Discover how women’s football in Saudi Arabia is breaking barriers, inspiring a generation, and shaping teh future of sports in the region.
NEOM, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, january 19, 2025 – In collaboration with the Asian football Confederation (AFC), NEOM has unveiled a groundbreaking report titled ‘pioneering Change: Women’s Football in Saudi Arabia’. This extensive document highlights the remarkable progress of women’s football in the Kingdom, examining its journey so far and envisioning a vibrant future for the sport.
As the Presenting Partner of the inaugural AFC Women’s Champions League, NEOM is dedicated to fostering the growth of women’s football not only in the Middle East but across the globe. The report delves into the inspiring change of the sport, showcasing its potential to redefine athletic culture, promote gender equality, and align with Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 goals. With the Kingdom slated to host the FIFA World Cup in 2034, the momentum behind women’s football is set to soar even higher.
“this report is more than just a reflection on football,” said Jan Paterson,Managing Director of NEOM Sport.“It’s about understanding where we stand, identifying challenges, and envisioning a future where women’s sports thrive. By collaborating with the AFC, we aim to unlock the full potential of women’s football, demonstrating its transformative power for individuals and communities alike.”
The report features insights from key stakeholders, including the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF), the Saudi Ministry of Sport (MoS), and the Saudi Sports for All Federation (SFA). It outlines important milestones achieved over the past six years, such as the establishment of the Saudi Women’s premier League, the formation of the Women’s National Team, and the appointment of female leaders in sports management. additionally, the report emphasizes the importance of grassroots advancement, leadership, coaching, and infrastructure investment in driving the sport’s growth and commercialization.
“The last six years have been nothing short of remarkable for women’s football in Saudi Arabia,” remarked Aalia Abdulaziz AlRasheed, Head of Women’s Football at SAFF. “From creating four national teams and five competitions to engaging 77,000 girls in our Schools League, the progress has been immense.We’ve also established six regional training centers and launched numerous coaching and refereeing programs. Our mission is to inspire girls across the country to chase their dreams and showcase their passion for the game. With 62 active international partnerships and 60 players from 20 nations in our leagues, we’re building a global legacy for Saudi women’s football.”
This report is a testament to the Kingdom’s commitment to empowering women through sports, offering a roadmap for continued growth and innovation.To explore the full findings,click here.
What specific challenges did the Saudi Arabia women’s national football team face in its early years, and how did the team overcome thes obstacles?
Interview with Lina Al-hassan: Pioneering Women’s Football in Saudi Arabia
By Archyde News, January 20, 2025
NEOM, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – In a groundbreaking moment for women’s sports in the region, Saudi Arabia’s women’s football scene is making waves on the global stage. To delve deeper into this inspiring journey, we sat down with Lina Al-Hassan, captain of the Saudi Arabia women’s national football team and a trailblazer for women’s sports in the Kingdom.
Archyde: Lina, thank you for joining us. Women’s football in saudi Arabia has come a long way since the establishment of the first women’s football club,King’s United,in 2006. how would you describe the current state of women’s football in the Kingdom?
Lina Al-Hassan: Thank you for having me. It’s an honor to share our story. Women’s football in Saudi Arabia has truly transformed over the past two decades. From humble beginnings with King’s united to now having a national team competing internationally, the progress has been remarkable. The support from the government, private sector, and the community has been instrumental in breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for women to pursue their passion for football.
Archyde: you mentioned the national team. Last year, the team played against Moldova in Austria, marking a notable milestone.What did that match mean for you and your teammates?
Lina Al-Hassan: That match was a turning point for us. It wasn’t just about the game; it was about representing our country on an international stage and showing the world that Saudi women are capable of competing at the highest levels. The experience was surreal—playing in front of a global audience, wearing the green jersey, and knowing that young girls back home were watching us. It was a moment of pride and a reminder of how far we’ve come.
Archyde: Speaking of young girls, how do you see women’s football inspiring the next generation in Saudi Arabia?
Lina al-Hassan: Football is more than just a sport; it’s a platform for empowerment.When young girls see us playing, they realize that their dreams are valid and achievable. we’re not just athletes; we’re role models. Initiatives like the NEOM Sports academy and grassroots programs are nurturing talent and providing young girls with the resources they need to succeed. The future is shining, and I’m confident that the next generation will take women’s football in Saudi Arabia to even greater heights.
Archyde: The journey hasn’t been without challenges. Early on, the team faced scrutiny and even lost sponsorship from Prince Alwaleed bin Talal due to media pressure. How did you and your teammates overcome those obstacles?
lina Al-Hassan: It’s true; we’ve faced our share of challenges. But adversity only made us stronger. We leaned on each other for support and remained focused on our goals. The setbacks taught us resilience and the importance of staying true to our mission. Over time, the narrative shifted, and people began to see the value of women’s football. Today, we have more sponsors, fans, and allies than ever before.
Archyde: Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the future of women’s football in Saudi Arabia?
Lina Al-Hassan: my hope is that women’s football becomes a cornerstone of Saudi sports culture. I want to see more leagues, more investment, and more opportunities for women to excel both on and off the field. Ultimately, I dream of a day when Saudi Arabia hosts a Women’s World Cup and our national team stands on the podium, holding the trophy.It’s an enterprising goal, but with the momentum we have, I believe it’s within reach.
Archyde: Thank you, Lina, for sharing your inspiring journey with us. Your dedication and passion are truly commendable. We look forward to seeing you and your team achieve even greater success in the years to come.
Lina Al-Hassan: Thank you. It’s been a pleasure.
This interview is part of archyde’s ongoing coverage of women’s sports in the Middle East. Stay tuned for more stories of empowerment, resilience, and triumph.
