Have you ever wondered what it’s really like for women at the top of their game to consider pregnancy?
I was scrolling through my socials this morning—coffee in hand, brain still waking up—when I stumbled upon the BBC’s interview with Manchester United’s Ella Toone and Arsenal’s Alessia Russo. Two of the biggest names in football, just sitting down and chatting candidly about what starting a family would actually mean for them.
Check out their conversation here.
And honestly? Their honesty hit me right in the gut. Because it’s not just elite athletes facing this delicate dance between chasing personal dreams and growing a family. It’s us, too. You, me, anyone who’s ever stared at a calendar or an ovulation stick and wondered, "Am I running out of time? Do I really have to choose?"
The Uncomfortable Truth: Women Still Face a “Choice”
Toone and Russo talk so openly about how pregnancy could impact their careers—cutting seasons short, affecting their physical condition, and how clubs might react. As I listened, I couldn’t help but nod along. Even in 2025, with all our so-called “progress,” it’s a conversation that feels painfully familiar. So many of us are still trying to juggle careers, relationships, and the literal timing of creating a family. Spoiler: there’s no perfect answer.
Yet their discussion was different. These women were unfiltered—expressing hope that things are changing, that options are expanding, that you shouldn’t have to give up your dreams to have a baby. Or vice versa. They were hopeful, but still a bit wary. Can we really have it all?
The Fertility Journey—No Longer One-Size-Fits-All
Here’s what struck me: the way Toone and Russo talked about the potential future of having kids was almost as strategic as talking tactics before a Champions League match. That’s our zeitgeist now—fertility and family planning have become topics for the group chat, the podcast, even the prime-time BBC segment.
And let’s be real: it’s not just conversations. It’s technology. It’s kit options. It’s discreet, affordable choices that didn’t even exist a decade ago. Not all of us have a club doctor or a team of physios…but everyone deserves bespoke, empowering solutions.
My Own Pregnancy Planning Anxiety (and What Actually Helped)
As someone who’s been deep in the world of fertility kits (hey, KitCompare regulars!), I know firsthand that hope and anxiety usually share a seat at the table. There’s excitement—imagining a baby’s first giggle, their tiny socks. And then there’s the stress: cost, privacy, accessibility, the feeling that the clock is ticking louder than ever.
This is where the world has changed. Five years ago, if you wanted options outside a clinic, you had to do a ton of research and hope for the best. Today, companies like MakeAMom are rewriting the rules. Whether you’re a couple, single, queer, dealing with sperm motility challenges, or sensitive to standard kit designs, there’s something built for you. And it comes in packaging so plain, even your nosiest neighbor won’t guess what’s inside.
Here’s Why That Matters:
- Discretion is peace of mind.
- Reusable kits mean you aren’t burning both money and the planet.
- Tailored solutions (like kits for low motility sperm, or for those with vaginismus) recognize that not everyone fits the narrow clinical mold.
- Accessibility means more hope, especially for those who feel left behind by traditional, expensive routes.
MakeAMom’s average 67% success rate isn’t just a number—it’s thousands of stories, each as complex and personal as Toone or Russo’s. It’s proof that the future isn’t clinics-only. It’s in our own hands, in our own homes, on our terms.
What Can We Learn from Football Stars Being Open About Family Planning?
Ella and Alessia aren’t just two footballers tossing around "what ifs." They’re giving voice to what so many of us are quietly thinking: How can I have a family without sacrificing the rest of my life?
Their willingness to talk about it—on camera, in public—makes it a little easier for the rest of us to ask for what we need, whether that’s understanding from our workplaces, support from our partners, or simply a better kit.
Final Whistle: Your Fertility, Your Way
So, if you’re feeling like the only one doing the emotional juggling act—trust me, you’re not alone. Ella Toone and Alessia Russo made that clear for everyone watching. The era of secret struggles is fading, and our options have never been better.
Got thoughts? Share your story below—what’s been the hardest part about planning your family? And what empowers you most about today’s fertility landscape?
Let’s keep talking. Because when conversations are this real, everyone wins.