20 July 2023 - 20 August 2023 | Sydney, Australia

FIFA Museum presented by Hyundai: “Calling the Shots: Faces of Women’s Football”

The people who have shaped what it means to play football come from all facets of the game.

They are the organisers, players, coaches and fans who inspire women to lace up their boots. Often playing more than just one role, these resilient and passionate individuals have defined the love of the game on their own terms, leading the way for future generations.

As 32 teams strive for glory in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, take a step into the stories of those who took destiny into their own hands and called the shots that have led us to greatness today.

Discover the exhibition

Role Models

Inspiring next generations

Football’s role models create the ethos with which people approach the game. They are the leaders who push the sport forward and help guide its moral compass.

“I always try and make everyone feel welcome, and by being who I am, allow them to be who they are.”

Sam Kerr (Australia) – Record-braking Matildas captain

Australia's all-time top scorer is the sole player in history to not only win in three different leagues and continents (the W-League in Australia and New Zealand, the WSL in North America and the FAWSL in Europe) but also scoop up the Golden Boot in each of them.

Kerr's captain's armband from the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup in France

Kerr is the only Australian to net a World Cup hat-trick. She achieved the feat in a 4-1 win against Jamaica in 2019, scoring all of Australia’s four goals. For her first-ever World Cup goal in the Matilda’s opening match against Italy, she celebrated by boxing the corner flag, a tribute to Tim Cahill, whose record she overtook in 2022 to become Australia’s overall top scorer.

Trailblazers

Making the new status quo

The game has been consistently shaped and reshaped by trailblazing women, inspiring the next generation to chase both ball and dreams.

“When we won… There was no limit to the media’s attention of us… there was such a special feeling of stardom.”

Inge Kristensen (Boldklubben Femina, Denmark) – 1970 world champions representing their nation

Founded in 1959, Boldklubben Femina’s golden era was the late 1960s and early 1970s, as they competed locally and represented Denmark internationally. The height of their achievements were reaching the final of a European Championship in 1969 and winning the first independently-organised World Cup in 1970.

‘Golden Angel’ trophy lifted by Boldklubben Femina (as Denmark) in 1970

Crowds of 50,000 spectators swamped the Stadio Comunale in Turin for the final of the Women’s World Cup organised by FIEFF, the Federation of Independent European Female Football, in 1970. Hopes were high that Italy might win this rematch of the European championship final of the year before. Represented by club Boldklubben Femina, Denmark defeated the hosts 2-0 and took home the first-ever women’s world title.

Advocates

Championing for change

For many, the pitch is more than just a place where match action happens; it is a platform from which to campaign for a higher purpose and a place to share the fruits of such labour.

“When you know yourself and your strengths, there is always something you can do to raise the standard for everyone.”

Megan Rapinoe (USA) – Defending world champion and equal rights activist

Megan Rapinoe is a leader both on and off the pitch, never hesitating to stand up for what she believes in. Her outstanding performances for the USWNT have ensured her status as an icon and a prominent platform for her activism.

Rapinoe jersey featuring a golden fourth star for the USA's 2019 win

Describing herself as a ‘walking protest’, Rapinoe doesn’t let standing up for injustices prevent her from proudly wearing her nation’s colours. As the best player and top scorer of the tournament that earned the USA their record fourth world title, she was criticised for not singing the national anthem, a time she uses instead for reflecting on the inequities that she champions to change.

The Rainbow

Discover the 32 nations taking part in the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™.

Trophy Display

In the centre of the exhibition and depending on the day, either the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™ Winner’s Trophy or the inaugural FIFA Women’s World Cup™ Trophy (1991-1995) are on display.

The path of champions

Follow the teams at every FIFA Women’s World Cup™ in the immersive film to discover who beat the odds to become world champions.

Supporters

Giving from the sidelines

The game is driven by people who commit not only their leisure time to supporting the players on the pitch, but their professional careers as well.

“As a leader you’re there to create a safe space for other people’s talent.”

Jill Ellis (USA) - Most wins in American history and record consecutive FIFA Women’s World Cup titles

Jill Ellis hung up her boots as coach in 2019 after her record second world title. She is now an ambassador for the United States Soccer Federation and works to increase the number of women taking up coaching.

Ball from the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup final between the USA and the Netherlands

Jill Ellis was at the helm of the USWNT’s victory during her five-year tenure as coach, stepping down after a national record 132 matches, including an unprecedented unbeaten run across two editions of the Women’s World Cup. Under her wing, the USWNT won more than 80% of their fixtures, giving Ellis a record 106 victories, more than any other coach in American history.

Record breakers

Taking the game to the next level

Football is a team sport made up of individuals who push the boundaries of their performance like no one before them, setting a challenge for their successors to aspire to.

“I want to create my own history and not just equal someone else’s record.”

Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria) – Record five-time African Footballer of the Year

Asisat Oshoala is one of the greatest players in Nigeria’s history. She has excelled for both club and country, and in 2022 she become the first African woman to be nominated for the Ballon d’Or.

Oshoala’s jersey worn at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup

After playing every edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup so far, Nigeria made it out of the group stages for the second time in 2019. Oshoala’s performance against Korea Republic earned her the player of the match award, while her spectacular finish to seal the Super Falcon’s 2-0 victory was nominated for Goal of the tournament.

FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ Digital Experience

Explore the rich legacy of women’s football at the FIFA Museum’s digital experience!

Immerse yourself in the inspiring stories, meet some of the legendary stars and relive the iconic moments that have shaped the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ since its first edition in 1991. Join us and celebrate the game that unites the world!