A Highly Anticipated Opening Clash

One of the standout matchups at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 is set to open the tournament: England vs France. This much-anticipated face-off brings together two football powerhouses. The Lionesses, crowned champions in 2022, aim to defend their title, while Les Bleues—who fell in the semi-finals last time—are eager for redemption under new head coach Laurent Bonadei.

France, considered one of the favorites for this year’s title, will play in Group D alongside the Netherlands and Wales. Their campaign kicks off with their high-profile clash against England on July 5.

Greater LGBTQ+ Visibility in Women’s Football

Women’s professional football continues to outpace its male counterpart when it comes to LGBTQ+ representation. Many openly LGBTQ+ athletes shine on the global stage. England boasts high-profile players such as Lucy Bronze, Jess Carter, Lauren Hemp, and Beth Mead. France also features several LGBTQ+ players, though often under less media spotlight.

Pauline Peyraud-Magnin: A Trailblazer in LGBTQ+ Visibility

Pauline Peyraud-Magnin made history as the first French international footballer to come out publicly. With 64 caps for the national team, the goalkeeper currently plays for Juventus in Italy. In 2020, during her time at Atlético Madrid, she casually shared a photo on Instagram with her partner Camille.

“It was spontaneous,” she explains. “I didn’t post it thinking about the possible reactions. That wasn’t the goal.” One message, in particular, stood out to her—a heartfelt note from a South American fan expressing how difficult it was to live openly as LGBTQ+ in her home country. “It reminded us of how lucky we are,” said Peyraud-Magnin.

Constance Picaud: Balancing Football and Family

Fellow goalkeeper Constance Picaud, with 13 appearances for France, publicly announced her marriage to a woman via Instagram in 2021. Since then, the couple has shared glimpses of their life—from sunny vacations to cozy evenings with their dog, Simba.

In 2024, they welcomed their daughter, Anaë. During Picaud’s signing event with Fleury, little Anaë was in the spotlight herself, sitting grandly in a regal chair as her mother shook hands with club officials.

Sandie Toletti: Quiet Strength On and Off the Pitch

Midfielder Sandie Toletti, who has 68 national caps and plays for Real Madrid, is another LGBTQ+ player in the French squad. She was romantically linked to Swiss defender Viola Calligaris. For over two years, the pair shared numerous photos on social media, though they never made their relationship official to the public.

Toletti also represented France at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, adding further accolades to her sporting achievements.

Maëlle Lakrar: A Love Story Across Borders

Defender Maëlle Lakrar, also playing for Real Madrid and capped 29 times for France, began her professional career at just 15. She is currently in a relationship with Marie Levasseur, a Canadian footballer who plays for Montpellier. The couple recently posted a vacation photo captioned, “Far apart, close at heart.”

A Tournament Championing Diversity

The UEFA Women’s Euro 2025, taking place from July 2 to 27, once again showcases the strength of diversity and inclusion in women’s football. With a proudly visible LGBTQ+ presence, the French squad exemplifies how equality and acceptance belong at the highest levels of sport.

Latest News