Football holds a "macho" or "aggressively masculine" essence for Lars Steinhöfel
Lars Steinhoff, a renowned soap actor on German television, has made a name for himself not just in the world of entertainment, but also as a passionate advocate for women's football. Despite admitting that he cannot understand football, Steinhoff has shared his insightful views on the dynamics between women's and men's football, particularly regarding issues of toxicity and recognition.
Steinhoff acknowledges that both women’s and men’s football face toxic environments, with online abuse, harassment, and discrimination being commonplace. However, he notes that toxicity in women's football often manifests differently and can sometimes be more insidious due to lesser media coverage and social stigmas.
He points out that the relative novelty and emerging popularity of women’s football attract a mix of supportive and overly critical reactions. Toxic comments often stem from entrenched gender biases, leading to harsher judgments on female players' performances and physicality compared to their male counterparts. Steinhoff also highlights that female footballers frequently deal with gender-based harassment that male players might not encounter to the same extent.
Steinhoff emphasizes the longstanding neglect and underfunding of women’s football globally, which has directly impacted its visibility and recognition. This lack of historical support contributes to ongoing disparities in media coverage and sponsorship. However, he acknowledges the rapidly growing recognition of women’s football, fueled by impressive athleticism, competitive leagues, and increased media broadcasting.
Events like the FIFA Women’s World Cup have played a pivotal role in this transformation. Steinhoff advocates for equitable treatment in terms of media representation, salaries, and infrastructural support. Recognizing the legitimacy and value of women’s football is not only a matter of fairness but also essential for the sport’s overall growth.
Steinhoff was born in East Berlin and found fame playing Ingo "Easy" Winter in the series "Under Us" since 2000. His father, a die-hard football fan, would always make sure to watch football on Saturdays. Despite his own lack of interest in football, Steinhoff tends to support women's football, believing it has not received the same recognition as its male counterpart.
In 2021, Steinhoff won the RTL show "Summer House of the Stars" alongside his former partner Dominik Schmitt. Off-screen, he continues to use his platform to champion women's football and raise awareness about the challenges it faces. Steinhoff's advocacy serves as a reminder that everyone, regardless of their passion for football, can contribute to creating a more inclusive and equitable sports landscape.
Steinhoff suggests that the entertainment industry, including his own profession, should devote more attention to women's football, recognizing its burgeoning popularity and the need for increased media coverage to combat toxicity and gender bias. Intriguingly, he proposes that European leagues, often associated with his father's fondness for sports like football, could proudly feature women's football matches to showcase female athletes' impressive athleticism and competitiveness, fostering a more diverse and equitable sports landscape.
