an Athlete
Few footballers have blended sport, activism, and fashion as seamlessly as Megan Rapinoe. The World Cup-winning American forward didn’t just dominate on the pitch. She became a cultural icon advocating for equal pay, LGBTQ+ rights, and social justice.
Rapinoe has also entered the fashion world, collaborating with brands like Nike, Loewe, and Victoria’s Secret. Her unapologetic style and fearless personality make her an athlete who influences both sports and culture. You can learn more about Megan in the interview she gave to the Harvard Business Review.
4. Eniola Aluko – From the Pitch to the Boardroom
A former England and Chelsea star, Eniola Aluko has built an impressive post-football career in sports business and media. After retiring, she became a director of women’s football at Aston Villa. She played a key role in shaping the game’s growth, and later worked as a pundit and analyst on major networks.
Aluko has also launched ventures in football consultancy and sports law, proving that former players can thrive in corporate football leadership. Her journey highlights how the business side of the sport is just as dynamic and rewarding as playing. Below you can watch her presentation on her journey from footballer to investor and the financial future of women’s football.
5. Julie Foudy – Changing the Game from the Inside
A former captain of the U.S. Women’s National Team, Julie Foudy is now a respected journalist, commentator, and advocate for women in sports. She has worked with ESPN, covering major tournaments and producing stories that shine a light on the growth of women’s football.
But her biggest impact beyond the pitch extends even further. Julie Foudy founded her own leadership foundation to help girls and young women from all socioeconomic backgrounds become leaders who drive positive change in their communities. Her work is a powerful example of what life after football can be—giving back and empowering the next generation.
Curious about how male footballers stay successful off the pitch? Find out in this article!
