AdamDCEAID the men didn't earn it either, specifically the European men. It has been men at their leisure for years while oppressing women, and men in the rest of the world. Years to play, build football clubs and invest in their growth, and farm young players from less privileged backgrounds to come in add flair and excitement, and turn it to the beautiful game we all know and love today. Those are the icons who earned it, against the odds of racism and the like. Women have not had the same luxuries that they greatly contributed to building for those men, and their opportunities have not been prioritized. And their club history often doesn't even precede the 21st century, and this is the proof. The fact that the women's game is growing in popularity amidst all of this is evidence of why these players should be acknowledged and recognized. It is okay and makes sense that they aren't your inspiration, but that doesn't mean that they didn't inspire many others. And I'm not sure what you're definition of transcending the sport is, but I don't think that's actually true for a number of the male icons. And if it is the case, then there are also women who transcend the sport as well in terms of activism and charity, things that are actually more important.
The first men's club is from I believe 1857-present. The first women's club was about 40 years later, and was disbanded due to, you guessed it. And then women were banned for playing the sport for somewhere around 50 years while the men kept on playing. The women's game is now making a comeback 35-40 years in the making. So the men have had 100+ year head start to get where they are, but the women are still not 100 years behind in quality. They should not be forced to wait another 100 years to overcome the discrimination that they were and often still are subjected to. Give roses to the living as is said, and if you don't like it, don't use them in game.
By the way, it's nothing wrong with being on the women's side, in a healthy society, that's the men's side as well. It's just a video game after all, and people's feelings sometimes do speak volumes.
All the best to you both!
