Latest from QueenBallers

The Guardian published a candid interview with Jamaican striker Khadija “Bunny” Shaw, focusing on the critical importance of players’ mental health. Shaw, who along with Alessia Russo was the top scorer last season, opens up about a topic that remains somewhat taboo in sport. Just like Jess Carter after the Euros, she has faced racist abuse.

The last few days have been marked by speculation that 32-year-old Swiss player Lia Wälti would leave Arsenal of her own accord after seven seasons. Today, Walti herself confirmed this move when she said goodbye to the club with which she won the Champions League in May in a farewell video.                   

Nike has committed to an unprecedented five-year sponsorship of England’s Women’s Super League and WSL2, offering free football boots to around 250 players who lack their own endorsement deals.

Kosovare Asllani, captain of the Swedish national team and London City Lionesses, spoke about her club's ambitions for the upcoming WSL season. Although they are newcomers to the competition, LCL certainly do not plan to stay at the bottom of the table. This is also evident from the big-name signings the club made over the summer.

Former Netherlands international and Barcelona or PSG player Lieke Martens has officially announced her retirement from professional football at the age of 32.

Slovenian striker Lara Prašnikar became the first Slovenian to play in the NWSL after signing a contract with Utah Royals, where she is transferring from Eintracht Frankfurt. 

Despite the soaring popularity of the Women’s Champions League, many players in the qualifying rounds are living far from professional standards. In one stark example, members of Croatian club ZNK Osijek earn under €1,000 per month and juggle jobs as waitresses, cleaners, or youth coaches just to make ends meet. Even competition payouts often amount to little more than a “bag of groceries,” leaving injured players without proper medical or rehabilitation support.

The Lionesses brought home their second European title in July, but this time without star vice-captain Millie Bright, who announced shortly before the Euros that she would not be going to the tournament. The Chelsea captain and recent winner of the domestic treble has no regrets about her decision.