Emily Kage
Zurich, Switzerland – In September 2021, only five Welsh fans attended the qualifying match against Slovenia in Rendabha, which ended in a 1-1 draw, preventing both teams from securing a spot in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia. Fast forward less than four years, and over 8,000 fans flocked to Switzerland to witness Welsh women make history at their first major tournament.
During the 84th minute of the opening match at Euro 2025—a challenging 3-0 loss to the Netherlands—the Welsh supporters erupted in a powerful rendition of their national anthem, “My Father’s Land.” This emotional moment, filled with tears and embraces, echoed the passion of family and friends among the sea of red shirts.
Another unforgettable moment was the performance of “Still Here,” with all 3,800 fans in that section forming a vibrant sea of color and song.
One fan told ESPN, “We never won,” acknowledging the group’s realistic expectations for the tournament while still hoping to triumph against formidable opponents like 2017 champions the Netherlands, reigning champions England, and strong competitors like France. And that was perfectly alright.
For many, it was about witnessing history. Regardless of the outcome, the significance of Wales reaching this point cannot be overstated. The achievement of this team will have a lasting impact for years to come.
Simply qualifying for this tournament is a monumental feat. Since becoming a professional women’s team in 1993—following nearly five decades of a ban on women’s soccer in the UK—Wales has played only 246 official matches. For perspective, Dutch captain Sherida Spitz, the most capped female player in Europe, has made 248 appearances by herself. Wales is still in the formative stages of establishing their football legacy, with less time to gain experience and depth. Nevertheless, they faced powerful opponents head-on, defying expectations against teams with a significantly greater collective experience.
The unwavering support from Welsh fans was palpable. Approximately 8,000 fans, adorned in red shirts and bucket hats, paraded from Central Lucerne to the stadium—not just a walk but an emotional display of loyalty and pride.
Manager Rhian Wilkinson called on fans to support the team throughout the tournament. Such commitment is known to resonate deeply, rooted in tradition and past successes, fostering a culture of national support that enhances experiences beyond the matches themselves.
While some fans came exclusively for the opening match, others planned to attend the entire group stage, thus accepting the harsh reality of advancing out of a tough group in their first tournament.
“We never reached the final,” said one supporter, who, in a quiet moment, admitted she still held out hope for a miracle.
Following Wales’ second match—where 38-year-old Jess Fishlock scored the campaign’s first, possibly only goal—she reflected that the experience in the stands, surrounded by fans, was incredibly fulfilling, overshadowing the dream of progressing further. She described the anticipation of waiting for the VAR decision on her goal as one of her most nerve-wracking moments as a fan.
Lloyd, another supporter, shared that traveling for the tournament felt like an easy choice, recalling his experience in France during the men’s European Championship in 2016, when the Welsh men’s team surprised everyone by reaching the semi-finals.
Although it feels challenging for the women to replicate that success, the gap between the Welsh men’s and women’s teams is significant. Despite being separated by gender, the disparities in access, resources, and investment are even more pronounced.
Many fans expressed hopes that it might mirror the excitement of Euro 2016. They wanted to see the women’s team create their own fairy tale, though the likely outcome this time around is an early exit. Nonetheless, what the Welsh women have achieved in the past two weeks in Switzerland holds transformative power that may echo through generations, much like the men’s journey in 2016.
They not only made history but also planted seeds for the future. The significance of their presence in St. Gallen and Lucerne may take time to fully appreciate, but the effects will be felt for years to come. For children watching at home, joining Sunday Football leagues, and youth teams welcoming newcomers, the legacy is unfolding. The importance of this moment cannot be understated.
Fan Take: This news is a reminder of how pivotal moments in women’s soccer can inspire future generations. As the Welsh women’s team breaks barriers and makes history, it could stimulate growth and interest in the sport, encouraging more young girls to participate and pursue their soccer dreams.
