Famous faces, real impact: Celebrities stepping into women’s football

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.

Ian Wright

It’s impossible to talk about support for women’s football without mentioning Ian Wright. The former Arsenal player and now TV pundit has become one of the most vocal advocates for the women’s game and for Arsenal WFC in particular.

But his support goes far beyond words. Following England’s semi-final victory, Wright used a live BBC broadcast to deliver an emotional message:
“If, after this tournament, girls still aren’t allowed to play football in PE the same way boys are, then what are we even doing? We have to make sure they have the same opportunity.”

The campaign proved successful. In 2023, the UK government approved a package of measures guaranteeing equal access to sport for girls.

Ian Wright with Chloe Kelly after friendly match against China (Source: Imago/PPAUK)

Petr Čech

Women’s football also has strong allies among former players. Alongside Ian Wright, it’s worth mentioning goalkeeping legend Petr Čech, who starred for both Chelsea and Arsenal. After his playing career, Čech worked in Chelsea’s management, giving him the opportunity to directly support the women’s team.

He has continued to show that support in recent years. Last season, Čech visited Barcelona’s training ground, where he met Ellie Roebuck, who was then playing for the club. Beyond sharing the same position, both have also faced serious health challenges during their careers (Čech with the head injury that led to his iconic helmet, and Roebuck after suffering a stroke).

Čech also spoke about his support for women’s football in our QB Originals series on YouTube. In the interview, he revealed that a key turning point came when his daughter Adéla began playing football and joined Fulham’s academy. As both a father and a former professional, he wants to see women’s football provide a safe and equal environment for the next generation.

Watch QB Originals with Petr Čech here

Nathalie Portman

The actress we all know and love from films like Léon and Black Swan has also made a significant impact in the world of women’s football. When the NWSL expanded in 2022 with the launch of Angel City FC, it became the first club majority-owned by women. Among the investors, alongside tennis legend Serena Williams, was actress Natalie Portman.

Portman later explained her involvement to The Guardian, saying she wanted to help grow football culture within women’s sport and highlight the importance of visibility and role models:
“Watching my son idolize players like Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan the same way he did Lionel Messi or Karim Benzema, I realized that amplifying female athletes could rapidly shift culture,” she said.

Ed Sheeran

English singer Ed Sheeran is well known for his love of Ipswich Town. A club he not only supports, but also co-owns. You might remember the club’s jerseys referencing his tour, a reflection of just how closely he is connected to the team.

But Sheeran’s support doesn’t stop with the men’s side. He’s just as present when it comes to the women’s team. Many will recall the scenes from March 2025, when he joined them in the dressing room to celebrate their promotion to the Championship (WSL 2).

For Sheeran, the women’s team is a fully integral part of the club. Exactly as it should be.

Mikaela Shiffrin

Like Serena Williams and Natalie Portman, skiing legend Mikaela Shiffrin has also chosen to invest in a sport far removed from her own. The winner of 101 World Cup races has become a co-owner of Denver Summit, an expansion NWSL side that joined the league in 2026, and has already attracted a record-breaking crowd of over 63,000, the highest ever for a women’s league match.

Speaking about her decision, the two-time Olympic champion and eight-time world champion highlighted the significance of supporting the women’s game in her home state:
“The sports culture in Colorado is rich and deep, and the growth of women’s sports is one of the most exciting movements in our culture right now.”