Gamechangers: Anita Asante on Becoming The Person She's Always Wanted To Be

To celebrate Black History Month, GIRLACTICO and Kick It Out caught up with some of the incredible women making waves across football, culture and beyond. Together, we talked about what this month means to them, from their careers and identity to what they hope to see in the future.

For Volume 2, we sat down with Anita Asante.

Anita Asante’s decorated career began at Arsenal, where she was central to a historic era, most famously lifting 13 trophies, including the domestic quadruple and the historic 2006–07 UEFA Women's Champions League. As vice-captain, she helped the Gunners become the first and only English side to conquer Europe. A true pioneer of the global game, Asante's career took her across continents. After spells in the United States and Sweden, where she added more domestic titles to her resume, she returned to England to win two Women’s Super League (WSL) titles with Chelsea.

On the international stage, Asante earned 71 senior caps for the Lionesses, featuring prominently at the 2009 UEFA Euros and the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, before representing Great Britain at the 2012 London Olympics. Cementing her legacy as a cornerstone of English football, she was rightfully awarded FA Legacy Number 152.

Since hanging up her boots, Asante has embraced a plethora of paths within the industry: a broadcaster, coach, and activist. Retiring at Aston Villa in 2022, she was inducted into the WSL Hall of Fame in 2023 and developed a coaching career with Bristol City and England U23s. Her footballing experience and success has made her a great asset in punditry, covering major tournaments for the BBC, Sky Sports, ITV, and DAZN. Away from the pitch, she is an advocate for diversity and equal opportunity, working with Amnesty International and Show Racism the Red Card as she continues to inspire others through her glistening career and motivational speaking.

Credit: AVFC

GIRLACTICO: When you were growing up, who were the black footballers or sports people you looked up to and why?

Anita Asante: When I was growing up the black athletes and role models I looked up to were the Williams sisters, Denise Lewis and Rachel Yankey. The one thing they all have in common is they were and are unapologetically themselves. I was captivated by their talent, but also their speed, strength, power and technical abilities within their sports where they were the best. All very different in stature and body type but made me feel that different body types could exist in the sport. 

GIRLACTICO: What does it mean to you to be part of a generation that has helped raise the visibility of women’s football and paved the way for the next generation? And particularly for black girls, who may only recently have started to see themselves represented in the game, how important is it to you to be that role model?

Anita Asante: I take immense pride and responsibility in the role I have played as part of a generation that has helped young black girls feel more visible, and able to strive towards their own dreams. I’ve been able to play football, the sport I love as a result of really good family support, coaches and mentors at a time where infrastructure and resource was limited. I embrace being a role model because if I’m able to just inspire and impact one young person, I hope they become the next generation of leaders that continue to shape a world where everyone feels valued and included.

Credit: Arsenal.com

GIRLACTICO: What do you think has changed most in football since you started, and what still needs to change?

Anita Asante: I think the most profound transformation in women’s football has been the cultural shift in public perception. There has been a significant rise in participation in grassroots football and schools (PE) and the number of professional players, plus more visibility across media platforms. The areas that we still need further development in, are purpose built physical infrastructure, more diverse representation across the games ecosystem and medical research tailored to women.

GIRLACTICO: You've never been afraid to speak about issues beyond football. Where did that confidence to use your voice come from?

Anita Asante: I view and value myself as more than a former footballer, I am a mum, daughter, sister and live and work within a community of people. I wouldn’t be human if I  was never afraid to use my voice and speak about issues beyond football. But, over time I have learned the value of speaking up far outweighs any fears I may have had. My profession as a footballer gave me a platform and having that platform is a privilege, so to not use it to spark and raise awareness, create public dialogue and elevate issues into public consciousness beyond football, would feel like an opportunity missed. 

GIRLACTICO: And finally, what are you most proud of that isn't necessarily written on your football CV?

Anita Asante: I’m most proud of becoming a person I’ve always wanted to be. A person that values  family, friendship and connection with people within and beyond the game. Someone who found mental liberation from the confines of societal norms to live and love authentically, creating the chosen family I feared I would never have.

Credit: Getty Images