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Episode details

World Service,07 Jan 2026,13 mins

Manchester City's Kerstin Casparij: 'Being gay didn't feel normal, until I became a footballer'

More Than The Score

Available for over a year

Netherlands and Manchester City defender Kerstin Casparij says it's important to her to be a role model to the LGBTQ+ community. Growing up in a small town in the north of the Netherlands, Casparij says she didn't know "being gay was even an option". Now she has gone on to carve out a successful career in the Women's Super League, starring in a Manchester City side that sit top of the table, she wants to be an ally for others. The BBC Sport women’s football news reporter, Emma Sanders, explains to Ed Harry how Casparij plans to use her platform to promote inclusivity in women's football. More than the Score is the BBC World Service's daily podcast exploring stories from all over the world of sport. Every Monday to Friday, we're telling stories beyond the scoreline, from athletics to Formula 1, boxing to bobsleigh, and football to the NFL. We've got interviews with extraordinary athletes like pole vault titan Mondo Duplantis, boxing royalty Cecilia Braekhus and tennis legend Boris Becker, as well as the experts working behind the scenes, from top football scouts to physios who keep NBA stars in peak condition. Plus, we've got the expertise of the BBC's top journalists, who share their insights from decades of covering sport at all levels. And if you've got your own take on the stories we cover, we'd love to hear from you. Email [email protected], or WhatsApp us on 0044 800 032 0470. You can find more information, along with our privacy notice, on our website: www.bbcworldservice.com/morethanthescore

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