ESTELLE VALENSUELA

“Sport creates a universal language based on respect, passion and team spirit.”

Meet Estelle Valensuela, Lead of the FIFA Interpretation Unit, where she oversees a global network of more than 300 interpreters and supports multilingual communication at FIFA’s biggest events. With over 20 years of experience in world football, she has built her career bringing people, languages, and cultures together on the global stage. Based in Zurich, Estelle is also a professional singer-songwriter, expressing her multicultural identity through music.

“My journey in sports began thanks to my passion for languages, communication and international environments. I realised very early on that sport, and football in particular, has a unique power to connect cultures, which resonates with my core passions and brings people together across the globe. “

“When I was younger, I used to watch tennis with my parents. I grew up looking up to figures like Steffi Graf – particularly also because I was a huge fan of German culture. She made a lasting impression not only through her performances but also through her great humility, her excellence, her discipline, her perseverance, and, quite simply, her inner strength. These are all values that I admire greatly and which have always guided me to this day, both in my career in the sports industry and in my journey in music.

My family has also always supported my ambitions, and their trust has enabled me to pursue a demanding career in an environment as exciting and multicultural as that of international football, which I stumbled into somewhat by chance.

Today, I help to facilitate excellent communication between different cultures discussing football and foster understanding between stakeholders from different cultures and languages at the highest level.

One of the most memorable moments for me was seeing just how much football can bring people from completely different backgrounds together around a shared experience. I remember a memorable final between France and Italy in Berlin in July 2006. It was my very first FIFA World Cup™ as a FIFA employee. Working at international tournaments has shown me that, despite cultural or linguistic differences, sport creates a universal language based on respect, passion and team spirit. Attending major international competitions, such as the World Cups, is always a moment frozen in time, when we become one with the team we support, when the sport we follow simply thrills us and stirs the deepest emotions within us, just as music does.”

Media Representation of Female Athletes

“I think female athletes are becoming increasingly visible in the media, which is a good thing, but naturally there is still a long way to go.

From my own perspective, for example, at FIFA I can see that this competition is gradually gaining a foothold and generating ever-greater enthusiasm with each edition. Today, in terms of language, we cover the Women’s World Cup competition in a similar way to the Men’s World Cup.

Many sports could therefore take inspiration from what FIFA offers in this regard and broadcast more women’s competitions during prime time. Today, the international media coverage of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, as well as the press conferences interpreted into several languages, has significantly helped to increase viewership and thus interest in women’s football. It would also be beneficial to give women a greater presence in sports media – not just female athletes, but also female journalists, commentators, coaches and sports experts.

This would allow for a wider range of analyses and perspectives and provide new role models. Indeed, certain female figures in women’s sport have become true icons through social media, which ultimately complements traditional media in this respect. For example, Alexia Putellas, a player for FC Barcelona Femení, is now known even to those who don’t play football.”

“I’d like to see women’s sports covered with the same consistency, depth, and seriousness as men’s sports, not just during major tournaments or viral moments. Coverage often focuses on a few highly marketable stars or sports. It would be beneficial to expand the visibility to different disciplines, countries, and backgrounds. This would give a fuller picture of women’s sport. This could help show younger generations that many sports are equally suited to both women and men. Also, increasing the number of female commentators, journalists, analysts, and presenters can help bring different perspectives and normalise women’s expertise in sport.”

The Importance of Languages

“Through my career, I aim to demonstrate that languages, communication and cultural diversity play a vital role in the sports industry, and indeed reinforce the mission that sport has long embraced: to build bridges between communities, cultures and societies.

My role is, in fact, at the very heart of this mission. I would like to inspire young women and international professionals to believe in their ability to thrive in high-level environments, even in highly competitive sectors. The message I wish to convey is that leadership can also be expressed through listening, openness and cultural curiosity, as well as the ability to build bridges between people. I would also like to encourage young people to believe in their dreams and their vision, and not to give up at the first hurdle (because in reality, before a dream becomes a reality, there are only hurdles), as I have demonstrated at FIFA in recent years by developing FIFA’s Interpretation Unit, a service dedicated to providing excellent oral communication, whether during working meetings or, conversely, at major events such as the upcoming 2026 World Cup. I wish to be an example of determination and perseverance for women and future generations.”

“I would tell young girls to believe in their own worth, to develop their skills with a high standard of excellence, and never to underestimate the importance of languages, networking and self-confidence. The sports industry is evolving and needs diverse, creative and international profiles. It is important to have the courage to take your place and speak out, to remain authentic and on top of things, and to turn every challenge into an opportunity for learning and growth. Stay curious about everything, be persistent, disciplined and determined.”