The Truth About Being A Female Footballer Abroad | Maria Farrugia

Champions Connect Podcast · Jun 5, 2025 · 1h 1m

What does it really take to leave Gozo at 16 and make it in English women's football?

Maria Farrugia is a Maltese international footballer from Gozo who won goal of the season in England's Women's Championship with Sheffield United, and the first female guest on Champions Connect.

Maria grew up in Gozo, the middle child between two brothers. She started playing at five at SK Victoria Wanderers, following her older brother. She went on to Oratory Youths and Nadur Youngsters, in boys' teams. At the time girls could only play with boys until under 13, so her dad and her coach went to the GFA to…