The world of professional soccer is increasingly recognizing that parenthood and a thriving career don’t have to be mutually exclusive. Manchester United winger Celin Bizet Donnum is at the forefront of that shift, navigating pregnancy while maintaining her elite athletic status, and benefiting from a club culture that’s actively working to support its players through both. Her experience highlights a growing trend within the Women’s Super League (WSL) and beyond, where clubs are moving beyond basic maternity regulations to offer comprehensive support systems for expectant mothers.
Bizet Donnum’s story isn’t just about continuing a soccer career during pregnancy; it’s about redefining what’s possible for female athletes. It’s about challenging the historical expectation that women must choose between family and ambition. And it’s about the practical, often unseen, support that makes that choice less fraught with difficulty. The conversation around maternity standards in professional soccer has been gaining momentum, with organizations like FIFPro advocating for consistent and robust protections for players worldwide.
A Culture Shift at Manchester United
Manchester United has publicly emphasized a “culture change” aimed at empowering players to make informed decisions about family planning without fearing repercussions for their careers. This isn’t simply about adhering to WSL regulations – which, as of 2021, mandate 14 weeks of full pay for maternity leave – but about proactively removing barriers and providing holistic support. The club has implemented personalized plans encompassing nutrition, psychological wellbeing, physiotherapy, and even sleep support, all tailored to the needs of expectant mothers.
For Bizet Donnum, this support has been transformative. She’s been able to balance her training regimen (prior to pregnancy) with the demands of preparing for motherhood, and now, navigating the physical and emotional changes of pregnancy itself. Crucially, she’s similarly been granted “so much freedom” to spend time with her husband, a professional footballer who plays for Toulouse in France, allowing her to maintain a vital support network during this period. The ability to travel and be with family, a privilege not always afforded to athletes, speaks to the club’s commitment to her overall wellbeing.
The Unexpected Importance of Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
One aspect of the support Bizet Donnum received came as a surprise: pelvic floor physiotherapy. “I didn’t have a clue about pelvic floor!” she admitted. “But then when I got pregnant, the doctor at Manchester United introduced me and [the physio] has been game-changing for me.” This highlights a critical, often overlooked, component of maternal healthcare for athletes – the specialized care needed to address the unique physical demands of returning to high-performance sport after childbirth. Research from Physio-logical emphasizes the importance of this type of physiotherapy for female athletes to prevent long-term health issues.
Beyond Manchester United: A League-Wide Trend
Manchester United isn’t alone in prioritizing maternity support. Arsenal and West Ham have also highlighted their bespoke programs for pregnant players, with Sweden international Amanda Ilestedt and other players benefiting from individualized care. Tottenham and Brighton have affirmed their adherence to WSL, FIFA, and FIFPro guidelines, demonstrating a league-wide commitment to establishing minimum standards. This collaborative approach, involving governing bodies and individual clubs, is crucial for creating a sustainable and supportive environment for female footballers.
The WSL’s proactive stance contrasts with historical challenges faced by female athletes who often had to navigate pregnancy and motherhood with limited institutional support. Stories of players being pressured to terminate pregnancies or facing career setbacks after childbirth were, until recently, commonplace. The current shift represents a significant step towards gender equity in sports, recognizing the value of female athletes not just for their athletic prowess, but also for their potential as mothers.
Looking Ahead: Return to Play and Beyond
Despite the joy of expecting her first child this year, Bizet Donnum is already looking forward to returning to the pitch. “I am so excited to come back,” she said. “It’s hard when I’m watching the games and wishing I played.” However, she also acknowledges the bigger picture. “But then it’s one season I am missing. After my career, will I seem back and think: ‘Damn, I didn’t play that season’ or will I just be happy that I’ve had a kid?” This question encapsulates the evolving mindset within the sport – a recognition that life beyond the game is equally important, and that motherhood shouldn’t be viewed as a career-ending event.
The success of initiatives like those at Manchester United and other WSL clubs will depend on continued investment in resources, ongoing education for coaches and medical staff, and a sustained commitment to fostering a culture of support. The next key date for Bizet Donnum will be the birth of her child, after which she will begin the process of rehabilitation and preparation for a return to professional soccer. Fans and fellow athletes will be watching closely, not just to see her back on the field, but to see how her experience continues to shape the future of women’s soccer.
Do you think more can be done to support female athletes through pregnancy and motherhood? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
