One third of Brits can’t name a single female footballer

Despite the increase in popularity for women’s sport, nearly one third of Brits (27%) can’t name a single female footballer, according to new national research.

Data from pub company and brewer Greene King has revealed that a major divide still exists between awareness of the England male and female football teams, ahead of the semi-final stages of the ongoing tournament, in which England face off against Australia tomorrow morning.

Only 3% of people were unable to name a male player compared to the high percentage that couldn’t name a female star.

Even though there’s still a clear divide, awareness for the women’s team has increased year on year. Research carried out in July 2022 revealed that nearly four in ten (37%) people could not name a single female footballer.

However, new research carried out this month shows that number has been reduced to under three in ten (27%), showing a clear increase in support for the team following the success of the 2022 Euros.

When it comes to the profile of individual players, Lauren James has been voted as the most well-known female footballer in the UK. The England forward topped the list of the current women’s England squad with 46% of the vote, beating out Lucy Bronze (37%), Alessia Russo (34%) and Chloe Kelly (32%).

In the men’s team, striker Harry Kane was over twice as well known as the top Lioness, with 93% of respondents naming him as the most well-known player in the UK.

Michelle West, Head of Sport Marketing for Greene King said: “It’s clear that last year’s Euros victory has helped to raise the profile of female footballers in the UK, but there’s still a huge difference between the awareness of top female and male players.

“Changing the perception and level of support for women’s football in the UK will take time, but it’ll also only happen if the nation gets behind it wholeheartedly. It’s fantastic to see so much support for the team as we enter the final stages of the tournament, but this needs to be reflected year-round. Our pubs are committed to being a welcoming space for all, and we’re proud to support women’s sport throughout 2023 and beyond.”

In March 2022 Greene King partnered with Alex Greenwood and Lauren James to raise awareness of women’s sporting fixtures and pledged to show televised WSL games shown across Sky and the BBC in city centre pubs across the UK.

To mark the semi-final game between England and Australia on Wednesday 16th of August, Greene King is encouraging Brits to head to their local sports pub and show their support for the team. At the same time, pub goers can grab themselves a free Coca-Cola Zero Sugar* with the Greene King Sports App.

All registered users will be sent an QR code on Wednesday morning for a Free Coca-Cola Zero Sugar 16oz draught or bottle, to be claimed in participating pubs.

To find your local participating pub, visit: https://www.greeneking.co.uk/pubs-near-me/sports-app