Lionesses star Fran Kirby opens up on impact of social media around body image
Chelsea and England attacker Fran Kirby has opened up on how social media abuse has impacted her own body image.
Kirby, 30, first raised the issue back in November, speaking candidly about the problems she felt when body shamed online following a return from injury, during an online documentary focusing on her comeback.
She was then praised by her manager Emma Hayes, who said it was an "important message" for all female athletes. In an interview with BBC Sport, Kirby has now spoken at length about the issue, saying she that is still affected by comments around body size and appearance, but that she is far better equipped to deal with the issue now.
"I've read things about myself and think: 'Oh really, is that what people think about me?," said Kirby. "Or: 'Is that how I really look?' It still impacts me but I'm better at dealing with that.
"It's really important to emphasise that, of course we're professional athletes and we have to be fit to do our sport, but a body shape doesn't determine if you're fit enough. A lot of people see athletes as robots.
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"I've been on the end of comments and so have my team-mates. It is a problem but I don't think it's just a women's football problem. I think it's bigger than that. I have been around long enough to suffer my own abuse growing up and seeing it on social media - you don't become accustomed to it, though, and there's still things you read (now)"
This season Kirby has returned from the injury that forced her to miss the 2023 Women's World Cup, to help the Blues to top spot in the WSL and on the verge of the Champions League quarter-finals. One of England's most experienced players, she remains the Lionesses most creative attacking player.
Fran Kirby celebrates scoring Chelsea's second against Aston Villa in the 6-0 victory (Photo by Morgan Harlow - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)The Chelsea star admits she is happy to talk about the issue now, but is concerned of how the problem is still influencing the next generation of players.
"A younger player coming through, who maybe gets comments like that," she told the BBC. "Could end up not eating and having to compete at a high level. You see their performance drop and it really impacts them.
"I felt it was important for people to realise that as long as you're fit to play your sport at the highest level, and you're consistently performing well, then body shape shouldn't be a conversation. There is not one answer. "It's recognising when someone is going through it and, not taking control of the situation, but helping them and guiding them.
"I've had conversations with players I know and said: 'Well, you need to eat this.' I've known when I've tried to stop fuelling as much and it's affected my performance and how I feel. So I've just tried to give as much guidance as possible. The older and more mature players are definitely in a position to do that."
Fran Kirby missed the World Cup after suffering a knee injury in March last year (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)Chelsea face fellow top-flight opposition in the Women's FA Cup next when hosting West Ham, before resuming their WSL campaign with a mouth-watering clash with Manchester United. Kirby is ready to play a big role in the Blues second half of the season.
But with her contract up in the summer and long-time manager Hayes departing for the USWNT, the Blues No.14's future may appear slightly unclear. For now, Kirby has prioritised staying fit and continuing her career as goal number one.
"At the moment there has been no (contract renewal) conversations between myself and the club," she added. I want to continue playing football and continue playing football at a high level.
"I still feel I have a lot to give wherever I am, whether that's at Chelsea or that has to be somewhere else. But I love the club. I've been here a long time and have some great friendships with players and staff. I still want to be competing and playing consistently so obviously that's a decision that has to be made."
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