Lia Wälti is our proud official ambassador for the UEFA Women's EURO 2025. We are also delighted to have other Bernese role models from the worlds of sport, politics, business and society at our side as testimonials.
“Football history is made in the squares of Bern – the next chapter belongs to us.”
The Bernese native from Langnau in Emmental has been captain of the Swiss women's national team since 2019. Lia is at home in the midfield, where she can make optimal use of her game intelligence, passing accuracy and leadership qualities. Since 2018, she has played for Arsenal WFC in the FA Women's Super League in England. Wälti is one of the best female footballers in the country and has contributed significantly to the development of women's football in Switzerland.
For me, it's a dream come true. I never thought it would be possible. It's a great gift and a huge reward. A home European Championship is a great sign for all of us who have done a lot for women's football in Switzerland in recent years. It shows that we have many people in Switzerland who want to promote women's football. The bid to bring the European Championship to Switzerland shows that women's football in Switzerland wants to be taken to a new level. It's great to be a player at a home tournament. I'm very happy and proud to wear the Swiss national team jersey in front of a Swiss crowd.
Langnau-Bern is my home. I have spent a lot of time here. I played for BSC YB and played my first games at Wankdorf Stadium. I never would have dreamt of playing in this stadium in the Swiss national team jersey. All of this for a major tournament – I don't think it gets any better than this. It is a career highlight for all of us to be able to play in the national team's kit in front of our families and friends. The anticipation for the tournament is great.
I associate a lot with Bern, it's my home. A large part of my family and friends come from Bern. I usually spend my free time in Switzerland in this region. For me, Bern is unique because it is so diverse. It is a beautiful city with lots of nature and the great Aare River, which makes summer unique. But ultimately, it is the people who make a place feel like home, and I associate my good environment with Bern. The size of the city is ideal, quiet yet varied. I really enjoy coming to Bern.
I recommend that all visitors take a stroll through the city. The old town of Bern is particularly beautiful. There are many beautiful buildings and shops if you walk from the city center to the Bear Pit. Bern stands for serenity and this is highly appreciated by the people of Bern. But a walk or a swim in the Aare should not be missed either. I personally like walking along the Aare because it has a very calming effect on me. But in summer, I also enjoy cooling off in the Aare. However, it should be noted that this is only for experienced swimmers. The rose garden is ideal for a long and leisurely evening in the city. There you have a wonderful view over the whole city and can enjoy the cozy atmosphere.
I am proud to be an ambassador for the host city of Bern, because I have a lot of connections with Bern. I grew up here and I think Bern and the whole of Switzerland are very safe. I am a Bernese woman and I live by Bernese values (down-to-earth, calm, relaxed). I am delighted to be able to help show people this beautiful city. I love Bern.
I have many special memories of my youth, with my training in Bern and playing football for BSC YB. When I think back to my training, I remember all the appointments. It was a strenuous time, but also one of the best of my life so far. I formed many friendships that still exist today and gained a lot of experience, both professionally and personally. Bern was an important stepping stone for my football career. I am grateful for this time and learned a lot during this important phase. I think back on this time with a smile.
I don't really have an idol in general, but as far as football is concerned, I admired Zinedine Zidane and Iniesta even as a child. At that time, women's football was not as well known, so I looked up to these two. Otherwise, I believe that there are many inspiring people out there who we can look up to and learn from. For me, this includes family members, teammates, and opponents. I enjoy learning from them and being inspired by them. I am committed to constantly developing, improving, and learning new things.
I try not to think about it too much, because a lot can happen between now and EURO 2025. For us athletes, it's important to take each day as it comes. But if I had to name something, it would be the match days, the full stadiums, the many happy children in the stands waving at us. I also love seeing my friends and family in the stadium and being able to give them a big hug after the games.
I think the impact will be very positive. We already saw at EURO08 what kind of euphoria can be triggered. The strong sense of community in the city of Bern was tangible. Despite the many international fans, the atmosphere was family-like, friendly, contented and good. I believe that a great sense of euphoria can arise, that people will come together, that joy will be triggered. I'm really looking forward to that!