“A lot of people see athletes as robots” – Kirby on body image and abuse
“I've had comments where people said, 'Fran played really well, what a game, but she looks great today.' I ask myself, “Why is this comment necessary?” It shouldn’t matter what body shape I have.
Chelsea and England midfielder Fran Kirby, 30, first raised questions about “stigma.” The issue in November was about nutrition in women's football and the pressure on players over their “weight and how we look on TV”, which she said is linked to the sport's growing profile.
Chelsea manager at the time Emma Hayes praised Kirby for solving a “problem” of “malnutrition and overwork” that “comes with the constant demand to look a certain way and, unfortunately, with a hateful environment created by social media.”
Speaking to ` Sport, midfielder Kirby said: “I've read things about myself and I think: 'Oh, really, do people think of me like that?'” Or: “Do I really look like that?” It still affects me, but I can handle it better.
“It's really important to emphasize that of course we are professional athletes and we need to be fit to play our sport, but body shape doesn't determine whether you're fit enough. A lot of people see athletes as robots.”
“I was at the receiving end of the comments and so were my teammates. It's a problem, but I don't think it's just a women's football problem. I think it’s bigger than that.”
Kirby has struggled with injuries and illnesses throughout her career and was diagnosed with one Heart disease in 2020 before knee surgery is required, to exclude her from the 2023 Women's World Cupand she says that's why she's received comments about her weight.
“When you come back from an injury, you’re not going to be in the best shape of your life,” Kirby said.
“After my heart disease a few years ago, things were pretty difficult for me. I was out for a while and gained some weight because I couldn't do anything physically.
“It's not like we train for a week and suddenly you're completely fit and ready to go. It was hard reading those comments.”
“It shouldn’t matter what body shape you have”
Fran Kirby started every game for England at Euro 2022 as they won the tournament on home soil
Kirby says she is “no longer afraid” to bring up these topics now that she is an experienced international player, and although it hasn't been easy, she has found ways to deal with it.
“I've been around long enough to have suffered abuse myself as a child and seeing it on social media – but you don't get used to it and there are still things you read,” she said.
“A younger player who pushes through and maybe gets comments like that could end up not eating and having to compete at a high level. You can see his performance declining and it’s really affecting him.”
“I thought it was important for people to realize that body shape shouldn't be an issue as long as you're fit, able to play your sport at the highest level and consistently perform well.”
Kirby has received messages from other players expressing concerns about their teammates who they believe are struggling with body image issues.
She says: “There is no one answer” to how to deal with this as “everyone is different”, but it is important that they receive support.
“It's about recognizing when someone is going through it and not taking control of the situation, but helping them and guiding them,” Kirby said. “I've had conversations with players I know and said, 'Well, you have to eat this.'
“I know when I've tried to not put in as much energy and it's affected how I perform and how I feel. So I just tried to give as much guidance as possible. The older and more mature players are definitely capable of doing that.
“I saw something there Emma [Hayes] talked about women empowering themselves. It was so meaningful to me because when your manager comes out and says it…”
“I had no pain – it was a relief”
Fran Kirby's recent knee injury meant she was unable to take part in last summer's Women's World Cup, when England reached the final in Sydney
Kirby's struggles with injuries and illness have not hindered her successful career.
She said: “It’s not easy but my youngest [knee injury] was probably the easiest way to come back from because once I had surgery I was no longer in pain. That in itself was a relief.
“Of course it's not a nice feeling at all to miss a World Cup. I was super proud of watching the girls, but there was always this feeling inside of me, I wish you were there.”
“But I made a decision very early on [after the surgery] that I wouldn't let it influence me. I didn't feel like it would do me any good.
“It was still hard. I'm not going to sit here and say that it was the best time of my life when I was rehabbing during the World Cup – because that wasn't the case. But I tried to stay in a good mental state.”
“I wanted to be ready for the start of the season and doing that was worth it.”
“I still feel like I have a lot to give”
Fran Kirby remained fit in the first half of the season and was back playing for England in October
Kirby's goal for the rest of the season is simple: stay fit. The winner of Euro 2022 has been available for every game of this campaign so far.
She admits to being “frustrated” with her body in the past, but believes her love of the game keeps her going.
“You wonder how often you can go through something. It's never easy. I also feel frustrated with my body and its limitations,” she added.
“Playing football is something I still enjoy. I still have that really competitive nature in me. I’ll keep playing until this wears off.”
“I remember coming against Tottenham at Stamford Bridge and hear the crowd. Hearing that meant knowing what I had done and that I was valued.”
Kirby has six months left on his contract with Chelsea – so what are her plans for the future?
“At the moment there have been no discussions between me and the club. I want to keep playing football and keep playing football at a high level,” she said.
“I still feel like I have a lot to give no matter where I am, whether at Chelsea or elsewhere. But I love the club. I’ve been here a long time and have great friendships with players and staff.”
“I still want to be competitive and play consistently, so obviously that’s a decision that has to be made.”
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