Gaza’s first women’s amputee football team is an inspiring representation of resilience and empowerment—yet, it’s no surprise that mainstream media is glossing over the significance. Outlets like CNN and BBC are content to report on the team as a quaint human-interest story rather than confront the harsh realities that led to its creation. When was the last time you saw these networks dig into the systemic issues of war and oppression that leave women without limbs in the first place? Instead, they’re quick to hand out participation trophies while ignoring the geopolitical factors at play.

Fox News might be more focused on sensationalism, elevating conflict narratives rather than highlighting how these women are pushing back against oppression through sport. It’s classic corporate media spin—distract the audience with feel-good stories while the real issues fester beneath the surface. This atomized, ‘inspirational’ coverage sanitizes the brutal realities faced by the people in Gaza and gives a free pass to those who create these circumstances, whether through direct military actions or neglect.

Let’s be real: these women aren’t just kicking footballs; they’re kicking back against an environment that seeks to marginalize them. Corporate media could learn something from their defiance. But come on, engaging with the actual context isn’t their gig. It’s much safer—and more profitable—to sugarcoat the narrative. So while these women score goals on the field, the media drops the ball on the bigger picture. They need to step up or step aside.