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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Philipp Lahm

Euro 2025 has shown that Europe is becoming a fiercely competitive playing field

Switzerland supporters unfurl some placards that read ‘Here to stay’.
Switzerland supporters say it with placards about the women’s game. Photograph: Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images

A documentary is currently being broadcast on German TV. In it, former players talk about how they were prevented from playing football – by the association, their parents and society. Listening to the pioneers of our sport made me realise even more how privileged I had been. I received support from all sides throughout my career.

Women have been playing football for generations but, because it was made difficult or even forbidden in many countries, the level of performance struggled to evolve for a long time. That has changed, as the Euros in Switzerland has shown once again. It offers great sport and exciting entertainment.

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