Women’s place among PSG ultras grows, progress clear but barriers remain | OneFootball

Women are slowly winning space among PSG’s ultras, with some travelling to Budapest for Saturday’s Champions League final against Arsenal at 18:00.

Processions of Paris ultras, powerful chants and flares are expected around the Puskas Arena. L'Équipe notes such scenes are now a hallmark of PSG’s European trips.

Among thousands, only a few dozen will be women. Nicolas Hourcade, a sociologist, says studies put female ultras at 10-20%, citing masculine codes and easier entry for men, while women often question their legitimacy.

PSG declined to share figures, but the Collectif Ultras Paris says women are increasingly present and treated no differently, adding that attracting more shows they feel comfortable.

Even so, the most visible roles largely remain male. Hourcade notes there are very few female capos or banner carriers, with many women instead taking on budgets, social work and banner design.

A veteran of the Auteuil end says her arrival in the early 2000s surprised many and some talk felt closed, prompting some women to adopt perceived masculine codes in dress, talk and drinking. She adds it is still a male world, but it feels more natural now.

Hourcade sees a shift over the past 10 years, with women having to prove themselves and reject the stereotype of attending to admire players, helped by the Me Too wave. PSG says it is ahead with a female supporter liaison, and the CUP ran a Her Game Too workshop for about 30 members, adding a QR code for reporting and designated contacts.

Source: L'Équipe