'There's never been a better opportunity': FIFA Legend Schwarzer says time is now for women's football

Caltex Socceroos legends Mark Schwarzer and Tim Cahill have been transformed ahead of the FIFA Women's World Cup France 2019™.

Dubbed by FIFA as "The Schwarzinator" and "K.O.", Australia's latest superhero duo have one mission: to promote the tournament and the women's game.

The pair are part of the FIFA Legends Squad, a cohort of 23 players assembled for the Women's World Cup France 2019™.

Players include English star Alex "Trail Blazer" Scott, Argentinian Esteban "Illusion" Cambiasso, France captain Laura "Martial Lore" Georges and former Chelsea legend Michael "The Bison" Essien.

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As part of his heroic duties, Schwarzer spoke with FIFA.com about the ever-improving state of the women's game.

"Today is an unbelievable opportunity for any young girl on the planet to want to play football, there are so many role models now.

"Women’s football is forever growing, it’s one of the fastest growing sports on the planet, and particularly in Australia’s, there’s never been a better opportunity for any young girl to make a career out of playing football."

Australia's most capped and longest serving player, "The Schwarzinator" also reflected on his personal battle to make it as a goalkeeper and the sacrifices made.

"I had lots of people tell me I couldn’t make it. I had it at school when I did an interview with a careers advisor," said Schwarzer.

"I told them I wanted to be a professional footballer and they laughed at me and said, 'No what do you really want to do with your life? What’s your real job going to be?'. It just made me stronger and more determined.

"When you talk about sacrifices a lot of people don’t think they’re anything huge. It’s the usual stuff growing up as a teenager, not going to parties, not going to social events.

"As a kid that’s a big deal. It’s a big thing and I think its part of your development. You have to be mature and grow up very, very quickly. You’re even more in the spotlight today because of your behaviour because of how you live your life.

"Ultimately even if you don’t want to be, you become a role model and that’s a tough challenge."