A question to then-Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti nearly two years ago has reignited a broader conversation about the treatment and image of female sideline reporters in European soccer.
After Real Madrid’s 4-2 win over Almería, Spanish reporter María Morán asked Ancelotti whether Vinícius Júnior’s frequent protests toward referees could merit a red card. The Italian coach dismissed the question with sarcasm, saying: “With all the yellow cards he’s getting, I think that’s enough.”
The exchange, brief on the pitch, ignited fury online. Morán was bombarded with threats against her and her daughter. “They called my baby a bastard and wrote that I should stop dressing like a whore,” she later recalled, filing a police complaint.
The backlash highlighted the harassment sideline reporters often face—not only from fans but also from colleagues and critics—over their appearance, conduct or clothing.
The issue resurfaced after Valentina Matjri, a Swiss television host, published a book titled “To Hell with Women’s Empowerment: The Big Mistake of Modern Feminism.” In it, she accused some Italian colleagues of lacking “style and class” in their outfits. Matjri singled out DAZN reporters Eleonora Incardona, Diletta Leotta and Maria Luisa Jacobelli, all well-known figures in Italian soccer coverage.
“I believe women should be sexy, but always with style and class,” Matjri told German daily Bild. “Sometimes that’s missing in Italy. If you want to be taken seriously by players and officials, this doesn’t help.”
Incardona, 34, has drawn headlines for daring outfits, including a bra under a three-piece suit and a revealing gown worn during Club World Cup coverage in the United States. Critics argue such fashion choices undermine professionalism. “A dress like that might be suitable for the beach or pool, but not for business or professional broadcasting,” German stylist Sonja Grau said.
Incardona defended her approach. “Fashion is part of my language,” she told Networker. “It helps me express who I am and feel confident, even in male-dominated or high-pressure environments.”
Leotta, who married former Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius last year, said she embraces both professionalism and appearance. “Skills and preparation come first, but looking neat, beautiful and visually appealing is also a form of respect for the viewer,” she told Gazzetta dello Sport.
The debate reflects broader tensions in sports broadcasting, where female reporters often become targets for abuse, both online and within the industry, as the spotlight on image and appearance collides with questions of credibility and respect.