Ali Riley spent two years fighting to play football again, for just nine final minutes. She has represented New Zealand at four FIFA Women’s World Cups and three Olympic Games, captained Angel City FC, played around the world and built a career around much more than football.

But behind the leadership, energy and “Smiley Riley” personality were moments when she questioned her identity, struggled with injury, cried herself to sleep and wondered whether she still belonged in the game she had played since childhood.

In this episode of Football Is Life, Ali joins Cristo Fernández and Paloma Cinco for an honest conversation about belonging, mental health, leadership, women’s football and the communities that shaped her life.

The former New Zealand captain opens up about injury, mental health, belonging, Chelsea, Angel City and learning to ask for help. Football is life, but sometimes football teaches us how to live beyond the game.

Subscribe to Football Is Life / Fútbol Es Vida for more conversations with athletes, creators and people whose lives have been shaped by the beautiful game. #Ali Riley #WomensFootball #FootballIsLife

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