Almuth Schult: A Trailblazer in Women’s Soccer Faces Career Challenges
In the world of women’s soccer, few names resonate as powerfully as Almuth Schult. With an Olympic gold medal and a Champions League title under her belt, Schult has been a formidable presence on the field. However, her recent retirement has sparked a conversation about the challenges faced by female athletes, particularly those who are mothers.
At 34, Schult announced her retirement in March, just three months after her contract with the Kansas City Current in the National Women’s Soccer League came to an end. In an interview with Germany’s Kicker magazine, Schult candidly shared her belief that her career was cut short due to European clubs’ reluctance to sign players with children.
“I feel like in Europe it is still not yet normal for a female soccer player to have children. Whether the clubs admit it or not, that’s my subjective impression,” Schult expressed. “Many clubs worry that there could be adversity and difficulties with mothers even though that doesn’t have to be the case.”
Schult’s career has been nothing short of illustrious. She played 66 times for the German national team, won the Champions League with Wolfsburg in 2014, and clinched the Olympic gold medal with Germany at the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro. Despite these achievements, Schult felt that her status as a mother was a significant barrier in her career progression.
After giving birth to twins in 2020 and a third child in 2023, Schult found herself out of contract. “I was already out of contract after my second pregnancy,” she said. “No club believed I could still help, even though I had already proven it after my first pregnancy.”
Schult believes she could have continued playing at the highest level for another “one, two years” if not for the perceived bias against mothers in European soccer. She noted that top clubs only offered her the role of a third-choice backup, a position that did not align with her capabilities and experience.
Reflecting on her time in the United States, Schult suggested that European clubs could learn from their American counterparts in supporting players who are mothers. “My career would presumably have taken a different course if I’d had the same support as I recently received in the U.S.,” she remarked.
- Almuth Schult’s career highlights:
- Olympic gold medalist with Germany in 2016
- Champions League winner with Wolfsburg in 2014
- 66 appearances for the German national team
Beyond her on-field accomplishments, Schult has also made a name for herself as an expert commentator on German TV, further cementing her status as a respected voice in the sport.
As the conversation around female athletes and motherhood continues to evolve, Schult’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges that still exist. Her experiences highlight the need for greater support and understanding from clubs, particularly in Europe, to ensure that talented players are not sidelined due to their personal lives.
In the end, Almuth Schult’s legacy is not just about her achievements on the field but also about her courage to speak out and advocate for change. Her story is a testament to the resilience and determination of female athletes everywhere, and it underscores the importance of creating an inclusive environment where all players can thrive.
Originally Written by: Associated Press
