The Women's Champions League Final - A Huge Moment In The Rise Of Women's Football

The UEFA Women’s Champions League final wasn’t just another football match—it was a big, bold reminder of how far women’s football has come. With packed stands, major sponsors getting involved, and fans from all over the world tuning in, this year’s final was a celebration of the game’s explosive growth.

A Final to Remember

On May 25, 2024, San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao was buzzing as Barcelona took on Lyon—two giants of the women’s game. Barcelona came out on top, winning 2–0 thanks to goals from stars Aitana Bonmatí and Alexia Putellas. It was a sweet win, especially since Lyon had beaten them in past finals. Even better? This victory meant Barça completed a massive quadruple this season.

And the crowd? Over 50,000 fans showed up, smashing the record for attendance at a Women’s Champions League final. It was loud, it was electric, and it showed that people are here for women’s football.

Bigger Crowds, More Fans

This isn’t a one-off thing either. The whole 2023–24 season saw a big bump in attendance, with average crowds of over 9,000. That’s nearly double from just a few years ago. And it’s not just about being in the stadium—more people are watching from home, following on social media, and generally getting into the game.

Football = Big Business

Hosting the final brought in a lot of visitors—over 70,000 people headed to Bilbao for the game, most from outside the region. That added around €23 million to the local economy. Not bad for one weekend of football.

And companies are taking notice too. Brands like Visa and Lay’s are jumping on board, becoming big-time sponsors of the women’s game. UEFA even brought in a special agency (Two Circles) to handle all the sponsorship deals, and they’ve already doubled the number of global partners. That means more money, more resources, and more opportunities for women’s teams.

Backing the Future

UEFA isn’t just looking at today—they’ve promised to invest €1 billion over six years to grow women’s football. That means better leagues, more support for clubs and national teams, and new programs for young girls getting into the sport. It’s a serious show of support and a clear sign that women’s football is here to stay.

What’s Next?

The next Women’s Champions League final will be in Lisbon, and if things keep going the way they are, it’s bound to be even bigger. More fans, more sponsors, and more unforgettable moments.