Who is Neslihan Aktaş ?
My name is Neslihan, I am 25 years old, and I live in France.I am a passionate footballer, playing both on grass and in beach soccer. Football is an integral part of my life, a constant challenge, and a daily source of motivation.
How did your women's soccer story begin ?
My story with football began at a very young age. I discovered this sport out of passion, and I have never stopped since.Despite the challenges of women’s football, I have always been determined to follow this path.I have been playing football since I was little. I started playing with boys in my neighborhood, and at the age of 15, I joined a club in France. I have now been playing football for 10 years.I started at US Hesingue, playing in RH and Excellence from 2015 to 2019. I spent three years at this club, where it all began. In 2020, I was transferred to BSC Old Boys in Switzerland, playing in the First League for two years.n August 2020, I was called up to the Turkish national team at the senior level.From 2021 to 2022, I was scouted by a coach who invited me to play for Fenerbahçe in the Super League, where I spent one year.Then, from 2022 to 2023, I returned to Switzerland to play for Concordia in the First League from 2023 to 2025, I played for Sissach in Switzerland, also in the First League.Currently, I play for FFV Basel in the First League, in partnership with FC Basel. We are first in the league, and we hope to maintain this position to be promoted to the NLB next year this is our goal.
One word that describes your relationship with football ?
If I had to describe my relationship with football, I would choose one word: Passion.
How would someone watching you describe your playing style in three words?
Fast, technical, determined.
Which position do you feel most comfortable in on the pitch ?
The position where I feel most comfortable is left winger and forward.
How would you asses the development of women's football in Switzerland and in Europe ?
Women’s football is progressing gradually, both in Switzerland and in Europe. Structures are improving, visibility is increasing, and attitudes are evolving, even though there is still work to be done to achieve true equality with men’s football.Women’s football in Switzerland and Europe is growing rapidly, with significant progress in recent years, driven by international competitions, an expanding fan base, and increased investment. However, there is still a way to go to achieve full equality with men’s football, especially at the professional level.
You re also beach soccer player.How did you start your journey in Beach Soccer and How do you see the development of the Beach Soccer in the Europe?
I have now been playing beach soccer for 8 years.
In 2019, I started in Muespach, France.
From 2020 to 2022, I played in Switzerland with the Havana Shots.
In 2022, I was called to play in the United States in Los Angeles.
In 2025, I was called to play a tournament in the Netherlands with the Zeeland Ladies beach soccer team.
From 2024 to 2025, I was also invited by a team from Marseille, the Minots de Marseille, to compete in the Euro Winners Cup in Nazaré, Portugal.
This year, in 2026, I will participate again with the Minots de Marseille in Nazaré, Portugal, for the Euro Winners Cup.
From 2024 to 2025, I was also called to Germany, in Berlin, to play with the Beach Kick Berlin team.
In 2024, we became German champions, finishing in first place.
In 2025, we finished third.
This year, in 2026, I will also participate in this tournament in Berlin again.
Beach soccer is growing rapidly, but it still deserves more recognition and support, especially for women.
Which version of yourself feel stronger: the beach soccer player or the grass-pitch footballer-and why ?
Both versions are complementary.
Beach soccer greatly develops technique, creativity, coordination, and mental strength, because every action is more physically demanding.
On grass, I am able to leverage my skills with my speed, my runs, and my effectiveness in the collective game.
How would you asses the development of women's football in Switzerland and in Europe ?
The development is encouraging. We are seeing better organization and more opportunities for young female players.
Women’s football in Switzerland and Europe is growing rapidly, with solid programs, positive results in participation, and increasing visibility year after year, even though there is still work to be done to achieve full parity with men’s football.
I would also say that for it to develop even further, we need a lot of support.
Could you share your views on the Women Footballers Association established to support the development of women's football in Turkey, and the Kristal Ayaklar TV Programme and Award Ceremony ?
I believe that the Women Footballers Association in Turkey plays an essential role in supporting, representing, and advocating for female players in the country.
I hope that in the coming years there will be further progress in women’s football in Turkey.
The TV show and the Kristal Ayaklar Award Ceremony are also very important, as they give visibility to women’s football and highlight the work, talent, and achievements of women in this sport.
