Aline Zeler presents her biography: “I played between dung and thistles”

Aline Zeler was the guest of RTL Info 13h to talk about her autobiographical book. “Aline Zeler, women’s football from A to Z” has been available since January 25 from Mémory editions

Aline Zeler is a major figure in Belgian women’s football. With her 111 caps, she is currently the record holder for the number of appearances in the jersey of the Red Flames.

The beginning of her career, Aline explains having spent it playing “between the dung [de vache] and thistles. “ Born to farming parents who knew nothing about football, Aline quickly learned to manage on her own. “Around 7 years old I was packing my bag myself and that’s how it started. “

As her career progressed, Aline Zeler went through Standard, Anderlecht and of course the national team. However, despite her status as a professional player, she could not live off her passion. “I did 3 years in this job as a storekeeper in Kortenberg. I had moved from my parents’ place to the Brussels region and had no job. “She says before specifying”the term “pro player” must be stipulated that it is at the level of infrastructure and training. We’re pro because we train so many times a week, but we don’t have the status of just playing football. “

The question of salary in women’s football is very often pointed out by connoisseurs but remains unknown to the general public. ” Through the biography I wanted to make people aware of this aspect. At the time it was like that, now we are slowly moving towards semi-pro status for Belgian women’s football and hope for real professional status within 4-5 years. »

A few days ago, the Golden Boot of the Belgian championship, Tine De Caigny, explained in an interview that she had to work three days a week in a sports store to make ends meet.

Since 2014, the Belgian federation has made great efforts to improve the conditions of the Red Flames. This was rewarded with a historic qualification for Euro 2017 in which Aline took part as well as Euro 2022. A tournament that Aline will watch on TV since she ended her adventure with the Flames in 2019 .

To the question – a bit humorous – whether she did not have the impression of having been born 10 years too early to be able to take advantage of the current advances in women’s football, Aline Zeler has no regrets. “I think I came to the point where it took someone like me to support and lead this role of ambassador and make things happen. You have to remember that I was not alone either. It’s everyone’s job: the federation and the clubs that have done things so that girls can train in better conditions. “