World Sevens Football Launches With Bold Vision for Women’s Game This May

This May, women’s football takes a daring leap with the inaugural World Sevens Football (W7F) tournament in Estoril, Portugal. From May 21-23, eight elite clubs, including AFC Ajax, FC Bayern, Benfica, and Manchester United, will battle on a half-sized pitch in a super-fast-paced, seven-a-side format. With a $5 million prize pool, half reportedly going to the winners. This isn’t just a game; it’s a statement. But is W7F a revolutionary step for women’s football or a risky gamble in an already packed calendar?

Fifteen Minute Halves and Rolling Substitutions 

The format is a breath of fresh air: 15-minute halves, rolling subs, and a three-day sprint from group stages to a final at Estádio António Coimbra da Mota. Streamed globally on DAZN, W7F aims to hook fans with its high-energy, TV-friendly vibe. Adrian Jacob, W7F’s Head of Football, calls it a chance to “create opportunities for women footballers that reflect their immense value and talent.” Manchester United’s manager, Marc Skinner, echoes the excitement, eyeing “fast, fun” football after a grueling domestic season. The promise of innovation is undeniable, women’s football breaking from the men’s 11-a-side mold feels like a bold middle finger to tradition.

Fast and Furious Football

Yet, the timing raises eyebrows. Sandwiched just days before the UEFA Women’s Champions League final and a month before Euro 2025, W7F risks overloading players. England’s Sarina Wiegman has questioned its place in a congested schedule, and social media buzzes with fans worried about burnout. Former England defender Anita Asante, a W7F ambassador, insists player welfare is central, citing the shorter format’s lower physical toll. With squads of up to 25 players and only 14 per match, will clubs prioritize stars or benchwarmers? And why Portugal in May, when stadium availability and the heat screams compromise?

W7F’s backers are betting big, with plans for a North American edition later this year and up to five global events in the next few years. The $5 million purse dwarfs most women’s tournaments, signaling serious investment. But the real test is whether W7F can carve out a lasting niche without exhausting players or alienating purists. For now, Estoril’s sunbaked pitches await a spectacle that could redefine women’s football, or stumble and trip-up under its own grandiose ambitions.

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