Women’s sports are on the rise nowadays, the prime example being the Women’s Euros 2022. The event had a record number of viewers and sparked emotion in many hearts—I know I shed a few tears (ok, a lot of tears) when the Lionesses won the title. Nevertheless, we all know that women’s sports still get overshadowed by their male counterparts too often. Well, Calvin Klein is determined to turn the tables and change that narrative. The brand’s new campaign shifts the spotlight onto female athletes and celebrates not just their incredible achievements in sports, but who they are as people with unique personalities and experiences.
We had the pleasure of talking with one of the stars of Calvin Klein’s campaign: Kenza Dali. We dive into the Aston Villa midfielder’s journey rising through the footballing ranks, overcoming physical setbacks and even her love of sneakers and streetwear. As a woman in football, you can imagine there were challenges, but she discovered strength and wisdom on and off the pitch along the way.
Tell me about your career path, where you started and how you got to where you are now?
I started playing football at five years old. I remember spending all my free time playing—there was a playground right in front of my building where my mom could watch me from the window of the apartment. Then, at one of my cousin’s football matches, his coach saw me playing with a ball on the side and proposed that I join the team, which I accepted. Lyon recruited me at 15, then offered me a pro contract, and that’s how my career started, until I landed in Aston Villa last season. But football was never my main goal as a kid, it was simply a joy, also because back then there weren’t many chances to make a living out of football as a woman. I went professional thanks to a series of opportunities.
How has being a woman in sports built your character?
Since I was the only girl in the team when I was a kid, it built my character. I was accepted in my team, but not always by the opposing team. It was a challenge every weekend but it allowed me to become stronger mentally, physically, and I believe it allowed me to quickly improve because I had to find ways to try to be better than the boys. I was also very shy as a kid, but being part of a team made me socialize with other kids and open up as a person. I believe that I wouldn’t be the same person if it wasn’t for football.
What obstacles have you faced and how did they affect you?
My brother died when I was quite young and my mother was sick for some time, so those were difficult years for us as a family. Later on, in 2017, I suffered a very serious knee injury. I had to have two surgeries and couldn’t play for two years. Not being able to see any improvement in my injury and hearing the doctors say I couldn’t play football anymore drained me physically and mentally. These were the hardest times in my life.... But despite these obstacles I always made it back to the top level and now I’m in the national team. I’m very proud of the fact I never gave up on my dreams.
What is your go-to way of dealing with things like stress and mental blocks?
I try to switch off. I’m addicted to reading, and most of the time I read books that have nothing to do with sports or football, so I can detach and clear my mind. Reading books is a sort of a reset for me.
Who have you looked up to in and outside of sports?
I was a fan of Ronaldinho as a girl and looked up to him. What I loved about him is that he was always happy when playing, smiling. The player himself needs no introduction, he’s a legend of the game. As a midfielder, I look to Kevin De Bruyne for inspiration. Outside of football, I’vey read and watched a lot about Michael Jordan. I’m a fan of his mentality and what he did for sports.
You say the football industry has already changed since you were a kid. What more would you like to see change within sporting culture when it comes to female representation?
I’d like it if we stopped talking about men’s football versus women’s football, and just stick to football. I don’t really like to use the words women’s football myself. When it comes to female representation, male players don’t have to be pretty, charming, or sexy, they are judged on their performance alone. I’d like for women to be judged on their skills and competence, not on their physique. I think if more women and athletes are vocal about equality and their rights, whether it’s in the business world or sports, having those kinds of strong characters can only lead to a better future. We need to speak up and demand more!
What do you enjoy doing in your free time? Have you got any other hobbies?
I’m a family woman, so spending time with my close ones is very important to me. And my main hobby would probably be reading. I love to read and learn new things, it just clears my head.
Can you describe your sense of style? What are some of your favorite go-to fits?
I’m all about sneakers. I’m an addict and a collector. Sneakers have to be on point, always, then I build the rest of the outfit around them. My sense of style is quite sporty, but not always, because I like to be different and wear things that other people wouldn’t wear- I’m not afraid of wearing bold pieces! We should wear what we want, and what makes us happy, and not limit ourselves with what is or isn’t trendy.
Has your fashion sense changed over the years? If so, how?
I used to wear a lot of oversized clothing and a lot of tracksuits. Like, a lot of tracksuits! I think my style has evolved and is a bit more refined now. Tracksuits are not my go-to fit anymore... But I still love them! I managed to keep some staples to stay with me along the years, Calvin Klein underwear is one of those.
What words of advice would you share with young talent trying to enter the same field as you?
I would say to never give up, that the path might be very complicated at times, but it’s all worth it. Most importantly, you need to be passionate and keep that passion no matter what. And also, of course, enjoy yourself! Sometimes it’s very complicated to repeat efforts or face disappointments, but to be able to get through it or bounce back shows strength.
Discover the full campaign at here.
