England’s Mary Earps was named the best goalkeeper at the 2023 Women’s World CupThe Women’s World Cup was one of record attendances, huge global audiences and teams breaking new ground. But it was also one marred by incidents which detracted from momentous achievements on the pitch.When Spain’s football team stepped on to the podium on Sunday to collect their trophy after winning the Women’s World Cup, adoring crowds cheered their historic achievement. Hours later, a viral video clip of Spanish federation chief Luis Rubiales kissing player Jenni Hermoso on the lips became a global talking point – sparking anger from pundits and players alike.The incident was not lost on one of the sport’s most high profile activists on equality, the US player Megan Rapinoe, who observed that women footballers are “playing two games at the same time”.”One, we’re playing all against each other. And then the other one, we’re all playing together to win equality and progress and what we deserve,” she added.The tournament had already started against a backdrop of discussion and disputes across nations over equal pay, bonuses and other financial support.From Rubiales infamous kiss to Nike’s decision not to make replica goalkeeper shirts, here’s what three controversial World Cup moments show us about the issues women footballers still face.Women’s World Cup: Football’s new idols in the fight for women’s rightsEngland v Spain watched by peak BBC TV audience of 12 millionAustralia criticise gender pay disparity and question bargaining rightsInfantino’s speech and the battle for recognitionWomen should ‘pick… Click below to read the full story from BBC Sport
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Women’s World Cup: Three events that show the gap between men and women’s football
