Footballers in same-sex relationships share their fertility journeys
Professional footballers open up about the complexities of family planning, fertility treatments, and balancing motherhood with their sporting careers.
Motherhood for professional athletes is complex, but for those in same-sex relationships, there are additional layers involving medical, financial, and regulatory considerations. Players from across the global game have shared their personal journeys, detailing the choices made regarding fertility treatments and the impact on their playing careers.
North Carolina Courage goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan utilized a co-IVF process, where her partner carried their child using Sheridan’s egg. The process required careful hormonal management, with Sheridan undergoing egg retrieval during a period that minimized disruption to her training and match schedule.
For others, such as Leicester City defender Ash Neville, the high cost of fertility services necessitated exploring alternative, self-arranged routes. These experiences highlight systemic inequities in access to reproductive care. However, organizations like the PFA are now forming partnerships with fertility providers to offer better education and support for both male and female players.
Career timing remains a pivotal factor in the decision of who carries the child. Tameka Yallop of Brisbane Roar explained that her career aspirations influenced her timing, noting that new regulations introduced by FIFA and FIFPRO—including 14 weeks of paid maternity leave—have significantly improved the landscape for mothers in the professional game.
Forward Shanice van de Sanden, who plays for PSV, emphasized the importance of legal protections when working with donors. For many players, the goal is to normalize these experiences, encouraging other couples to navigate the process with openness while making decisions that suit their own personal and professional circumstances.