Mapi León: The Barcelona Legend Championing Equality
Finley Chung
The term "legend" is often used too freely these days, especially in the world of football. But here at Beyond the Pitch, we believe we've found a player whose impact off the field earns her this title just as much as her skill on it.
A player with over four hundred career appearances—two hundred seventy-four of those with the powerhouse FC Barcelona—would surely be considered a legend, right?
Add to that an impressive list of honours: five consecutive Liga F titles, three UEFA Women’s Champions League trophies, five Copa de la Reina titles, and three Supercopa de España victories. The case for legendary status only grows stronger.
Yet, it’s not just Mapi León's on-field accomplishments that set her apart. Her courage in standing up against unfair conditions and her role as a trailblazer within the LGBTQI+ community defines her as a remarkable individual.
Let’s go back to 2018. León had been with Barcelona for just a year and was already four trophies into what would become a six-year, twenty-trophy career with the club. But it was also the year her status as a role model would reach an entirely new level.
In an interview with El Mundo, León came out as a lesbian, marking a powerful moment in her public life, despite having been open about her identity in private for years. In that same interview, she openly criticised the choice to host the 2018 Men’s World Cup in Russia, condemning the country’s stance on LGBTQI+ rights.
At the time, León was the only openly gay player in Spain’s professional leagues, standing as a beacon of hope for LGBTQI+ individuals across Spain who look up to her for strength and inspiration.
In 2019, León took center stage at Madrid Pride, delivering one of her most iconic quotes in support of the LGBTQI+ community. Her words resonated deeply, solidifying her role as a powerful role model for those who look up to her and now feel empowered to embrace their true selves and love freely.
“I have not done this for me, I have no need to shout to everyone that I am a lesbian, but I do believe that society needed it. If no one speaks, we continue like this and nothing changes.”
“I know it [homophobia] could happen, but if you’re proud of who you are, it doesn’t matter what anyone says. It is a way to go one step further and help future generations, or at least try to.”
León was also at the heart of the Las 15, a group of fifteen Senior Players within the Spanish Women’s Football team, who abstained from National Team call ups after a conflict with Spanish coach, Jorge Vilda.
The reason to leave the National team was cited due to poor conditions affecting players physical and mental health. The decision to leave was taken after the 2022 Women’s European Championships, with León refusing to be selected for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which Spain went on to win.
Speaking on the decision to Relevo, León stated:
“Mapi León has a way of life and values. I can't go back if the situation hasn't changed. There have to be changes. I'm not saying that no changes have happened, but I don't see them."
Mapi León is not only a tremendously successful player on the pitch but also serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration off it. Her impact has cemented her status as a leading role model at the pinnacle of the women’s game.
Links:
Photo - https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/football/womens-football/news/3649423/mapi-leon-the-estrella-mvp-of-the-gamper-2023
https://www.elmundo.es/loc/famosos/2018/06/23/5b2bbff5268e3eca308b4594.html
https://herfootballhub.com/lgbtq-history-month-mapi-leon-and-her-influence-on-and-off-the-pitch/