Footballer and Mother: Falonne Meffometou’s winning formula

• The fourth episode of the CAF Women’s Football Series highlights Falonne Meffometou and how she balances her professional life with her role as a mother.
• She also emphasizes the essential role of her club allowed her to return quickly and calmly to the field after giving birth.
• Finally, she shares the lessons of motherhood: patience, discipline, and resilience—qualities that enrich both her sporting career and her personal life.

For a professional footballer, balancing training, competitions, and family responsibilities requires discipline, organization, and unwavering determination.

Cameroonian defender, Falonne Meffometou recognized among the best on the continent, perfectly embodies this balance.

Since the birth of her daughter Cindy in 2021, she has found a lifestyle that allows her to fully embrace her role as a mother while continuing to perform on the field.

For the 35-year-old Indomitable Lioness, motherhood is not an obstacle but a driving force. She highlights the importance of active listening and appropriate support for pregnant players or young mothers, noting the progress made in women’s football as well as the areas still needing improvement. Through her experience, she encourages future generations to work hard, never give up, make sacrifices, and persevere—even when the path seems difficult.

CAFOnline.com: As a mother and footballer, how do you organize your days?

Falonne Meffometou: At the beginning, it wasn’t easy to adapt, but it’s been almost five years now. Today, I’m used to it and everything is going well. I’m proud to have found my balance and to fully embrace my role as a mother.

What’s your secret to balancing football and motherhood?

It’s all about organization. I know exactly when I have training and when I need to drop my daughter off at school. For example, I prepare everything the day before if I need to take her the next morning. After training, I go home, eat, rest, then pick her up at 4:30 p.m. It’s simple, but it requires discipline.

How has motherhood changed your perspective on your career?

It has changed everything—both in my personal life and my career. I always wanted to have a child while continuing to play football. Achieving that dream is something incredible and beautiful.

Does women’s football provide enough support for players who become mothers?

My club supported me very well, from the start of my pregnancy through after childbirth. I was surrounded by fitness coaches and attentive staff, which allowed me to return to the field quickly. Support is essential for pregnant players or those returning from maternity leave.

How long did it take you to return after giving birth?

My daughter was four months old when I returned to competition. Honestly, it was a special case. I was so motivated and determined that nothing could stop me. Everything went very well, from preparation to my return. After giving birth, it’s very important to be well supported. I was fortunate to rely on my twin sister Amélie Tcheno, who took great care of me. Many thanks also to my family for their invaluable support.

What still needs to change to help footballer mothers?

There needs to be more listening. In the past, a pregnant player could face problems at her club. Today, support systems have improved, and mothers can return to the field more easily. It’s encouraging to see so many women successfully balancing career and motherhood.

What has motherhood taught you that football couldn’t?

Motherhood has taught me mindset, patience, understanding, and above all, to love my own mother even more. Being a mother is an immense, everyday responsibility. It has given me more love and a new way of seeing things. Every moment spent with children is true happiness.

And Cindy—she must adored at the club and with the national team?

Absolutely! Cindy loves coming with me to the club. She enjoys taking part in a bit of sport, and my teammates adore her. She brings good energy and joy wherever she goes - it’s wonderful to see.

What legacy do you want to leave for future generations of African players?
Work hard and never give up. Even in difficult moments, you must persevere. Often, you are close to success when you feel like it’s too hard. Make sacrifices, stay disciplined, go to bed early, stay fit… All of this is necessary to reach the highest level. There’s no secret—just hard work and determination.