The Plenary Hall of the City Hall of Donostia / San Sebastián hosted a new edition of the She Leads Congress, an initiative promoted by the Tximist Foundation Fundación Tximist, bringing together a large audience around women’s leadership, sports role models, and female talent in Gipuzkoa.
The event consolidated its position as a key meeting point for reflection on the present and future of women’s football and leadership in sport.
The institutional opening was led by Ana López, Councillor for Culture at the City Council of Donostia / San Sebastián Ana López, who highlighted the city’s commitment to equality, women’s sport, and spaces for dialogue such as She Leads.
The event was hosted by former professional footballer Eli Sarasola Eli Sarasola, who invited attendees to “look inward” and emphasized the high level of sporting excellence in Gipuzkoa.
She also reflected on the evolution of women’s football:
“Before, girls could not imagine themselves as leaders; today they can imagine winning a World Cup.”
Later, Aintzane Encinas Aintzane Encinas, president of the Tximist Foundation, officially opened the roundtable sessions, reinforcing the mission of SHE LEADS: empowering women through sport.
The first panel focused on goalkeepers and the evolution of women’s football.
Eli Capa Eli Capa recalled the early days: “It was just kick and play, very little structure.”
In contrast, Alazne Estensoro Alazne Estensoro represented the modern, professionalized game.
The second panel addressed injuries and the challenges of elite sport, featuring Ainara Manterola, Maialen Zelaia, and Leire Landa Leire Landa.
Manterola emphasized that injuries are “not only physical damage, but also the loss of expectations and future plans.”
The final roundtable brought together Garbiñe Etxeberria Garbiñe Etxeberria, Carmen Muguruza Carmen Muguruza, Patricia Rodríguez, and Nekane Arzallus Nekane Arzallus.
They discussed leadership challenges in traditionally male-dominated structures. Etxeberria highlighted the growth of women’s football and expressed pride in its development.
The congress concluded with Nerea Isasi, Director of Equality of the Gipuzkoa Provincial Council Diputación Foral de Gipuzkoa, who ended the event with a powerful message: “Let’s keep leading.”
South Africa visited Gipuzkoa thanks to an initiative of the Tximist Foundation, in collaboration with LALIGA International
‘She Leads 2026’ Congress brings together the most influential female voices in football to share experiences in San Sebastián City Hall
The 10th edition of the TXIMISTCUP breaks records and brings together more than 2,500 participants, crowning Real Madrid in U17 and FC Barcelona in U14.
