Those who were exposed last summer to the European Women's Championship held in England could understand how much the women's soccer industry is gaining momentum throughout Europe.
The Euros, which culminated with the English victory over Germany in the final in front of a full Wembley Stadium, brought with it unprecedented ratings, superstars who were covered just as much as the men, about 600,000 tickets sold for the games and tourism that brought in about 55 million pounds throughout the kingdom.
Israel is still far from being a country where women's soccer enjoys equal conditions, but if there is a player who gives hope to the entire industry today, it is a girl who celebrated a total of 19 autumns last October - Noa Slimhogich, a player for the Israeli national team and the German Turbina Potsdam and who is considered perhaps the greatest talent to emerge In Israel since Sylvie Jean, the queen of women's soccer for generations.
She was recently included in Forbes Israel's Under30 list for 2022 alongside Gefen Primo, Anastasia Gorbenko, Avishag Samberg and more, and in an interview with Israel Hayom she tells about the feelings: "It's an amazing feeling to be next to many names who have done great things and you can only learn from them and take Inspiration. I was very excited and proud of myself," she says.
"I undoubtedly feel that I have an influence on girls and women who are involved in sports. I have followers on my social networks who see and see my path, the path is sometimes difficult, there are good and bad moments and you can take inspiration if people connect with my story."
Ever since you were a child, you have been marked as one of perhaps the greatest actresses to grow up in Israel. How much pressure does that put on you?
"I don't remember a moment when I realized that they put this "label" on me, I do know that people saw my talent and believed that I could reach the high levels. I don't think it ever stressed me, it just gave me strength and drive that I am capable of more and with hard work and perseverance I can get to it."
It is clear that there is a big difference between football in Europe in general and in Germany in particular and Israel. Apart from budgets, what needs to be done for women's soccer in Israel to start flourishing?
"I think there are many things that can be done to develop youth football in Israel, but it requires a lot of effort and also time. I think training should start from a very young age and even combine it with boys. We need to raise awareness of women's football in the media and in schools so that girls Young women will see that there is such a thing in Israel and will take inspiration from women who have succeeded and play at the highest levels."
Slimhogwich in action.
Currently she and her friends are in last place in the Bundesliga table, photo: Potsdam, official website
Do you think that if women's soccer in Israel grows, there will really be a demand and viewers for it? Do you think people will come to the courts?
"Football in the world has been on a crazy rise in recent years, tens of thousands of people watch the games. There is no reason why this shouldn't happen in Israel. I think that when there is proper investment and means, it will lead to the promotion of football and that way there will be more demand and spectators. You can see it in the last national team games. We had three games in Israel And while there weren't thousands of people in the audience, there were many compared to what we players know, there were many boys and girls who really craved fun or a hug after the game from the players, it just exists, it's still far from what you can see in the sand."
When you come to the games of the Israeli national team knowing that the power relations are very substantial from the opponents, how much ambition is there? It seems that the gap is so high that it can break mentally.
"Every team game for me is wow. The passion is different, the game is different, the atmosphere is different. Everything is just different. I enjoy every time both the challenge we have against the best teams and the girls who play alongside me, there is a sense of unity that is not found anywhere else. True, maybe it is a little It's mentally difficult to come as the "underdog" every time, but it also gives a drive that can't be explained."
How painful is it for actresses to know that the level of budgets compared to men is drastically different?
"Obviously it's a terrible feeling and it's disappointing and painful to know that you invest just like the men, train like the men, play the same game and get paid less because we're women."
You previously participated in Athena's campaign to promote women's sports in Israel.
Do you think these bodies are doing enough to attract girls to do sports?
Especially one that is more associated with men
"I think that an organization like Athena does a lot for soccer over the years and in sports in Israel in general. I think that the campaigns they do show girls how fun sports are and can teach things about life and how to be a better person through sports, which other things cannot."
How do the women who are married and have children combine the profession which is very difficult? How much do births affect the careers of actresses in Europe?
"I think the birth thing is complicated but possible. It's like an injury for anything that requires you to be out for 9 months. It requires a lot, a supportive husband or partner. And a club that will be behind you, which you don't always get. It's a very personal matter, yes Something that hurts your career to a certain extent, but this is life and you have to try to combine in a way that best suits that actress."
Slimhogwich.
Aiming as high as possible, photo: Potsdam, official website
between Italy and Spain
Slimhogich made the big break into the minds of soccer fans in Israel in October 2021 when he signed with Milan.
Unfortunately, she did not get enough opportunities at the Italian luxury club and last July she moved to German Potsdam, which is currently in last place in the Bundesliga table.
"I made the decision to leave Italy because I didn't feel I was getting enough to improve and gain experience. I felt I needed more playing minutes. I felt I was really at a level, that's why I wanted a place where I could play and show my abilities."
Your team is currently in last place in the table with only one point. What were your ambitions before the start of the season?
"The ambitions and goals were undoubtedly different from our situation at the moment. I think that despite the place in the table we are at the moment, behind the team there are girls who come every day to work as hard as possible, we do our best, and I am sure that the second half of the season will show a different side of Potsdam ".
What is it like to be at a young age in another country that you did not grow up in? Acclimatizing as a Legionnaire is not easy for any player.
"When I was 12 years old, I entered a boarding school for outstanding athletes at Wingate. From a very young age I was exposed to the fact of living away from home for my dream. I always knew that this would require me to do this. I can't say that it is not difficult to live away from home at such a young age and deal with things that a girl my age cannot I have to cope, what I can say is that I know what my dream is and I'm very focused helps me cope, and of course the support I have from my family, and friendship is something that helps a lot."
in the national team uniform.
Feeling proud, photo: Alan Shiver
What are your ambitions for the future? Where will we see you in five years?
"My ambitions are to become a better player every day. To be a leading and central player in one of the biggest teams in Europe, to win titles and be successful with the Israeli national team. I believe that in five years I will be in a team among the leaders in Europe, I will be a significant player in the team, I will start to accumulate titles and I will be the best version A favor from myself."
Which team do you most dream of playing for?
"Barcelona".
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