Beyond The Pitch

Ana Marković and the unseen Dedication of Women in Football

Have you ever wondered why women’s football doesn’t grab the headlines like the men’s game? Why do their matches often stay in the shadows, missing out on the buzz that surrounds men’s football?

In the heart of Zurich, a story is unfolding—one of courage, determination, and the will to overcome challenges. This is the journey of Ana Marković, a hardworking football player from the Grasshopper Zurich Club and the Croatian national team. In March 2023, Ana faced a setback in her football journey when she suffered a serious knee injury during a match, tearing her meniscus. This unfortunate incident required surgery, followed by a few months of rest. Despite the challenges, Ana eagerly anticipates her return to football, the sport she loves most. 

She longs for the adrenaline and the emotions that come with playing, whether it’s on the field or right before a game.

From the beginning of her career, Marković has faced inequality in the beautiful game—a struggle not hers alone. Stepping onto the training ground, she challenges the traditional narrative that has long overshadowed the contributions of women in football.

In every click through my lens, witness Ana’s relentless comeback grind. Let these snapshots convey the sweat and dedication fueling her journey back. Get ready to feel the hustle, revealing a story that transcends the boundaries of gender bias and goes beyond the pitch.

This isn’t your typical sports report; it’s a visual testament to the dedication, resilience, and sheer skill that women bring to the beautiful game. The goal here is not just scoring points on the field but smashing stereotypes off it. This photo report seeks to highlight the untold story of female athletes, exemplified by Ana, who demand recognition on the same stage as their male counterparts. It’s a celebration of talent, a challenge to preconceived notions, and a call to action for the sports world to acknowledge the undeniable power of women in football.

Ana Marković is not just a football player; she’s a pioneer, and this photo report is our collective call, saying, “It’s time to recognize and celebrate the remarkable women of football. Will you join us?”

Let’s get to know Ana

I had the privilege of chatting with Ana, delving into the chapters of her journey. Picture this: at 14, she made the switch from artistic gymnastics to football, stumbling upon a deep love for the beautiful game. Ana isn’t a stranger to the hurdles that women in football face—she’s navigating them firsthand. One significant privilege that men have in football is that they often don’t need a side job; they can make a living solely as football players. Unfortunately, this privilege is not as common for women in football. 

“I asked myself, what should I do in my life to earn money while also supporting women football players at the same time?” 

Confronted by this imbalance, she took matters into her own hands, turning to Instagram a few years ago to secure financial support. In a short span of two years, she accumulated an impressive three million followers.

Fighting the Fight !

“I began advocating for women’s rights in the football world, focusing on improving opportunities such as access to medical resources and physiotherapists. I even challenged my national team when we were forced to train in old men’s clothes, highlighting issues that denied us the recognition we deserved,” Ana mentioned.

“Some of the women in my national team even got injured because of our bad playfield conditions.”

It was a tale of inequality stitched into every seam. Ana, ever the vocal advocate, wasn’t having it. She stood up for her teammates and herself. And guess what? Persistence paid off. The women of the Croatian national team received the gear and a training ground that finally felt like their own. Talk about turning the tables! 

Yet, the media seems to skate past her intense training and dedication, opting instead to spotlight her physical appearance, naming her “the world’s sexiest football player.” This unfortunate twist in the narrative points to a more significant problem—the inclination to objectify women, overshadowing their hard work and accomplishments. 

What struck me most during our conversation was her palpable frustration when discussing the disparities, especially the glaring shortage of resources compared to men’s football. “I feel like us women worked so hard and got nothing in return. And this does demotivate you a little bit, you know. You put so much effort into something, train hard every single day and just get nothing in return.” She’s not just speaking on the matter; she’s practically radiating frustration. 

It’s downright maddening to think that women put in the same blood, sweat, and tears, train just as hard, yet find themselves on an unequal playing field when it comesx to recognition, rewards, and paycheck. Unfair, right?

Despite this, Ana takes advantage of her platform and embraces it to advocate for better resources and rights for women in football. She emphasizes the imperative need for equal access to essential amenities. 

Ana further highlighted the injustice women faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, where they were barred from attending training while their male counterparts were given priority. This blatant disparity raises the question – why must women be the ones to shout from the rooftops about these issues? Why can’t they simply receive the recognition and resources they deserve right from the starting line, just like their male counterparts? 

Ana believes in the hard work of women in football and urges more support and investment in their efforts. She consistently stands out as an exemplary figure in the world of women’s football, showcasing tremendous dedication and hard work.

Preparing for her comeback

Currently engaged in individual training sessions both in the gym and on the field, Ana is putting in the hard work every day as she aims for a comeback in January. She is immersed in a rigorous training program, partnering with her dedicated personal trainer to stage a triumphant return to the pitch. She passionately believes her trainer is the perfect match, consistently pushing her to her limits while providing invaluable support for her recovery journey. Despite the geographical distance—her trainer residing in Portugal—it’s like they’re training side by side, turning every workout into a step closer to her comeback on the pitch.

Through the magic of FaceTime, she seamlessly engages in workouts, soaking in every piece of advice and guidance he imparts. 

As she grinds through her training sessions in the gym, she navigates a dynamic routine featuring leg extensions, lunges, back squats, squat jumps over a box, step-ups, and running on the treadmill.

Her determination and dedication reflect her passion for the game, and she is eager to overcome the obstacles and return to the pitch stronger than ever. Her ongoing journey stands as a compelling illustration that women, like Ana, contribute equally to the world of football through their diligent work and commitment. 

It is hoped that as Ana strives for her comeback, her narrative becomes a catalyst for broader recognition of the efforts put forth by women in the football world, encouraging a more inclusive and equitable perspective within the sporting community.

Ana’s unwavering commitment speaks louder than any goal scored, urging a more inclusive and equitable stance within the sporting community. So, brace yourself for Ana’s resurgence, a testament to the resilience and contributions of women in the beautiful game. The pitch awaits, and so does the recognition she rightfully deserves. 

Will you be there to witness it?