In celebration of International Women’s Day, Ambassador Niculin Jaeger, Consul General of Switzerland in New York, hosted an inspiring evening with Tatjana Haenni, a trailblazer in women’s soccer. The event explored the evolution of the sport, the challenges faced, and the exciting future that lies ahead.
Tatjana Haenni has dedicated her entire career to advancing women’s soccer – and she’s far from done. From her remarkable journey as a former Swiss national team player, she became the first employee at UEFA solely focused on women’s soccer, before leading the Women’s Football Department at FIFA for nearly two decades. Since 2020, she has also been the first woman on the management board of the Swiss Football Association. Today, she serves as Chief Sporting Director of the U.S. National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), the most successful women’s soccer league in the world.
The evening’s discussion delved into key topics surrounding women’s sports, equality, and both the struggles and triumphs the sector has experienced. The conversation began with an excerpt from the new documentary Copa71. The film offers a powerful and eye-opening portrayal of the long and challenging journey of women’s soccer, highlighting the resilience and determination required to overcome societal barriers.
In a conversation with Rosina Colazzo-Franzese, Lead Communications Officer at the Consulate General, Haenni shared her personal journey – from playing in an era without dedicated girls’ teams to now helping build structures that ensure future generations of women have opportunities to succeed. Reflecting on her managerial roles, she noted, “I always tried to put up structures to ensure sustainable growth – where a solid foundation allows for continuous expansion.” Haenni emphasized that her focus was less on her own career and more on advancing women’s soccer and creating lasting opportunities for women within the sport. Discussing mentorship, equal opportunities, and professionalization, she stressed the need for targeted investment in women’s sports. She highlighted the importance of youth development programs and independent structures that can drive revenue. With women’s soccer, along with women’s sports in general, being among the fastest-growing sectors with immense potential, investing in these areas seems like the natural focus for long-term success.
Haenni also outlined how UEFA Women’s Euro 2025, hosted in Switzerland, is set to be a catalyst for growth and cultural change. With increasing visibility, commercial opportunities, and a growing fan base, women’s soccer continues its rapid ascent. As the evening came to a close, the excitement surrounding the future of women’s soccer was palpable. With the NWSL season set to begin on March 14, the momentum for women’s sports is only growing. And for those looking to enjoy a summer of great soccer, there’s no better opportunity than the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025, hosted in Switzerland from July 2 to 27 – an exciting event that offers the perfect excuse to experience the beauty of Switzerland while enjoying top-level competition.
