While the spotlight of the Women’s Champions League dazzles with sold-out stadiums and multimillion-view streams, the early rounds tell a different story—one of grit, imbalance, and quiet resilience.
Take ZNK Osijek. The Croatian champions punched above their weight last season, knocking out Spartak Myjava and Peamount United before falling to FC Twente. On paper, they shared the stage with Arsenal, Roma, and Real Madrid. In reality, they were worlds apart.
Players earned under €1,000 a month, many juggling second jobs—waitressing, youth coaching, even cleaning—to make ends meet. Injuries meant self-funded rehab. UEFA’s travel grants? Allegedly stretched thin, with players enduring multi-leg journeys across Europe that felt more budget backpacking than elite competition.
Yet Osijek’s women kept showing up. Winning. Competing. Representing.
In a tournament built on dreams, theirs remain the most fragile—and the most vital. Because if the Champions League is truly for champions, it must champion every player, not just the ones with private jets and physios on call.
