"Now you can see us"

Nora Heroum is striving to make an impact after joining Common Goal 

There was one player that stuck out to Nora Heroum more than any other when she watched football as a youngster. 

A player with magic in their boots, a player who had a distinctive look and playing style that made them a role model for children watching the game all around the world. 

But, for young Nora, that was a player from the men’s game because that’s all that was accessible for her growing up in the mid-to-late 1990s. 

“Pavel Nedved was my favourite player growing up,” she told Common Goal. 

“All my favourite players were men because that’s all I could see on TV. 

“All my role models from within football were all men.” 

But that picture is different now.  

Young girls watching football nowadays have the opportunity to watch players from the women’s game with admiration. 

The landscape of the game has shifted dramatically throughout Nora’s playing career.  

More investment, more professional clubs, more awareness. 

Build it and they will come. Records have been broken consistently, including at the recent European Championships where 461,582 fans came out in total across the group stages – the highest attendance figure for a group stage at a women’s Euros. 

“The game has become more professional which has grown the game,” she said.  

“I think the investment is bigger which gives us more opportunities. 

“The amount of media interest has increased; the facilities have got better which is great but it can all still improve.” 

Nora started her career at HJK Helsinki before embarking on a career which saw moves to Milan, Lazio, Brighton and Hove Albion before landing at Sampdoria in 2023. 

The 30-year-old was recently called-up to EURO 2025 with Finland, 12 years after being at her first international tournament after becoming one of the youngest players to appear at EURO 2013 as an 18-year-old. 

Now she could be the role model for the young girls in the stands wearing her shirt. 

“Now you can actually see us,” added Nora. 

“We can really be that role model today. You can follow us, you can follow the games on TV more. 

“Seeing your shirt after the games and the girls waiting get a picture or your autograph. 

“It’s really rewarding.” 

The women’s game will continue to grow in the coming years and Nora wants to utiilise that growth and her personal experience by joining Common Goal to inspire the next generation of girls in football – on and off the pitch. 

“I think I have been a role model on the pitch, but I hope one day I will be also role model off the pitch,” said Nora. 

“I think we need more women leaders in the game. 

“I want to show that woman can also be in a decision-making roles making a difference. 

“What we have achieved in general in the women’s game is important but it still has so much to grow. 

“I’m excited for the next generation and what it’s going to be. 

“Hopefully I will be involved somehow in football after my playing career to I can help it grow.”