During a recent podcast appearance, Lena Oberdorf, the 23-year-old midfielder for Bayern Munich and the German national team, voiced her strong disapproval of how female footballers are often portrayed on social media, particularly on TikTok. Her outspoken comments shed light on the persistent sexism and sexualization faced by women athletes, underscoring the need for cultural change within the sports community.
Oberdorf, who has gained recognition as one of the leading talents in women's football, explained how after every game, she is met with numerous edits of her moments on the pitch, often accompanied by suggestive music. "When I go onto TikTok after games, I see hundreds of edits. When I lift my shirt to wipe the sweat, the result is five edits with sexy music," she stated. This troubling trend of editing has not only invaded her professional life but also forced her to reconsider her actions during games.
Her comments illuminate how this culture of sexualization impacts athletes' behavior and mental state on the field. She admitted to feeling the pressure to alter simple, natural gestures for fear of being sexualized. "Sometimes, when I’m lying on the ground, I think: ‘This is an unfavorable position’. We don't fall down because we want to, it’s to keep playing. This has become a problem for me... Because many people zoom in when you’re lying down," she expressed, articulately framing the discomfort many female players encounter.
Oberdorf also recounted an incident where she observed inappropriate behavior from spectators: "Once, I saw a video of a guy sitting in the stands at Wolfsburg zooming in on his phone as the players were stretching." This example starkly highlights how the privacy of female athletes is often disregarded, reducing them to mere objects of scrutiny rather than celebrating their sporting prowess.
Despite these challenges, Oberdorf's football career continues to thrive. She began her professional pathway at SGS Essen before moving to Wolfsburg, where she amassed several titles and was acknowledged as the best young player of the UEFA Women's Champions League in the 2022/23 season. Recently, she transferred to Bayern Munich, marking one of the most significant moves within women's German football, though she is currently recovering from a severe knee injury.
Through her critiques, Oberdorf holds not only herself accountable but extends the conversation to the broader sports community, urging them to reflect on societal standards and practices surrounding women's sports. Her determination to advocate against sexism is both commendable and necessary as the football world continues to evolve.
Oberdorf’s voice is pivotal as she stands at the intersection of talent and activism. Given her achievements, including her participation in two World Cups, her perspective carries weight, and her commitment to addressing the cultural issues within sports may inspire change for future generations of female athletes.
By courageously stepping up to call out the uncomfortable realities of sexualization, Lena Oberdorf is not just advocating for herself but for all women who step onto the pitch, battling biases and striving for equality.