Nadine Kessler: “It was by far the best female euro in history”

What impressed you the most during this Euro 2025?

To see again the craze that our sport can create. In addition, the way it can conquer the hearts of so many people. Consequently, In Switzerland, a country where women’s football is traditionally not very anchored, but also throughout Europe. Nevertheless, It is totally new for us to see so many fans travel for their national team.

We are very happy with these crowds and these full stages. In addition, But also the level of football we saw during this tournament, the matches were exciting. In addition, Honestly. However, it was sometimes nervously complicated for me, with tense games that made me go to bed late at night (Editor’s note: nadine kessler: “it far best she smiles).

You have almost reached the announced goal of having all the stages at closed counters. Similarly, Is this a clear signal for the development of women’s football?

Filling a stadium during the opening match, during the final or for the host nation matches, it’s quite easy. Furthermore, During Euro 2022, in England, the average crowd in stadiums, without the host country, was 14,000 spectators. Furthermore, There, we will reach 21,000 people. For example, It is for me the clearest sign of growth. Meanwhile, Fans coming from abroad bought around 233,000 tickets to support their team in Switzerland! Therefore, We have announced a lot of records, but what to remember is the interest in the game.

How do you judge Switzerland as a host country?

Switzerland was a perfect host. In addition, I am not nadine kessler: “it far best Swiss. Consequently, but I had tears in my eyes several times by observing this connection between the players and their country. Moreover, To also see all the talents who have proven to be. However, Several of these players had never evolved at such a level and they achieved incredible performances. In addition, Switzerland and women’s football go perfectly. Moreover, This is what your country has proven to the world. Therefore, And it is very touching to have been able to feel the people so excited. Similarly, excited by their national team.

What was different from other editions?

The biggest difference, in my opinion, is the degree of interest of the public. Furthermore, During the last euro. in England, barely 17% of fans had come from other countries, it is more than double this year. The media coverage was excellent and the television audiences will exceed 500 million viewers. Few sporting events have such a scope! As a player (Editor’s note: European champion 2013)I am also amazed by the fact that the public talks about women’s football. analyzes the performance of the players, their characteristics, etc.

This was not the case when I joined UEFA and followed Euro 2017. This is the best compliment that can be received. Look, I have goosebumps just talking about it (Editor’s note: she shows her arm). During my career, this lack of recognition was most difficult to live.

Was it the best female euro nadine kessler: “it far best in history?

Yes, it was by far the best female Euro in history! The Swiss can be really proud. The figures prove it. Additionally, The emotions also conveyed. I have no doubt, Switzerland will capitalize on this heritage. And this euro will give an impetus in different European countries and their national championships.

Several countries were new in the tournament, others were further than expected. What is development in Europe?

It is positive to have had two beginners at the Euro. with Wales and Poland who scored their first goals and points. Within the European top 20, level differences are always tightening more. I hope this is also linked to the introduction of the League of Nations and its new qualification system.

Countries like Turkey, Croatia or Serbia, present during male euros, are absent from Euro nadine kessler: “it far best 2025. Is there a potential in the East?

Certainly, and we will work very hard to develop women’s football in this region too. It is true that the teams present at the female euro are different from those of the male euro. But there are also Eastern teams who have participated regularly, such as Russia. Ukraine, the Czech Republic and Serbia have almost qualified for Euro 2025. Many countries are improving and investing more.

Despite this popular and media success, UEFA expects losses of 20 to 25 million euros for this 2025 edition. How do you explain it?

I prefer to talk about investment rather than losses. Because if we had not decided to increase the prize money by 156%, the tournament would have been profitable. We wanted to give more money to federations, players and clubs. And this figure of 20 nadine kessler: “it far best to 25 million will be less important than expected. thanks to the excellent ticketing figures and operational efficiency gains. I insist. it is really an investment on the part of the UEFA, so that the game is developing and that we can speak of return on investment later.

The next euro, in 2029, will be profitable?

Yes, it will be. This is the goal. This step more will make more respect for our sport by showing that it is not only beautiful. but also viable as a business.

You have headed the UEFA female football strategy for several years. What are the main changes you have observed?

Almost everything has changed: interest, higher standards, respect for the game and the discussions surrounding it. Physically, it has nothing to do with it. But tactically too, there are nadine kessler: “it far best more variations in the game systems. Technically. the players are better, we feel in all areas that they have become professional and that they do nothing else. Today. women’s football has established itself as an essential element of football as a whole, it is no longer a addition but a vital part of this sport, which continues to attract new audiences.

Many young girls have followed Euro 2025 and dream of now. What message would you like to send them?

That everything is possible provided you believe in yourself. I think it’s the key message. Go ahead, it’s nadine kessler: “it far best possible now! You can do whatever you want and delight your future.

Your prognosis for the Euro final this Sunday?

I will give you a fairly formal answer, because my function requires me to be neutral (Editor’s note: she smiles). The two best teams are there, it’s a remake of the final of the last World Cup. The English seem to have a job to finish, they showed an extraordinary mind. But the Spaniards probably have the most dominant team in recent years and it will be a tight match.

Beyond the final, what are your priorities to maintain the momentum generated by this euro?

One of the key areas of our “UNSToppable” strategy for the next six years will be to help the national championships to develop more. on the sporting and commercial levels. And nadine kessler: “it far best of course. to use our club competitions, the Champions League, which will be more widely broadcast, but also the Europa Cup, which we will introduce to stimulate the growth of our sport.

More teams will be able to experience a European adventure. Football is played out in clubs. you have to help the championships to develop and attract people every week, create enthusiasm. In Switzerland, for example, the objective is to double the number of spectators in the first division. I am convinced that this country has the potential.

Will the 2025 edition of the Euro be the last on “human scale”?

The trend clearly goes to larger stadiums for women’s football. We have filled them and have to place a new bar, because there is potential to do even better. I hope. however, that we will keep this human side, it nadine kessler: “it far best is our main asset, so it would be a shame to move away from it.

Men’s football is sometimes the victim of its excesses. How can the female version protect itself from it?

By being perfectly aware of what makes us unique. We must stay ourselves, keep this fair play on the field that characterizes us. Like the Spanish hedge of honor to the Swiss after the quarter -final, which moved me a lot. And then hold. for example: there was no yellow card for simulation, that six warnings for players who spoke to the referees. It is important that these values continue.