At the age of 37, Alia Guagni, the veteran captain of FC Como Women, has decided to retire from professional soccer—not merely due to age, but also to pursue personal ambitions, particularly her long-held desire to become a mother. Guagni is a well-respected figure in Italian women’s soccer, and her retirement marks the end of a significant chapter, both for her and the sport.
In her farewell match, Guagni took the opportunity to address a pressing issue faced by many female athletes: the uncertainty of life after sports. “My future is still uncertain. I hope to stay in football, but nothing is guaranteed,” she conveyed to The Athletic. The team’s 3-1 victory on that day held special meaning, symbolically nodding to her jersey number, 3.
Guagni highlighted a critical gap in support for female players, stating, “After a career on the pitch, we (female) footballers are forced to stop and face a void. We don’t have clear pathways into professional life, and we can’t stop working.” Her retirement was not just a personal milestone; it served as a platform to discuss the broader challenges of transitioning out of sports.
To send a strong message about the struggles many athletes face post-retirement, Guagni unveiled a unique retirement jersey featuring her professional résumé, designed in collaboration with her club and the creative agency LePub. This jersey epitomizes the uncertainty of post-career life, emphasizing the urgent need for job security after hanging up the boots. “It is hard to retire for every player, but unlike Serie A players who retire with millions in the bank and a lineup of opportunities, we have to fight for everything,” she remarked.
In light of her retirement, Guagni and FC Como Women have also launched the “Beyond” program, aiming to provide retiring players with tools for a smoother transition into professional life. The initiative will focus on mentorship and career planning, with a unique requirement: the club will only partner with sponsors who commit to hiring players as they exit their playing careers. The club stated, “This long-term commitment ensures that athletes are not left behind but are instead supported in building meaningful, fulfilling futures beyond football.”
The significance of Guagni’s contributions is further recognized by Victoire Cogevina Reynal, co-founder of Mercury/13 and co-owner of FC Como Women, who stated, “Alia Guagni is more than a legend of Italian football — she’s a symbol of resilience, ambition, and the dual reality faced by so many women in sport.” Reynal, who resonates with Guagni’s journey as a mother herself, noted the importance of honoring both Guagni’s extraordinary career and her personal life choices.
Since its inception in March 2024, Mercury/13 has made strides in elevating FC Como Women, including securing financial backing from Avenue Sports Fund. This partnership has paved the way for influential figures like two-time USWNT gold medalist Lauren Holiday to join the initiative, further enhancing the support network for retiring athletes.
Guagni’s career has spanned over two decades, beginning in 2002 with Firenze Calcio Femminile, where she ultimately became captain as it transitioned into Fiorentina’s women’s team. Her accolades include a Scudetto, two Coppa Italia titles, and a Spanish Super Cup during her time with Atlético Madrid. She has also represented Italy on the international stage, earning over 100 caps, and played pivotal roles in UEFA Women’s Euros and the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Reflecting on her time in soccer, Guagni expressed a mix of nostalgia and hope: “I’ll miss sprinting down the wing and sharing laughs with my teammates. Football has always been my passion, my joy and one thing that came naturally. But becoming a mother is my priority now, and that’s no longer a secret. I just hope everything goes well, and I can start that chapter soon.”
