Recent incidents involving tennis player Emma Raducanu and Chelsea and England footballer Millie Bright have put the spotlight on the safety of female athletes; Lucy Bronze and Sarina Wiegman gave their views ahead of England’s game against Portugal on Friday
Lucy Bronze has emphasized the importance of ensuring women in sports feel “safe,” acknowledging that the growing popularity of women’s athletics has introduced new security challenges for high-profile female athletes.
Recent incidents have once again brought the issue of female safety in sports into the spotlight. British tennis star Emma Raducanu was visibly shaken during her match at the Dubai Tennis Championships after encountering a man who exhibited “fixated behavior.” The distressing encounter left her in tears, and just days later, the individual was issued a restraining order.
Meanwhile, England defender Millie Bright was subjected to verbal abuse at a recent match, where a fan initially approached her for autographs and photos but later turned critical of her performance. Frustrated by the incident, Bright took to social media to call out the disrespect. Additionally, Manchester City striker Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw faced a wave of racist and misogynistic abuse, prompting her to withdraw from her team’s League Cup semi-final against Arsenal. In a powerful statement against discrimination, Shaw later raised a Black Power salute after scoring twice in a WSL match against Liverpool.
Ahead of the Lionesses’ Women’s Nations League match against Portugal, Bronze was asked about the ongoing concerns surrounding the safety of female athletes. She acknowledged that while players are becoming increasingly aware of these issues, they are also working to protect themselves.
“As England players, we’re quite fortunate that the FA does everything it can to protect us, both online and in person,” Bronze said. “Our clubs also take precautions. But as female athletes, we’re always aware of the risks. It’s one of the unfortunate downsides to the rapid growth of women’s football. With increased visibility and fan engagement, there are bound to be challenges, and this is one of them. We just have to stay as prepared as possible.”
When asked how she personally ensures her safety, Bronze reflected on her experiences playing in different countries and living alone. “I’ve always had to be mindful of my surroundings, even back home in England,” she explained. “It’s about being smart—taking the right precautions, whether it’s protecting your data, being careful about where you stay, or managing your social media presence.”
Bronze also emphasized that modern players are more educated about security concerns than ever before. “We’re taught to recognize risks and know who to turn to for help. Awareness and preparation are key.”
Both Bronze and Bright have long used their platforms to advocate for change within the women’s game, and Bronze takes pride in the collective effort of female athletes to stand up for themselves and each other.
“It’s inspiring to see players speaking out,” she said. “In women’s sport, we always try to empower one another. Of course, there are negatives, but we’re committed to making things better—not just for ourselves but for future generations. We want sports to be a safe and joyful space for everyone, and using our platforms to drive change is something we take seriously.”
England head coach Sarina Wiegman echoed Bronze’s sentiments, praising her players for using their voices to raise awareness. “It speaks volumes about the unity within the team,” Wiegman said. “They’re not just standing up for themselves but for others as well. That’s powerful, and with the platform they have, they can make a real impact.”
Bronze also expressed admiration for Spanish midfielder Jenni Hermoso and her teammates, who have been at the forefront of advocating for change in their federation. Former Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales was recently found guilty of sexual assault after forcibly kissing Hermoso during the World Cup celebrations—a scandal that sparked global outrage.
“It’s been incredible to watch the Spanish players take a stand,” Bronze said. “Winning a World Cup is already a huge moment, but to then be embroiled in a legal battle and continue speaking out takes immense courage. They’re not just fighting for justice in court—they’re fighting for real change in their federation, and that’s amazing.”
Reflecting on her time at Barcelona, Bronze acknowledged the challenges her Spanish teammates faced off the pitch after the World Cup. “They deserve to focus on their football again,” she said. “They’re phenomenal players and incredible people, and I hope they get the change they’ve been fighting for.”
Meanwhile, Raducanu shared her thoughts after her unsettling experience in Dubai, expressing pride in how she handled the situation. “It was a difficult experience, but I’m proud of how I composed myself and competed despite what happened before the match,” she said. She also extended gratitude to her opponent, Karolina Muchova, for being “a great sport” and wished her luck in the tournament.
As female athletes continue to navigate the complexities of fame and security, voices like Bronze’s, Bright’s, and Hermoso’s are proving instrumental in pushing for a safer, more respectful environment in women’s sports.
