Members of the new FIFPRO Global Player Council have told how they want to amplify the voice of professional footballers. Anita Asante, Gabriela Garton, Vincent Kompany and Jodie Taylor spoke as the council was launched publicly in Brussels. The Global Player Council (GPC) will have an international focus, reinforcing the work of FIFPRO and its 65 affiliated national player associations.
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Lucy Bronze: "The voice of the players is my motivation"
Lucy Bronze’s consistency at the top can be captured by the fact she has been voted into the FIFA FIFPRO Women’s World 11 by her fellow professionals six times in the last seven years. It is a feat that few elite women’s footballers have achieved: USA’s Alex Morgan also has six appearances in the global team of the year, while French defender Wendie Renard is the only player who can boast more (7).
Ali Riley: "It’s important to get feedback from players – we're the ones living it"
Captain of her club, captain of her country – Ali Riley is a leader. As a member of FIFPRO’s Global Player Council, the Angel City and New Zealand defender will help voice a plethora of issues that players worldwide are faced with in the wider football industry.
Los Angeles-based players gather to talk domestic and global player issues
The players shared their experiences on the differences between Europe and USA and the differences between the men’s and women’s game, especially when it comes to conditions, investment and visibility.
Chinyelu Asher: "A player union is the next step for Jamaica"
Jamaica international Chinyelu Asher discusses what it means for the Reggae Girlz returning to the world stage, diversity and representation at the Women’s World Cup, the power of the collective voice, and ambitions for a player union in Jamaica.
The making of the Global Player Council: Part Two
On the eve of the FIFA Women’s World Cup final in Lyon, a group of professional women players have assembled on the outskirts of the French city. As the U.S. prepares to defend its title against the Netherlands, the group has gathered in a country house and is looking past the big match to the future of the sport.
Nicolas Tagliafico: "Players should know we’re here to help"
The Argentina World Cup winner is part of a 34-strong council of men’s and women’s players with international experience – from Lucy Bronze and Saki Kumagai to Giorgio Chiellini and Arturo Vidal – giving players a voice to help shape their industry.
Leon Balogun: "Workplace has become more violent for footballers"
Rangers and Nigeria defender Leon Balogun feels social media has contributed to a rise in abusive behaviour aimed at players in their workplace – and says dialogue is needed to help create safer working environments in football.