Introducing the 9th Tximist Cup

The international women’s football tournament will bring together elite clubs in Hondarribia and Donostia. It will debut the official ball THE EQUALITY BALL. This ball is a symbol of commitment to equal opportunities. Additionally, a delegation from Angola will participate. The ninth edition of the international women’s football tournament Tximist Cup will take place from June 11 to 23 in Hondarribia and Donostia. It gathers some of the most outstanding clubs in Europe, such as Manchester City, Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Olympique Lyonnais, Hammarby, RCD Espanyol, Real Sociedad, and FC Twente. The event is organized by the Tximist Foundation. It has become a benchmark in women’s sports. It combines high-level football with a strong commitment to equality and social change. The director of the Equality Body of the Gipuzkoa Provincial Council, Nerea Isasi, stressed this during the tournament presentation this morning. She was joined by the foundation’s president, Aintzane Encinas, who emphasized the event’s transformative nature:

“The Tximist Cup is no longer just football. It is a meeting point. It educates, integrates, and inspires us to dream together. This ninth edition will mark a new milestone. It advances a fairer, more diverse, and truly transformative sport.”

THE EQUALITY BALL: A symbol of equality and social commitment

A major new feature this year is the introduction of THE EQUALITY BALL, the official tournament ball. “It is not just a ball,” Encinas said. “It symbolizes everything that unites us on and off the field.” With this initiative, the Tximist Foundation strengthens its commitment to building a more tolerant world with equal opportunities. THE EQUALITY BALL goes beyond being a game ball. Funds raised from its sale support sports facilities, educational programs, training courses in schools, and the provision of sports, school, and health materials worldwide. The Foundation collaborates with international organizations that use football as a tool to promote inclusion and reduce inequalities. You can purchase the solidarity ball on the official Tximist Foundation website.

Special participation from Angola and highlights

This edition includes a special delegation from Angola, a leading African country in promoting women’s sports. The Angolan Minister of Sports and his team will visit. Also, two Angolan players will take part in the tournament and integration activities. This will be one of the most emotional moments of the event. Approximately 2,500 players will participate, and more than 30 matches will be played.

The tournament’s social and educational impact

Nerea Isasi, director of the Equality Body of Gipuzkoa, highlighted the tournament’s social and educational dimension:

“Events like this not only make high-level women athletes visible. They also create role models for girls and teenagers. They promote real transformation through sport.”

She added, “The Tximist Cup represents the values we defend at the Provincial Council: equality, inclusion, empowerment, and the future.”

‘She Leads’ Congress

The tournament will host the international ‘She Leads’ congress again. It will be held on June 13 at 6:00 pm at the Reale Arena in Donostia. This year, it doubles the number of speakers. It will gather influential voices in female sports leadership, including Reyes Bellver (director of Women’s Football at the RFEF), Irene Gonçalves (African football leader), and coaches from top international clubs. Admission is free and accessible. According to Encinas, ‘She Leads’ is “an essential space for reflection and inspiration about women’s roles worldwide. It fosters necessary conversations about equality today and tomorrow.”

Special podcast series

As part of the ninth edition, the Tximist Cup will produce a special series of four podcasts. These will air on Radio Marca during the week before and after the tournament. Later, they will be available on the official Tximist Foundation website. The podcasts will feature prominent figures such as Irene Paredes, captain of Spain’s national team and FC Barcelona, Ana Romero, Jade Boho, and Cristina Vega (Keka), among others. This series adds another platform to highlight women’s sports, share experiences, and amplify voices that are changing football from within.