When a football legend like Jill Ellis speaks, people listen. The former USA national team coach, now a FIFA General Director, recently visited the Portugal Football Summit. She joined a panel discussing the future of women’s football globally. What she saw and heard about the Portuguese game left a clear impression.
Ellis, the 59-year-old Englishwoman, truly valued the summit experience. She described these gatherings as “great opportunities.” They allow folks to share knowledge, learn new things, and swap ideas about both men’s and women’s football. Ellis felt honored to speak at this specific event, focusing on how the women’s game is expanding. She quickly noticed the Portuguese Football Federation’s strong investment in its national squads.
That investment paid off big time, especially during the 2023 World Cup. The Portuguese women’s national team had a successful run there, Ellis noted with certainty. She believes the future for Portuguese women’s football looks “very, very bright.” It’s a sentiment born from more than just team performance. She also praised the impressive talent of the individual players.
Among these talents, one name shone brightly for her: Kika Nazareth. “Kika has incredible talent,” Ellis shared, her words carrying significant weight. She recognized that “great development” is currently underway. Ellis isn’t sure if football is the most popular sport among girls in Portugal. Still, she hopes more young players will get involved.
More young players joining means bigger pools of talent. This could lead to more national teams and further development. Ellis firmly believes the women’s game will keep getting bigger. Her insights offer a real shot in the arm for Portuguese football. It’s a clear signal from a top international voice.