Spain’s football federation is expanding player access to egg freezing and fertility treatment, helping the athletes focus on their careers while also expanding opportunities to pursue being mothers.

Spain’s national team, the world No. 1 and reigning World Cup champion, took the pitch to play the United States women's national team at Audi Field in Washington D.C. Saturday. But beyond its 2-0 win, Spain has been making headlines for more than just its success on the field.

In September, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) made the decision to partner with the Tambre clinic in Madrid, giving players a chance to start a family on their own timeline. The agreement provides egg freezing and fertility treatment to all national players, referees and employees at the federation. 

The years in which many women may consider having children often overlap with their athletic careers. While some players may feel like they are forced to make a choice between their soccer career and being a parent, this agreement reduces that pressure for Spanish players. 

Spanish midfielder Alexia Putellas has been an outspoken advocate for the agreement.

"For me it is a very big step forward because the Federation understands that you are serving your country against your biological clock, that you cannot stop and cannot be a mother because you need your body to work," she said in an interview with El Pais.

“For me it is a very big step forward because the Federation understands that you are serving your country against your biological clock, that you cannot stop and cannot be a mother because you need your body to work.”

Alexia Putellas

The agreement isn’t the only initiative Spain has put in place to assist athletes with their work-life balance. The country recently put measures in place to give players more opportunities to travel with their children during major tournaments.

The president of RFEF, Rafael Louzán, has publicly expressed the importance of that work-life balance in the success of Spain on the field.

"This is a new, comprehensive and pioneering benefit that extends to all federation employees. Today is a great day for the entire Spanish football family," he said when the agreement was announced.

Some critics said the new agreement may promote the idea that women should put motherhood to the side until their careers are over. But, proponents say it helps level the playing field for women athletes, as men are often not forced to put their careers on hold when having children.

While Spain is the first national federation to provide these benefits, some organizations in other countries have similar programs.

In the United Kingdom, Chelsea F.C. Women has offered to pay for egg freezing for players, while Racing Louisville F.C. in the United States was the first NWSL team to enact a similar program.

As women’s sports continue to grow, continued investment both on and off the field is essential in their success. Supporting women athletes means making sure they are cared for, regardless of their results.

Spain’s matchup with the United States gave viewers an opportunity to watch elite players from two of the top teams compete. What goes on behind the scenes in those players' lives is more than just soccer, and the Spanish federation’s agreement gives players a chance to pursue their family goals.