ClubDiogo Jota and Leanne Kiernan share their female role models on International Women's Day
In celebration of International Women's Day, Diogo Jota and Leanne Kiernan discuss the female role models who played a part in their success and continue to be a source of inspiration.
As part of Red Together – the club's commitment to championing equality, diversity and inclusion – Jota and Kiernan speak candidly about the positive influences that women have on their lives, from friends and family to colleagues and sporting heroes.
Talking about the impact his mother and grandmother had on him as a youngster, Jota said: "My grandmother helped a lot raising us. I had the feeling of being loved, and it is special to have that bond with your mother and grandmother."
Discussing his sporting heroes, Olympic marathon runner and gold medallist Rosa Mota and Brazilian footballer Marta, he added: "Rosa was a very good athlete – she still is – and Marta, who made a big difference in women stepping up into football."
Also discussing her mum and the impact she has had on her life, Kiernan said: "She made me the person I am today and gives me all the advice I need to tackle the world. I know deep down that I wouldn't be here without my mother and all these women that really put everything into me, and I'm very grateful for that."
Highlighting Liverpool FC Women captain Niamh Fahey as her sporting role model and source of inspiration, Kiernan continued: "She is a very good person as a leader and as a captain. She is one of the reasons I came to the club, and I know my Liverpool FC experience wouldn't be the same without her."
You can watch Jota and Kiernan's interviews in the videos below.
Throughout March, LFC, LFC Foundation and the club's official partners are hosting a range of inspiring events and activities to celebrate International Women's Day and recognise the incredible achievements of women and the importance their contributions make.
These include educational events and football tournaments delivered by LFC Foundation with local schools for young girls; staff events promoting women's health and wellbeing; and the chance to discover key insights and inspiration from LFC Women's record goalscorer and first official women's ambassador Natasha Dowie.
To read more about the club's International Women's Day activities, go here.
For more information on the club's Red Together work, please visit www.liverpoolfc.com/redtogether.