Harambee Starlets forward Marjolen Nekesa has come out to address speculations and stereotypes surrounding her personal life.
In a candid video, the talented footballer addressed the judgments and assumptions often made about her based on her appearance and style, sparking a powerful conversation on individuality, self-expression, and the challenges female athletes face.
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In the video, Nekesa openly acknowledged the barrage of comments she frequently receives regarding her looks and choice of clothing, often aimed at questioning her identity.
“I get a lot of comments and messages about claims or speculations. One thing is that I’m a female football player, I’m a girl, a daughter, and a sister, but some people think otherwise just because of how I dress, the way I look, and the way I am,” she said.
Nekesa’s short hair and love for comfortable clothing have been constants in her life, and she made it clear that these choices do not define her beyond being herself.
“I have short hair, and that’s how I’ve been my whole life. I’ve never had long hair, and apart from school, I’ve been a person who likes putting on tracksuits. Then, the more I grew, I started loving jeans, which I like baggy and not tight. I like having an allowance on my clothes, not because I want to look like a boy—no. I’ve never wanted to be a boy, I’ve never wished to be a boy, “she explained, dismissing the assumption that her appearance is tied to her gender identity.
In a world where female footballers often face the assumption of being gay or lesbian, Nekesa firmly addressed the unfair labels placed on athletes like herself.
“Some people come to my inbox and ask me why all footballers are gay or lesbian. I don’t know. I’m not footballers; I’m a footballer—I’m Marjolen. Don’t ask me that question again. I’m myself,” she added.
Nekesa went on to share personal anecdotes, mentioning how she’s never felt the need to conform to societal norms, even while dating, “I even have ex-boyfriends who I’d go out with dressed like that, and they’ve never had issues.”
Her message was simple yet profound: embrace who you are, regardless of what society might think.
“I’ve been like this the better part of my life, and I’m not planning to change. I don’t need to change anything because there’s nothing wrong with being yourself. Quit judging people based on how they look or what they wear or how they carry themselves.”
In closing, Nekesa light-heartedly reflected on her family’s acceptance of who she is, while reinforcing her pride in being a female footballer.
“I want to have some peace and just have fun and be authentic. My mom knows she has a daughter. My brothers and sisters have a sister. My dad knows he has a daughter and is maybe waiting for some dowry,” she said with a smile, before adding,
“I’m not whatever you are thinking. I’m just a female footballer and nothing more than that. Playing football doesn’t have to change who I am. It just makes me a special type of woman, and I love it. Stop judging people.”
Marjolen Nekesa’s candid message is a show of strength it takes to defy societal expectations and remain true to oneself.
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