England international and Chelsea Women’s defender, Jess Carter, has opened up about the emotional toll of the racist abuse she received during the ongoing UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 tournament, revealing that her decision to speak out publicly stemmed from a deep need for support and solidarity in the face of hate.
In a heartfelt revelation shared with the media, Carter explained that while she had tried to remain composed in the face of the online attacks, the intensity and volume of the abuse became overwhelming. According to her, going public wasn’t just about drawing attention to the incident, but also about reclaiming her voice in a space where silence often emboldens bigotry.
“I really needed a bit of support,” she said, during a media session after England’s latest Euro 2025 fixture. “It’s easy to pretend like it doesn’t affect you, but when you keep getting those messages and reading those words, it chips away at your confidence. At some point, I had to speak out, not just for myself, but for others who go through the same thing quietly.”
Carter, who has been a key figure in England’s defensive setup throughout the tournament, said the abuse began shortly after England’s group stage opener, a match in which she delivered a solid performance. Despite her contributions on the pitch, trolls on social media platforms targeted her with racial slurs and demeaning comments, prompting her to post a screenshot of some of the messages on her Instagram story.
Her post drew wide attention, sparking condemnation from fans, fellow athletes, anti-racism groups, and football authorities across Europe. The Football Association (FA) in England, along with UEFA, have since reiterated their zero-tolerance stance against racism and called for stronger enforcement measures on social media platforms.
Back home, several Nigerian football followers and pundits have also joined the global voices in condemning the racist incident. A number of Super Falcons stars, including Asisat Oshoala and Michelle Alozie, expressed solidarity with Carter, stating that the fight against racism in football is a collective responsibility.
Carter’s bravery in confronting the issue has once again brought to the fore the persistent challenge of racism in football, a problem that continues to stain the sport despite numerous campaigns, policies, and statements from governing bodies. For many fans, especially players of colour, the question remains not about awareness, but about action and accountability.
The 27-year-old defender, who is of mixed heritage, has previously spoken about the challenges of representation and identity in football, making her recent stand not just a personal moment of resilience but also a wider call for change in a game that prides itself on diversity and inclusion.
As the Women’s Euro 2025 progresses, Jess Carter remains focused on helping England lift the trophy, but she insists that the fight off the pitch is just as important as the battle on it. For her, and for many others, the message is clear—racism must never be ignored, and silence can no longer be the norm.