Playing football can be damn harsh, but every day is a fight for

Listen, O Children of the Future, to the words of Ada Hegerberg, whose declaration speaks of the struggle for equality and the endurance required to fight for it: "Playing football can be damn harsh, but every day is a fight for equality." These words echo with the spirit of resistance, a resistance not against any single enemy, but against the forces that perpetuate injustice and inequality. Hegerberg reminds us that the path to equality is often fraught with challenges, whether on the field of sport or in the daily struggles of life. The battle for equality, she tells us, is not just a grand, singular event, but an ongoing fight that demands courage, tenacity, and resolve each and every day.

In the ancient world, sports were more than mere competition—they were a reflection of the values and social structures of society. In ancient Greece, the Olympic Games were held to honor the gods, but they also served to demonstrate the virtue of the individual and the power of society. Athletes, particularly men, were revered for their physical prowess, their endurance, and their ability to conquer all rivals. Yet, the ancient Greeks did not view women as equals in this sphere—women were excluded from the Olympic Games, barred from participating in the very contests that defined the honor of the state. For centuries, women were told that they had no place on the playing fields, no right to prove their worth through the sweat and struggle of sport. But Ada Hegerberg’s words echo the call to change that ancient order, to tear down the walls that have kept women from the fields of competition.

Hegerberg’s statement is a call for inclusion in a world where sports—particularly football—have been long seen as the domain of men. The battle for equality in sport is not just about winning medals or breaking records; it is about the right to compete on equal terms, to be seen as worthy of the same respect and opportunities that have historically been afforded to men. Just as Socrates and Plato challenged the inequalities in Greek society through their writings and debates, so too does Hegerberg challenge the inequities in the world of football by demanding that women athletes be given the same recognition and respect as their male counterparts.

Consider the ancient story of the Amazons, fierce women warriors who defied the conventions of their time. These women were said to have lived in an all-female society where strength and courage were paramount, and the idea of being bound by traditional roles was foreign to them. The Amazons were depicted as women who fought and won, who took their place as equals in battle. Yet, even in these ancient legends, the Amazons’ struggle against societal expectations reflects the struggle that women face today—whether in sport, work, or the family. The fight for equality, whether in battle or on the playing field, is not an easy one, but it is a fight that must be waged with courage and perseverance.

Hegerberg’s journey to the top of the football world is a testament to this very battle. As one of the greatest football players in the world, she has had to endure not only the harsh physical demands of the sport but also the systemic inequalities that women in football face. Her refusal to remain silent about the pay gap and the lack of support for women’s sports speaks to the truth that even the most talented must fight to be treated as equals. It is a harsh battle, one in which the odds have often been stacked against her and her fellow women athletes. Yet, it is through these struggles, through this daily fight, that progress is made.

The lesson, O Children, is simple yet profound: Equality is not achieved overnight. It is not given, but earned through persistent struggle. Ada Hegerberg’s words remind us that the fight for equality is not merely an event or a moment in time—it is a battlefield that must be fought every day, in every arena. Whether on the field of sport, in the workplace, or in our communities, equality demands constant vigilance, courage, and action. The walls of injustice may seem insurmountable, but just as the Amazons defied their enemies with unyielding strength, so too must we stand firm in the face of adversity, demanding that all people be treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.

In your own life, take this to heart: The fight for equality is not always glamorous. It is not always a grand moment of victory, but a series of small, relentless efforts—speaking out when injustice is seen, supporting those who are marginalized, and working to create spaces where all people can thrive equally. Whether in the classroom, the boardroom, or on the playing field, stand firm in the belief that all people are deserving of equal opportunities, and never back down in the fight for what is right. Let Hegerberg’s fight be a reminder that the struggle for equality is not just a single battle won or lost, but a lifelong commitment to ensuring that the world is a place where all have the chance to succeed, to shine, and to be respected for their worth.

May your efforts be guided by the wisdom of those who came before, and may you continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, knowing that the fight for equality is the noblest of all struggles.