The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand is making history in terms of LGBTQ+ representation, with at least 94 publicly out LGBTQ+ Footballers competing in the tournament, accounting for nearly 13% of all athletes participating in the highest-level international competition in women’s soccer.
This year’s Women’s World Cup features a significantly higher number of Out LGBTQ+ athletes compared to previous editions. Approximately one in every eight players is openly part of the LGBTQ+ community, marking a notable milestone in the progress of acceptance and visibility for LGBTQ+ athletes in major international women’s sports.
The list compiled by Outsports includes athletes from various countries, with a majority hailing from the Americas, Europe, Australia, and Aotearoa, New Zealand. Outsports highlights that these regions tend to have more favourable laws and acceptance for LGBTQ+ individuals compared to certain parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, where anti-LGBTQ+ laws and discrimination persist.
One of the most encouraging aspects of this surge in LGBTQ+ representation is that many of the Out athletes are already well-known stars in their countries. For them, coming out has not been a major announcement but rather an acknowledgment of their identity and living their lives openly on social media.
The growth in the number of Out athletes since the last Women’s World Cup in 2019 reflects the increasing acceptance and support for LGBTQ+ individuals in the world of women’s soccer. With two-thirds of the teams represented by LGBTQ+ players and at least eight teams led by an LGBTQ+ team captain, the tournament showcases a diverse and inclusive field of athletes.
Australia stands out as the most publicly LGBTQ+ team in the tournament, with over 40% of their players being openly part of the community. Brazil, Ireland, and Sweden also have a significant number of Out athletes, further highlighting the growing acceptance in women’s soccer.
Two iconic players, Megan Rapinoe of the United States and Marta of Brazil are among the Out athletes competing in their final World Cup. Both players have left an indelible mark on women’s soccer and the LGBTQ+ community.
Moreover, the progress extends beyond players, as at least two head coaches, Pia Sundhage of Brazil and Bev Priestman of Canada, have publicly come out, adding further visibility and representation for LGBTQ+ individuals in leadership roles.
The Outsports list of Out athletes below was carefully curated, relying on media reports, social media posts, and official announcements. While the number is impressive, it’s essential to acknowledge that there may be more LGBTQ+ athletes who are not yet comfortable coming out publicly.
Argentina
Lorena Benitez
Vanina Correa
Julieta Cruz
Romina Núñez
Yamila Rodriguez
Australia
Mackenzie Arnold
Ellie Carpenter
Alex Chidiac
Katrina Gorry
Sam Kerr*
Teagan Micah
Kyah Simon
Emily Van Egmond
Cortnee Vine
Tameka Yallop
Brazil
Adriana Silva
Andressa Alves
Barbara Barosa
Debinha
Kathellen Sousa
Lauren Leal
Leticia Izidoro
Marta
Tamires
Canada
Kadeisha Buchanan
Quinn
Kailen Sheridan
Colombia
Daniela Montoya*
Leicy Santos
Costa Rica
María Paula Elizondo
Gabriela Guillén
Denmark
Pernille Harder*
England
Jess Carter
Rachel Daly
Bethany England
Lauren Hemp
France
Pauline Peyraud-Magnin
Constance Picaud
Germany
Ann-Katrin Berger
Sara Doorsoun
Svenja Huth
Lena Oberdorf
Felicitas Rauch
Lea Schuller
Ireland
Isibeal Atkinson
Diane Caldwell
Sinead Farrelly
Ruesha Littlejohn
Katie McCabe*
Grace Moloney
Aine O’Gorman
Louise Quinn
Lucy Quinn
Italy
Rachele Baldi
Lisa Boattin
Manuela Giugliano
Elena Linari
Netherlands
Kerstin Casparij
Merel van Dongen
Sherida Spitse
Daniëlle van de Donk
Stefanie van der Gragt
Jacintha Weimar
New Zealand
Annalie Longo
Hannah Wilkinson
Michaela Foster
Ria Percival*
Norway
Anja Sønstevold
Frida Maanum
Guro Reiten
Ingrid Syrstad Engen
Philippines
Tahnai Annis*
Angela Beard
Hali Long
Portugal
Dolores Silva
South Africa
Kaylin Swart
Thembi Kgatlana
Spain
Alba Redondo
Irene Paredes
Ivana Andres*
Teresa Abelleira
Sweden
Filippa Angeldahl
Hanna Bennison
Nathalie Björn
Magdalena Eriksson
Jennifer Falk
Lina Hurtig
Caroline Seger*
Linda Sembrant
Switzerland
Ramona Bachmann
Alisha Lehmann
USA
Kristie Mewis
Kelley O’hara
Megan Rapinoe
* Denotes team captain
There are also a number of out athletes who have been named a reserve player for their country. They will only be added to the active roster if another player is injured or otherwise unable to continue in the tournament.
RESERVES
Larissa Crummer (Australia)
Emily Gielnik (Australia)
Chloe Logarzo (Australia)
Lucy Stanforth (England)
Shanice van de Sanden (Netherlands)