Natalie Portman, born in Jerusalem in 1981, has never planned a life centered on sports. Yet in recent years she has become a vocal supporter of football as a force for social change. She is part of the investor group behind Angel City FC, the Los Angeles women’s soccer team that stands out for its large female ownership and its commitment to advancing women in sport. Other high-profile women who support the project include Jessica Chastain, Christina Aguilera, and Eva Longoria, with Portman among the key backers.
Portman shared updates on social media about her involvement and views. A post quoted a New York Times report on recent developments in women’s football and those who have spoken out about the sport’s culture. The timeline around Rubiales, the former head of Spain’s Football Federation, and the broader Me Too movement was referenced. Shortly before, Portman had traveled to Auckland to discuss gender equality with New Zealand’s former prime minister Jacinda Ardern, along with figures such as Fatma Samoura, FIFA’s general secretary, and rugby player Ruby Tui, highlighting her ongoing interest in fair play and inclusion in sport.
Dressed in bold purple, Portman spoke about Angel City FC, HBO’s documentary series related to the club, and posed for photos with Ardern, another widely recognized advocate for women’s rights. The coverage also touched on her personal life, noting that she was seen without her wedding ring following reports of a split from choreographer Benjamin Millepied, whom she had met during the filming of Black Swan. After more than a decade of marriage and two children, rumors of infidelity with a young environmental activist circulated, though public details remained contested.
Salary gap
Portman has spoken about listening to her twelve-year-old son Aleph discuss the achievements of female football players Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan, and how those conversations influenced her to help found Angel City FC in 2020. Her goal has been to reform football culture and address pay disparities between male and female players who dedicate their careers to the sport. This effort aligns with a broader push to close the gender pay gap in professional athletics.
Portman, often noted for a high IQ and broad interests beyond acting, has increasingly connected her professional choices to social causes. She has been associated with the Me Too movement since its early days and has discussed the impact of gender dynamics in Hollywood. Her career spans projects that address power, consent, and respect, shaping public conversations around women in cinema and beyond. Earlier roles and choices have been cited in discussions about agency and empowerment, including how she managed public perception and embraced roles that balanced artistry with personal beliefs. Her participation in high-profile campaigns and philanthropic efforts has reinforced her status as a defender of women’s rights and a supporter of fair opportunities in sport and media.
Portman rose to prominence with the 1990s film landscape and later used her platform to comment on gender equality in the industry. Her advocacy has intersected with cultural conversations about representation and the responsibilities of public figures to advocate for safer, more equitable environments. As a public figure, she has navigated scrutiny while continuing to champion causes she believes in, including education, psychology, and the arts. Her multifaceted career—spanning cinema, philanthropy, and sports—has positioned her as a notable voice in conversations about fairness, responsibility, and the power of sport to transform communities.
There was renewed attention on Portman’s public stance regarding football and women’s sport. Her involvement with Angel City FC and the project’s mission to empower female athletes remains a central thread in her public narrative. The conversation around pay equity in football, along with the cultural shifts she advocates, continues to influence fans and aspiring players alike. Portman’s journey reflects a broader trend of celebrities leveraging fame to support equitable practices in entertainment and sports, underscoring the importance of leadership and accountability in driving social change.
In sum, Natalie Portman’s engagement with Angel City FC marks a significant chapter in the intersection of Hollywood influence and sports advocacy. Her efforts to push for structural changes in how women are valued in football, alongside her public discussions of gender equality and career longevity, contribute to a broader narrative about empowerment, resilience, and the pursuit of a more inclusive sports culture. Portman’s story demonstrates how celebrity involvement can amplify important conversations and help build communities around sports that celebrate talent, hard work, and equal opportunities for all players.