A week without domestic football still delivered plenty of action, with two rounds of international fixtures taking centre stage. In Europe in particular, they offered an early glimpse of which teams are on track for direct qualification — and which may be heading for the play-offs.

In a football career, change is constant. Teams come and go. And with them, teammates. Moving to a new country only adds another layer, with a new culture, a new language, a new way of life. In moments like that, having someone familiar by your side can make all the difference.

The Netherlands has produced some of the world’s finest footballers — Vivianne Miedema, Kerstin Casparij... and the honorable mention is of course coach legends Sarina Wiegman and Renée Slegers, to name just a few. European champions in 2017, their legacy is undeniable. And their future looks to be in safe hands.

Women’s football kits have undergone a major transformation, reflecting the rapid growth of the game. What was once second-hand and ill-fitting has become more tailored, practical and player-focused.

As the visibility of women’s sport continues to grow, so do its darker sides. Greater media attention, long overdue...also brings challenges, and for women in the public eye, that often includes sexism.

There were no competitive matches this week. Domestic leagues are on pause, players are away on international duty, and European teams are preparing for World Cup qualification, which gets underway in the coming days. That said, there’s still been plenty going on, so let’s take a look at the key stories from the week.

Women’s football is growing and gaining popularity fast. It’s also finding fans among celebrities. Whether through direct investment in clubs or public support for the women’s game, these high-profile figures are leading by example. Queenballers takes a look at some of them.

Our focus this April is on equity and equal opportunity: a conversation that remains at the very heart of women’s football. All too often, the women’s game is viewed solely through the lens of its male counterpart, ignoring a fundamental truth: the starting lines were never the same.

As Alexia Putellas recently pointed out with stinging clarity, men were competing on the World Cup stage while women were still fighting for the right to vote. Below, we examine the defining milestones that shattered barriers and shaped the modern era of the women’s football.

Carson Pickett is far more than the condition she was born with. It does not define her. And yet, her presence shows why representation matters — reminding thousands of children born differently that it doesn’t have to be a barrier.