Tatiana Pinto: "We’re not asking for the same money – we’re asking for the same opportunities"

To mark one year since the 2023 Women’s World Cup, players around the globe are detailing how improved conditions and prize money at the tournament changed women’s international football, and why players and unions should push for equality at the 2027 Women’s World Cup. Tatiana Pinto, a midfielder for 2023 debutants Portugal, shares her views.

By Tatiana Pinto

Portugal qualifying for the 2023 World Cup was a statement. The women’s national team had never reached the tournament before, and it was always our goal. As a nation, we were able to show the younger generations that because we made it, you too can make it in the future. We needed that.

It felt special being there, knowing we were part of something bigger than ourselves. Whether it was host cities decked out in the tournament branding or packed-out stadiums, it was just a privilege to be there. Even having the chance to meet other national teams – as we did in Auckland where we also learned about New Zealand’s rich culture – and share in the experience was truly unforgettable.

The 2023 World Cup also saw players experience considerably improved prize money and conditions compared to previous editions of the competition. While we knew that FIFA would be doing this, we didn’t know the scale of it until it was officially announced.

The per-player prize money made a huge difference for all footballers at the World Cup, but especially those from Asia, Africa and South America. As women’s players don’t earn the same club salaries as men’s players, we need to plan for our future much earlier. This World Cup prize money allows a lot of us to do that. I know national team-mates either bought a house, made financial investments or are waiting patiently to invest that money in the future.

But when we talk about these improvements, I personally don’t like to focus too much on money. For me, it’s not about that. It’s always going to be difficult to be on the same page as the men in that regard because they generate a lot more. Instead, I prefer to focus on having the same opportunities.

Of course, with FIFA increasing player prize money, women’s players can start investing in themselves much more, as not all have good contracts at their clubs and there is sometimes not enough to ensure they have a physio with them, a nutritionist with them – the things that make us truly professional. If the men want a physio with them 24 hours a day, they will have it. Women’s players may not be fully at that stage just yet, but we are getting there.

One example of that is the chartered flights, something we rarely had before. It’s a long journey from Portugal to New Zealand and when you are flying for nearly 24 hours, it makes a big difference travelling direct in first class or business when we have to recover and perform shortly afterwards. We need to make that the norm in women’s football – everywhere.

Even if it’s shorter distances, such as Portugal to France, or Portugal to England, it’s about having the same conditions as the men’s national team.

And it’s not just Portugal; nations worldwide are fighting for this. We’re not asking for the same money – we are asking for the same opportunities. Is that not what equality is about?

If the men travel, they fly in first class or business because they will be better prepared to perform. The same should apply to women’s players. If the men have their own hotel room at tournaments, to have space to focus, concentrate and even be with their families, the same should apply to women’s players. As international footballers, we deserve to have those same opportunities.