Why these women fell in love with football (and it had nothing to do with the players)

Catherine Robert, Mediacorp Personality

From curious bystander to die-hard Spurs fan

This radio deejay’s love for football began out of curiosity. Growing up in a household of devoted Tottenham Hotspur supporters, Catherine Robert was fascinated by how a single match could transform the mood at home. Watching her father pace anxiously around the living room and her brother sit in tense silence during games, she wanted to understand what made the sport so emotionally gripping. What started as a series of questions soon turned into a passion of her own, and before long, she was just as invested in every Spurs victory and defeat as the rest of her family.

That emotional connection is also why the World Cup resonates so deeply with her. While the tournament is often defined by trophies and superstar players, it is the human stories that leave the greatest impression. One moment that stood out was 40-year-old Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha making his World Cup debut and helping his team hold Spain to a draw. His emotional reaction at the final whistle was a powerful reminder that football is about far more than winning. Having once contemplated retirement, he chose to keep going because he believed in his country's dream of reaching the world's biggest stage. For Catherine, stories like these capture the true spirit of football - not just glory and silverware, but resilience, hope and the power of believing in something bigger than yourself.

Have you ever felt underestimated as a football fan because you’re a woman?

Definitely! Most people thought I was merely looking at who’s hot and who’s not and decided from there who I supported. It wasn’t until we actually talked football then, most of the time, you see a realisation on their face that it was a lot more than just the hot bods for me. 

What keeps you coming back to the beautiful game?

It’s a bit of everything. It’s the tumultuous journey of every team (I’m convinced Spurs fans have it the worst), the stories of the players, the game itself, and the sense of community and camaraderie. Together, they paint a bigger picture of what football is all about.

I’ve had the privilege of watching Spurs play at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and the atmosphere of sitting among 60,000 fellow supporters cheering for one team is unrivalled. When I attended a match in May this year, Spurs were at risk of relegation, and the collective energy in the stadium as fans rallied behind the team was something words can hardly describe. It was loud, emotional and unforgettable. Fun fact: Spurs did not get relegated!

Who are you rooting for at the World Cup?

I don’t think I have a particular favourite team but historically, I’ve always liked the way Brazil play their football. It’s fluid and has so much attacking flair. And sometimes you don’t see what’s coming and that, to me, is the best part. The creativity is almost instinctive and there’s always an element of surprise. It keeps football exciting! 

Which football nation would you most love to experience a World Cup match with in person?

Brazil for sure! The football’s amazing but the fans are even better. There’s always an intense passion for the game and it seems like they have a knack for creating a party atmosphere that’s deeply rooted in music and dance wherever they go! Supporting their football team isn’t a hobby or something they do in their free time… it’s their identity! And that’s what I love.

Priscille Le Helloco, Winger, Lion City Sailors Womens

Her constant across every chapter

Football has always been Priscille Le Helloco’s safe place—a constant through every country she has lived in and every stage of her life. It is where she goes to switch off, clear her head and simply be herself. The sense of community, the stories behind the players, and the connections forged through the sport have only deepened that bond. In Singapore, football has even become a gateway to discovering new cultures, traditions and experiences through her Lion City Sailors teammates.

That lifelong connection began with her older brother. Growing up, she looked up to him and spent countless weekends watching his matches, captivated by the atmosphere, competition and excitement of game day. What started as a desire to follow in his footsteps soon became a passion of her own. That passion only deepened during the 2014 FIFA World Cup, when she became obsessed with collecting Panini stickers and following every match. Watching the tournament unfold with her family, she was struck by the sense of unity and excitement it generated around the world. It’s an experience that cemented her lifelong love for the game.

Have you ever felt underestimated as a football fan because you’re a woman?

Absolutely. Growing up, I often felt that when a man said he supported a football team, people would simply accept it and move on. But when a woman said the same thing, it was often followed by questions like, “Name three players” or “Who’s the manager?” as though she had to prove her knowledge before being taken seriously. It felt like there was an extra test that women were expected to pass that men weren’t.

Over time, I learned not to let those comments bother me. Instead of trying to convince people, I focused on enjoying the sport and continuing to learn and grow within the game. My experience as a player has taught me that passion and knowledge speak for themselves.

Who are you rooting for at the World Cup?

Without a doubt, the France national football team. While I’ve lived in Asia for most of my life, I’ve always been incredibly proud of where I come from, and any opportunity to support my home country is something I cherish. Supporting France is one of the ways I stay connected to my roots, especially while living so far away.

There’s something special about watching your country compete on football’s biggest stage. It makes you feel connected to millions of people sharing that same sense of pride, no matter where they are in the world. For me, supporting France is about much more than football — it’s a way of staying connected to home.

Which football nation would you most love to experience a World Cup match with in person?

I’ve been lucky enough to experience big matches surrounded by the French community, so if I were to choose a new experience, I’d probably say Brazil. The passion Brazilians have for football is something I’ve always admired. Football seems to be such an integral part of their culture and identity, and the love and reverence they have for the World Cup is incredible. From the atmosphere in the stands to the celebrations in the streets, everything feels larger than life. I think experiencing a World Cup match alongside Brazilian fans would be unforgettable and would give me a completely different perspective on what football means to people around the world.

What would you say to young girls who dream of playing football?

Don’t let anyone tell you what you can or cannot achieve because you’re a girl. Football belongs to everyone. It has given me some of the best experiences, friendships and memories of my life, and it all started because I simply loved playing. Focus on enjoying the game, working hard and staying true to yourself. Passion and perseverance will take you much further than you think. The people who achieve their dreams are often the ones who keep going when it would have been easier to stop.

Shazrina Shamsuddin, Lifestyle Editor, Her World

A slow-burn love affair

Football wasn’t love at first sight for Her World’s Lifestyle Editor, Shazrina Shamsuddin - it was a passion that grew over time. Growing up, she was surrounded by the sport, with local Singapore league matches often playing in the background at home. What began as casual interest soon developed into something deeper, particularly during the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Supporting the Netherlands throughout the tournament, Shazrina found herself captivated by the drama, emotion and global excitement of the competition. Inspired by the tournament, she even joined her school’s football team, and since then, the sport has taken her from local pitches to stadiums around the world, cementing football as a lifelong passion.

Have you ever felt underestimated as a football fan because you’re a woman?

Honestly, yes—for many years. I grew up surrounded by male friends who were die-hard football fans, and simply expressing an interest in the sport often felt like I had to justify myself. Whenever I joined a conversation about football, especially with the guys, it would sometimes turn into a quiz, as though they were testing whether I actually knew what I was talking about rather than simply having a discussion. After a while, I stopped feeling the need to prove anything. Instead, I chose to enjoy the game on my own terms, watching matches at home where I could fully immerse myself in the sport without feeling judged.

What keeps you coming back to the beautiful game?

For me, it’s really the game itself, combined with the people I get to share it with. For a long time, my mum was the only person I watched football with. But once I found my current group of friends, that love for the sport grew even stronger. Whether we were catching live matches at the stadium or gathering at the community centre to watch together, football became one of my favourite ways to connect with people.

In many ways, it feels more meaningful than simply meeting up for a meal. Whether it’s the Singapore Premier League or the World Cup, football has given me a genuine sense of community and belonging.

Is there a particular World Cup moment that you’ll never forget?

Robin van Persie’s iconic “Flying Dutchman” diving header against Spain at the 2014 World Cup, hands down. I’d been a fan of his since his Manchester United days, which was part of the reason I was supporting the Netherlands at the time. Watching that goal unfold live, surrounded by others equally transfixed by the match, was one of those rare, jaw-dropping moments that has stayed with me ever since. It was the kind of goal that reminded everyone why the World Cup is so special.

Which football nation would you most love to experience a World Cup match with in person?

My favourite World Cup team is Spain. I enjoy watching a number of teams, but Spain is the one I find myself supporting the most. A big part of that is Lamine Yamal. Watching his rise has been incredible—he plays with a confidence, energy and maturity that are rare for someone his age. He already has a real presence on the pitch, and I’d love the chance to watch him play live one day and say I witnessed the start of what promises to be an extraordinary career.