The FIFA Museum played host to an exclusive celebration marking the opening of the newly expanded FIFA Women’s World Cup™ showcases in the museum’s World Cup Gallery. The event brought together some of the most iconic figures in women’s football history, celebrating the sport’s incredible journey and the champions who have shaped its legacy.

The FIFA Museum in Zurich celebrated the expansion of its FIFA Women’s World Cup™ showcases by hosting an exclusive event featuring three legendary figures in women’s football. Among the distinguished guests were Brazilian icon Formiga, the only player in history to have competed in seven editions of the FIFA Women’s World Cup; Norwegian Ann Kristin Aarønes, winner and top scorer of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 1995™; and Ariane Hingst, a back-to-back world champion with Germany in 2003 and 2007. These legendary players participated in a captivating live panel discussion, sharing personal anecdotes from their remarkable careers and the tournaments they have played in. They also discussed what lies ahead, especially looking towards the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ in Brazil: a tournament that will have a seismic impact on women’s football and female empowerment in Brazil and South America through the incredible inspirational power that football has.

“This event is a celebration of the immense progress achieved in women’s football. We are honoured to have such remarkable players here with us to share their unique stories and to unveil our new FIFA Women’s World Cup showcases. They reflect the FIFA Museum’s ongoing commitment to women’s football, as we continue to expand our collection with significant objects from the women’s game and dedicate more space to celebrating its history and growth,” said Marco Fazzone, Managing Director of the FIFA Museum.

The newly expanded FIFA Women’s World Cup showcases offer a comprehensive and visually impactful journey through the history of the women’s game, with a showcase for each tournament since 1991. The displays now also include additional objects from the FIFA Museum’s collection, as well as new acquisitions that have been secured over the year. The showcases are completed by dynamic footage from all previous FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments and nine unique illustrations, created by international artists, that capture the defining moments and key figures of each competition.

During the evening, the attending legends participated in a Live Talk with Sarai Bareman, FIFA Chief Women’s Football Officer. Through personal stories from their illustrious careers, they offered a heartfelt exploration of the history and growth of women’s football. The discussion was followed by a moving ceremony where Aarønes and Hingst were reunited with the FIFA Women’s World Cup trophies – both the current trophy and the one that was used in 1995 – and attached golden pins to the Wall of Champions at the museum.

German legend and two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup winner (2003 and 2007) Ariane Hingst underlined the magic power of the objects showcased to take visitors and fans on a journey through the history of women's football. “Being part of the history of women's football and part of this exhibition here at the FIFA Museum fills me with pride. Visitors and, who knows, future generations of players can immerse themselves in a time when many things were different. And the fact that they can now see my shoes showcased, which I wore at the World Cup that was so successful for us, and associate these shoes with my name, brings a smile to my face.”

Seven-time FIFA Women’s World Cup participant and Brazil legend Formiga described this historical reappraisal of women's football as a memorable and groundbreaking milestone: “This exhibition here at the FIFA Museum is a really great honour for me, but also for all the other players. It's a great honour and recognition for all of us and shows that women's football has really come a long way. The history of our sport is showcased here in an impressive way, and everyone can see what women's football used to be and what it is today. I am proud to be part of this history and perhaps to be able to inspire future generations."

Former Switzerland international Lara Dickenmann spoke about a surreal moment she experienced when she saw her shirt exhibited in the FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015™ showcase. Taking part in that FIFA World Cup was special in many ways because it was the very first time that Switzerland played in a Women's World Cup: “It really was an incredible thing for us back then and to have been part of it evokes special emotions in me. When I look in the showcase now, see my jersey there and I am mentioned with many big names in women's football, I am overjoyed and grateful. It's also nice to see little Switzerland represented with my jersey in the FIFA Museum. That means a lot to me.”

The new FIFA Women’s World Cup showcases can be admired at the FIFA Museum in Zurich, open every Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00.

PRESS ENQUIRIES:

Andreas Alf, Head of Communications E-mail: andreas.alf@fifamuseum.org / media.museum@fifa.org