I missed being valued as a footballer - Walti

What the report says

Brighton midfielder Lia Walti has said her one-season spell at Juventus left her missing the sense of being valued as a footballer, which helped convince her to return to the Women’s Super League. BBC Sport reports that the Switzerland captain joined Brighton from Juventus this summer, after previously spending seven years at Arsenal, where she won four major trophies including the Champions League and WSL titles.

Walti told BBC Sport that she found the professional standards, media coverage and fan culture in England far stronger than what she experienced in Italy. She said the contrast in conditions was striking, and that she felt frustrated by what she saw as the limited support and opportunities available in some other women’s leagues. Her comments were made in the context of broader reflection on how women’s football develops differently across countries.

The 33-year-old’s move also underlines Brighton’s growing ambition. The club has invested in facilities, announced plans for a purpose-built women’s stadium, reached the Women’s FA Cup final last season and is aiming to challenge near the top of the WSL. Walti said she chose Brighton because she believed it was a place that genuinely prioritises women’s football.

More broadly, her remarks point to ongoing inequalities in infrastructure, broadcasting and pitch quality across the women’s game. She argued that stronger investment is needed before some leagues can match the standards now common in England.