(CNN)Abby Wambach was once the world’s greatest female footballer and during those giddying goal-scoring, title-winning years she felt grateful. She was appreciative of any recognition, any respect. She did not make demands, did not push for more. But then her playing days ended and the American’s views changed.
“Just being grateful is not growth any longer,” an impassioned Wambach told CNN Sport as she talked about how equality can be achieved not just in sport but in society, too.
In the summer of 2016, a few months after retiring as the most prolific international goalscorer in her sport’s history, Wambach was on stage alongside Kobe Bryant and Peyton Manning being recognized as a sporting icon on one of those typically glittering awards night in Los Angeles.
