Braving the Conversation
On The Tooney & Russo Show (on BBC Sounds), Lionesses Alessia Russo and Ella Toone opened up about a topic rarely discussed in public: pregnancy and career in women’s football. Both praised the FA and clubs’ improved maternity policies, acknowledging the progress made in recent years. Players and coaches are now entitled to 14 weeks’ maternity leave at full pay. But between the laughs and banter, a stark truth surfaced: many players still worry that having a baby might end their football careers.
Why It Matters
Pregnancy isn’t just a medical event; it’s a life-changing moment for athletes. Without robust maternity support, players face income loss, contract uncertainty, and extended time away from the team. Russo and Toone highlighted how forward-thinking clubs now offer:
- Paid maternity leave
- Rehabilitation and retraining programmes post-pregnancy
- Contract safeguards to protect returning players
These changes reflect a long overdue shift, but they’re not universal across clubs or countries.
What Russo & Toone Said
On the podcast, Russo expressed her relief:
“Knowing I won’t have to fight to get my spot back or lose my contract? That gives you peace of mind.”
Toone added how security “makes a world of difference”, but cautioned that many players without club resources still feel unsure about starting a family.
Still a Long Way to Go
- Uneven support: Not every WSL, NWSL, or domestic club offers maternity packages.
- Lack of awareness: Many players don’t know their rights until faced with pregnancy.
- Career fear: The risk of being dropped during maternity leave is a constant concern.
- Post-pregnancy return: Balancing rehab with coaching demands remains complex.
What Needs to Happen
- Standardised maternity policies across top leagues, including minimum paid leave.
- Education and legal advice on maternal rights for active players.
- Reintegration protocols with access to strength/conditioning staff and match fitness plans.
- Cultural shift toward actively encouraging parenthood among athlete role models.
More Than Just Maternity Leave
Pregnancy brings both physical and emotional challenges. And while recent policy shifts, like guaranteed paid leave, rehab support, and contract protection, are welcome, they aren’t always consistent across leagues. Russo noted that just knowing her contract wouldn’t be affected “gives you peace of mind,” while Toone acknowledged how much uncertainty still exists for many players in the game.
Notably, players like Elin Rubensson, who returned to training just two months after giving birth and went on to represent Sweden at Euro 2022, are demonstrating that motherhood doesn’t necessarily mean the end of a football career. Similarly, Melanie Leupolz came back from maternity leave to play for Chelsea and Germany, with support from pelvic-floor specialists and a tailored recovery plan. Their stories prove that, with the proper support, a return to top-level football is more than possible.
Final Take
Russo and Toone’s candid conversation did more than entertain — it sparked a meaningful spotlight on maternity in football. As their podcast goes global, it’s time for clubs, federations, and fans to listen and act.
Because in today’s women’s football world, having a baby shouldn’t mean ending a career.
Listen to the podcast in full here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0lccmsf
The Injury Times 
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