Footballers Unfiltered: Christiane Endler on making an impact on and off the pitch

• Christiane Endler was the latest guest on FIFPRO’s Footballers Unfiltered, hosted by former Manchester City and England goalkeeper Joe Hart
• The series gives current and former footballers a platform for open conversations about the rarely seen side of the profession
• The Chilean goalkeeper reflects on giving back to the next generation and overcoming structural inequality as a women’s player from South America

A multiple-time league champion in Europe and South America, a winner of both the Women’s Champions League and the Copa Libertadores Femenina, and a three-time selection to the FIFPRO Women’s World 11, Christiane Endler stands as one of the defining goalkeepers of her era.

But when it comes to legacy, Endler hopes to be remembered more for helping pave the way for the next generation of footballers.

"I want my career to help make things a little easier for others, especially South American players," Endler said on the latest episode of FIFPRO’s Footballers Unfiltered, hosted by Joe Hart. "I know we’re still far behind in terms of conditions, opportunities and investment, and that it’s becoming harder and harder for us to close the gap with teams in Europe."

Overcoming structural inequality

Although Endler rose to the pinnacle of the women’s game – representing Chile at the Women’s World Cup and winning silverware with leading clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain and Lyon – her journey was anything but straightforward.

"I played mostly with boys, with my friends at school," she recalled. "We couldn't play official games, but I tried to play with them as much as possible."

The lack of structured opportunities for girls in Chile is something Endler has worked to address since establishing herself at the elite level.

"I have academies back home and I'm very active trying to change the conditions in my country,” she said. “It's not about performance and turning professional – it’s about having the chance to play from a very young age, to enjoy the sport, and to develop the sport in Chile."

The striker-turned-goalkeeper

Endler’s career kickstarted as a 17-year-old in 2008 when Chile hosted the U-20 Women’s World Cup. Not long before the tournament, Endler’s focus had been on scoring goals rather than preventing them.

"I didn't know I could play professional; I was playing for fun because I really loved football," recalled Endler. "When I arrived at the Under-17 national team, I was a forward and then I switched to the goalie position.

"When we hosted the Under-20 World Cup, I realised there was football beyond Chile. That’s when I started getting serious about being a football player."

Endler never looked back, going on to establish herself as one of the greatest goalkeepers of her generation. Her path from to Chile to Europe has served as a source of inspiration for many young South American players.

"We became role models – not because we were trying to be, but because we helped open doors for other South American players to come to Europe and play professionally. Now they can do it more easily than we did, and they can dream about it. That’s the real change."

Collective action

Ahead of the 2023 Women’s World Cup, Endler was among more than 150 international players who co-signed a letter to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, calling for:

1. An equal framework of rules and conditions for the Men’s and Women’s FIFA World Cups, including equal prize money for senior World Cups.
2. A global guarantee of at least 30 percent of prize money for players who compete in the Women’s World Cup.
3. A binding, global collective agreement between FIFA and the players that enshrines these commitments.

FIFA responded by pledging a total package of $152 million – three times more than at the 2019 Women's World Cup and over 10 times more than the 2015 tournament.

"I knew that we had to do that," Endler said. "We wanted to work together, as a collective force, and change things."

Life after goalkeeping

At 34, Endler is still performing at the elite level with current club Lyon – "I’m feeling great physically and mentally" – but is already preparing for life beyond the pitch, studying for a master’s degree with ambitions of being a sporting director.

"We need more women involved in football development and in decision-making positions. We can have a much bigger impact that way, and this generation should stay involved in the game, even after we stop playing."

That view is shared by Karin Sendel, who joined Endler and Hart on the episode. After retiring from international football in 2024 as Israel’s most-capped player, Sendel continues to play domestically while serving her second term on FIFPRO’s global board.

"It's not about equality – it's about equal opportunities," said Sendel. "Women’s football has come a long. When I started, it wasn't normal for girls to play. Now, we're seeing full stadiums, broadcast deals and professionalism. It has come a long way, but there is still a way to go."

More episodes

Recorded at Spotify’s London studios, Footballers Unfiltered gives current and former players a platform to speak openly about the realities of the profession, while highlighting how player unions are working to address these challenges.

View all the previous episodes, featuring the likes of Giorgio Chiellini, Lucy Bronze and more, below: