New Zealand’s Ali Riley, left, and team coach Jitka Klimkova attend a press conference at the Eden Park in Auckland on 19 July, 2023, ahead of the Women’s World Cup football tournament. Photo: AFP
New Zealand's Football Ferns may be out of the World Cup, but they certainly made a splash in the pool matches.
Captain Ali Riley's footwork was not the only thing she got noticed for during the games - she also made a statement with her nails.
She had painted each nail a different colour, one hand rainbow and the other in the colours of the trans pride flag as a political statement about inclusion.
Other players made similar statements, with South Africa's Thembi Kgatlana spraying a rainbow design into her hair.
The moves came after controversy around symbols of inclusion at the event.
At the Men's World Cup last year, teams were banned from wearing an inclusion armband which featured rainbow colours.
For the Women's World Cup, FIFA would only allow a white band celebrating inclusion for all, but Riley said that did not go far enough.
She said the issue was important, so she made the decision to show her support another way.
"When I have a lot of the eyes of not only the nation but the whole world on me for these small moments, I want to make sure that people know they're seen and they're supported, and they're loved."
Rainbow advocacy group InsideOut Managing Director Tabby Besley said Riley had taken a powerful stand.
"It sends a really strong message of support and inclusion for rainbow communities, particularly at a time where globally our communities are under attack."
The nails certainly made an impact on the internet.
Hollywood actress Jennifer Garner spoke of her support for Riley's decision, and social media users were excited by the move too.
Riley learned how her nails impacted people when a parent contacted her to say their child's mental health improved after seeing her nails.
"She painted her nails the same as mine and is doing a lot better now.
"When I got that message, it just put everything into perspective, it motivated me to continue to use my platform and that, you know, a loss in a soccer game isn't the end of the world, and if I can really make a positive impact on people's lives that's all that matters to me."
FIFA, so far, hasn't budged on allowing greater support from players for symbols of inclusion.
Riley hopes the organisation will change its tune, meeting with captains ahead of future events and allowing more personal freedom on the field.
As for this tournament, the round of 16 portion of the World Cup will begin on Saturday when Switzerland plays Spain and Japan plays Norway.
