Fran Kirby believes that everyone should have the freedom to shape their own bodies and present themselves however they wish, as long as they feel happy and confident each day. She argues that external opinions should be irrelevant when personal satisfaction is the priority. Kirby speaks with authority on the subject of body image in women’s sport, yet reaching this point has involved a long and challenging journey. A central figure in England’s victorious Euro 2022 campaign, Kirby started every match as the Brighton & Hove Albion attacking midfielder and has consistently used her platform to break down taboos surrounding women’s sport.
She was among the first female footballers to openly discuss mental‑health struggles, admitting she has battled depression, anxiety and burnout. Over an 11‑year international career she earned 77 caps and collected 14 domestic trophies during a decorated spell at Chelsea.
Throughout that time she also confronted the relentless social‑media criticism aimed at her physique. Now 32 and one of Brighton’s senior players, Kirby channels her experiences into supporting younger teammates and the next generation, encouraging a body‑positive mindset. “I’m happy to step up and have those conversations because ultimately we want everyone to feel confident and safe in their environment,” she told Sky Sports.
“If you trust me – or anyone else – to talk about it, then have the confidence to start those conversations yourself.” Kirby missed the 2023 World Cup after a serious knee injury. When she returned to Chelsea training in October, a documentary released by the club captured a moment that sparked widespread discussion.
An off‑camera voice asks, “How are you wearing a jacket?” to which Kirby replies, “Because I get called ‘fat’ all the time.” The candid response drew praise from Chelsea manager Emma Hayes, who said, “The media need to be mindful of the insecurities that exist; body‑shaming is real. I’m proud of Fran for speaking out because women are already judged enough on how they look.” When asked if the media should bear greater responsibility for the images they choose, Kirby affirmed, “Absolutely.
Not everyone is going to look the same. I might lift the same weights as someone else, but we will have completely different body types and that’s OK.” She noted that media outlets sometimes publish photos solely to provoke clicks and comments, exploiting body shape or posture for sensationalism.
“We’ll always have that,” she said, “but individuals need to understand what works for them and what helps them perform at their best.” Rugby star and social‑media influencer Ilona Maher has also taken a stand against body‑image stigma. With 5.4 million Instagram followers, Maher recently shared a vulnerable moment about feeling self‑conscious about her shoulders, admitting she sometimes wonders whether they are “attractive enough.” She explained how she combats negative thoughts by talking to family and friends, working out, dressing up, or looking at photos of herself in a bikini.
Earlier this year Maher, who helped the United States win its first Olympic rugby medal in a century at the 2024 Paris Games, confronted an online troll who claimed she looked pregnant in a red‑carpet dress. She responded, “That’s just a normal woman’s body.
You probably haven’t seen a woman naked in a long time, if ever, and I hope you never get the privilege again, because that’s just how we are.” She urged the commenter to stop making “the dumbest stuff” about her physique. England World Cup champion Ellie Kildunne recently opened up about her own battles with body dysmorphia. In her autobiography *Game Changer*, she recounts how the COVID‑19 lockdown triggered disordered eating and unhealthy weight loss.
Kildunne told BBC Sport that she would over‑exercise when she couldn’t control her diet, describing a vicious cycle of trying to become “a little bit smaller” while simultaneously chasing an impossible standard of thinness. She reflected, “In rugby I’m considered small, but outside the sport I was seen as big, so I never felt comfortable anywhere.” Tennis world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka has faced criticism for her heavy social‑media presence, yet her record—four Grand Slam titles and 23 WTA singles crowns—leaves little doubt about her focus on the court.
Sabalenka, who boasts 4.9 million Instagram followers and 1.3 million on TikTok, says she shares her life online to reveal the person behind the aggressive on‑court persona. “I look really aggressive when I play, and I can’t watch myself,” she explained ahead of the Wuhan Open.
“I wanted to connect with people, feel support in the stadiums, and show who Aryna really is.” At the recent Miami Open, Sabalenka admitted growing weary of online toxicity: “I see more negative than positive about myself. People are just being rude and mean, and it’s not worth reading.” Her honesty underscores the broader issue of how digital harassment can erode confidence in young athletes.
These stories raise an important question: what message does this send to aspiring sportswomen? Kirby is determined that body‑image concerns should never deter girls from chasing sporting excellence.
She highlights the rise of nutritionists in women’s football as a key factor in educating players about proper fueling. In December, the Women’s Super League partnered with The Well HQ and Subway to produce pioneering guidance on female‑focused nutrition, emphasizing that elite performance requires elite dietary support.
Andy Hudson, Head of Performance Support for the WSL, explained, “We want to empower players and club staff to understand the role of nutrition and how proper fueling can boost performance. This knowledge can also benefit society at large, whether a professional athlete or a recreational player.” General dietary recommendations suggest an average man needs about 2,500 kcal per day, while an average woman requires roughly 2,000 kcal, though individual needs vary based on age, weight, height and activity level.
Kirby reflected on how far the game has progressed: “When I started, research was mostly about men’s sport and we tried to apply that to women. Now we have nutritionists dedicated to women’s sport, which is vital because many young girls don’t know how many calories, carbs or proteins they should consume.” She stressed that proper fueling is essential for sustaining a 90‑minute match, recovering for training, and repeating the cycle.
Yet some athletes, especially younger ones, fear eating enough because they worry about feeling heavy or looking “big” in their kit. Kirby argued that as the women's game gains media exposure, the focus should shift from appearance to performance. “As long as you’re playing well, it shouldn’t matter how you look,” she concluded. By sharing their experiences and advocating for better nutrition, mental‑health support, and respectful media coverage, Kirby, Maher, Kildunne, Sabalenka and many others are paving the way for a future where athletes are judged on talent and effort, not on the shape of their bodies.