The Stories of the Afghanistan Women's National Team

“I never forget those days and the pain I felt witnessing the Afghanistan flag being taken off by the Taliban and they stepped on it as if that flag meant nothing, the flag that I proudly represented in international competitions and tried my best to raise it as high as possible was removed and I couldn't do anything but cry for a week.”

I began my journey as a sprinter in high school before joining the volleyball team. When the football team was looking for players, my sports teacher, Halima Sangar, encouraged me to try out, noting my speed and the fact that my friends were already playing. That sparked my interest in football. 

I vividly remember the first time I donned my sports uniform, feeling embarrassed as I stepped onto the field. Thanks to my friends, I gradually gained confidence and fell in love with the game. While I could only play for the school team, I occasionally participated in women’s league matches without my family’s knowledge. One day, I confided in my mom about my involvement, and to my surprise, she was incredibly supportive, acting as a shield against any negative comments from relatives.

Eventually, my father and the rest of my family came to understand my passion for football, attending my games and cheering me on, even instructing my sisters and sister-in-laws to support me from the sidelines as he could not do that due to his disability and until today my father never witnessed me playing football. 

I recall my first season with Sangar FC. As a sprinter, I often found myself sidelined; the captain didn’t believe I was good enough. One game, when my coach asked her to let me play due to another player's illness, she responded, “If Mursal plays, I won’t.” That comment stung, filling me with frustration and doubt. But I vowed to prove myself and make a day come when the team couldn't afford to leave me out. 

During the finals, I finally got my chance due to a lack of players. I played well, impressing the U17 national coach who invited me to trials. That moment was exhilarating. After five months of hard work, I was selected for the U17 nationals, a memory I cherish. I stood along the white lines, my heart racing, as the team manager called my name and handed me the number 15 jersey. Later, I was given the number 4 jersey, just like Ramos. 

My first trip was to India, and I eagerly packed a week in advance. On the day of departure, I tearfully said goodbye to my parents—funny, considering I was only 15. 

In our first match, dressed in our red jerseys, we stood in line with our hands over our hearts, listening to the Afghan national anthem. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I felt immense pride representing my country and its 34 million people, especially the women suffering in silence. I thought of the women facing horrific injustices, and it ignited a fire within me. I realized that regardless of winning or losing, I was there to amplify their voices, showcasing the strength and resilience of Afghan women and advocating for change. 

In 2018, I joined the national team, driven by a mission to create change—no matter how small. At that time, we had only two teams, the U17 and the national team, but we worked hard to pave the way for young girls to pursue their passion for football. By 2021, we had expanded to U15, U17, U19, U21, and a national team, along with three women’s leagues. I even started my own team, United Lions, but everything changed when the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021. In an instant, the dreams I had built felt shattered, and I was left hiding at home, feeling like a butterfly whose wings had been clipped.

I never forget those days and the pain I felt witnessing the Afghanistan flag being taken off by the Taliban and they stepped on it as if that flag meant nothing, the flag that I proudly represented in international competitions and tried my best to raise it as high as possible was removed and I couldn’t do anything but to cry for a whole week.

When the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, I was at a café with a friend, working on an art project for my Graphic Design diploma. Suddenly, my mother called, panicking, urging me to come home quickly. "The Taliban have taken the country and entered Kabul," she said. I was shocked and terrified. I rushed home, only to learn that the president had fled and the Taliban were now in power.

That night, I buried my medals and any evidence of my football career, knowing the danger that awaited me and my brother, who worked with the military. From my balcony, I watched him burn his military uniform, tears streaming down his face. Football was my passion, but serving in the army had been his lifelong dream. 

We formed a WhatsApp group with our team, and our captain, Nilab, added Khalida Popal, who helped us secure visas to Australia with the support of many others, including Craig Foster. A week after this WhatsApp group, one morning I received a call from a friend who was heading to the airport. "We got our visas!" she exclaimed. I hadn’t checked the group because I had no internet and was asleep. She urged me to grab my things and come. 

Khalida warned us to take only backpacks and no evidence of football or anything that could put our lives in danger. With a borrowed Wi-Fi connection, I saw the messages about the visas. It was a tough decision, knowing it was only for us, not our families, but still, I took my dad, mom, and sister with me, packed only my certificates, and went toward the airport. I didn’t have time to say goodbye to the rest of my family. 

As my brother drove us to the airport, the sound of gunfire grew louder, and I was gripped by panic. Arriving at the airport, we searched for our team in the chaos. We spent the entire day behind the gates. Despite our efforts, we couldn’t get through, and I got separated from my family because of the crowd my father was disabled and couldn’t get into the airport through that crowd and the Taliban throwing tear gas. The last thing I remember from that day is seeing my dad crying, the hero of my life, who always did his best for us despite his limitations, and he told me to be safe and that he was sorry he could not accompany me due to his disability. 

After a sleepless night, my mom came to the airport with milk and a blanket for me. She tried to comfort me as we approached the Taliban checkpoint. One member pressed a gun to my forehead and ordered me to sit down. Fear froze me, but my mom urged me to obey. She had faced these men before during their first era and knew their brutality. 

After what felt like an eternity, we learned of another gate where American and Australian soldiers were helping people. As we moved toward that entrance, I felt the panic and confusion around us. I got separated from my mom in the crowd, struggling to breathe in the heat and chaos. I stood in knee-deep water for nearly six hours with a few teammates, waiting for the soldiers to take us through. 

Finally, two players were taken in, and just when it seemed hopeless, one of our team members with an Australian soldier appeared and led us inside the airport. There, we found a small space to rest, but the nights were cold, and we had little food. We relied on army rations, unsure of what we could eat. 

After two nights and three days, we boarded a military plane to Dubai, and after 9 days in a refugee camp in Dubai, we boarded the plane to Australia. In Melbourne, I suddenly found myself responsible for two under-18 teammates, becoming their carer without knowing what that entailed. But helping my team was my priority. 

After two months in a hotel, a case manager helped me find a shared house with teammates. I was devastated to learn that my brother had been kidnapped by the Taliban. My mother’s words haunted me: "If you had taken him with you, this wouldn’t have happened." I knew she was just expressing her pain, but those words weighed heavily on my heart. Luckily my brother managed to escape and with my financial support, they left the country within 2 days. 

I struggled to adapt to my new life in Australia, working long hours in a restaurant for low pay. After realizing I deserved better, I found a job in a factory and later one as a graphic designer for one of the sponsors of our football club (AWT Melbourne Victory). Despite my career progress, guilt consumed me—I felt I was doing nothing for my people back home.

I battled mental health challenges, undergoing treatment for depression and anxiety. After some time, I took leadership courses and trained in public speaking to give back to my community and advocate for women and refugees. I found a mentor who showed me I could balance multiple responsibilities: studying, playing football, and community involvement. 

As I learned English within the community and by watching cartoons and movies and adapted to my new environment, I started speaking publicly and facilitating workshops for young immigrants facing similar challenges. Now, as a soccer coach and community leader, I juggle various responsibilities while dedicating my time to making a difference and fighting for change.

I have been playing for AWT Melbourne Victory since 2022. Football is indescribable, but I can say that it embodies love, bravery, unity, and everything in between. It's a sport that brings people from diverse backgrounds and cultures together.

“At first, I didn't tell my family about football at all but played anyway… My father said that if I wanted to play football, I was to not come home again.”

I started playing football when I was very little. I was in the seventh grade when we had our first Sports teacher. He worked for the national team and he wanted to form a team from school. As usual, Afghan families do not allow their daughters to play sports, but I wanted to join the team and try my luck. At first, I didn't tell my family about football at all but played anyway. 

I played really well, and I was very happy to be selected in the federation, but my family wouldn’t allow me to leave our community. In Afghanistan, sports is only for boys and only boys are allowed to go, but I wanted to be the only person in my family who broke the law of the family and left to play. It made me more determined, and I fought the challenges and difficulties that existed in Afghanistan and went to play football anyway. I played as much as I could until my family finally found out that I was playing football and I was selected for our team. 

My father said that if I wanted to play football, I was to not come home again. 

I stayed at home for a few days and fought, and my brother was a football player and tried to talk to my father to accept, but he refused. I told my family that I was going to stay at my aunt's house, but I actually went on the National election trip for the under 17s team, taking place in India. We were in India for two weeks. I carried on playing, and my family did not know that I was hiding and lying, but they slowly worked out what I was doing, and realised that I was not going to change. I have played ever since, and went to the national team for the under 17s, the under 19s years old and then the under 23s.

I am currently living in Australia in Melbourne, with my family. After the fall of Kabul, the Taliban took over, whilstI was in Afghanistan playing football with my teammates. I was heartbroken, it was a day when for all young people, and young women of my country, their flower withered. 

The day Kabul fell, chaos and terror flowed through the population. We were all worried about the girls of the National Team, in fear that the Taliban will find us to kill us, or take us with them and do something else. I felt like I’d never see the sky again, and feel that freedom that I felt playing football. 

We spoke as much as we could with each other, whilst Khalida Popal worked hard to try and save the girls who played for the national team, and the girls who played in the provinces. She tried her best to find a solution to find a way to evacuate us, so that we can at least can live and breathe, and be safe.

Ms. Popalzai and all her colleagues tried day and night to get the girls and their families out of Afghanistan. A week after the fall of Kabul, we received a message that you should go to the airport and get visas. There were two days left. If you don't go, your visa will expire. 

We all joined hands and went to Hamid Karzai Airport in Kabul and spent the night camped outside the airport gate. I had never seen such a thing in my life, watching my fellow Afghans trying to hold onto the outside of the planes just to try and escape. It is still in my mind and I have not forgotten. We finally got told that we had a place on a plane, and we all reached Australia, to safety. It was very difficult for everyone.

I now play for Melbourne Victory AWT. Football for me, is life and it is hope. I hope that the women's national team will be able to play football in the name of Afghanistan and I hope that we will be able to compete again in the name of my country like we once did.

“By playing football, I forget all the stresses and strains of life and it transforms into positive energy… For me, football means pleasure, peace and being strong.”

I started playing football quite late, when I was 20 years old, at a time when I was working in a sewing factory in Kabul. I met a girl who was working there and she was in the national cycling team and because I knew she was involved in sport, and I was very interested in football, I told her. She introduced me to a football club which had many girls as members, and so the next day, I went to that address and joined that team as soon as I could. My football story started from that club. 

Adalat football club was one of the most famous and best clubs in all of Kabul City, so it held many games against other clubs in Kabul. Exactly four months before the fall of the government in Afghanistan, a tournament was held between the clubs of Kabul City. The coach of the Afghan Women's National Team had come to watch and then invited new players from this tournament to the national team. I was one of those players. 

Football gives me a good feeling. By playing football, I forget all the stresses and strains of life and it transforms into positive energy. Football is very important to me because I have a lot of interest and it is one of my special hobbies. The days that I practice or play football during the whole week are the best days of my week.

The story of my journey from Afghanistan to Australia, like the other girls of the national team, happened in a very urgent and unusual way. A few days after the fall of the government, the day I was doing laundry with my mother, my friend who is in the national team called and told me to to send my passport photo to the National Team’s WhatsApp group as soon as possible, because the captain of the team had announced that Khaleda had managed to organise for the team to be taken to a foreign country, to safety. A few minutes later, I shared my passport photo to the group and was waiting to see what would happen, and so, a few days later, all the team members were asked to get to the airport as soon as possible. We went to the airport with the other girls of the team, and after two days of difficulty and wandering, waiting and hoping, we found out we had spaces on a flight. I entered the airport and flew to Dubai, before moving onto the next destination: Melbourne, Australia.

I now play as a defender in Melbourne Victory AWT with other national team girls. Football means a lot to me and I enjoy every moment I am playing football. For me, football means pleasure, peace and being strong.

“Football was more than a game; it was a way to challenge stereotypes, connect with others who shared my passion, and inspire other girls in Afghanistan to pursue their dreams regardless of societal barriers.”

I started playing football when I was around 14 years old. In Afghanistan, where traditional roles often limit opportunities for girls, finding a place to play sports was challenging. My older brother was a huge fan of football and would play with his friends in the neighborhood. I watched them from the sidelines, fascinated by the way they moved and worked together on the field.  One day, I decided to join them. Despite initial resistance from my family and some skepticism from the community, my brother supported me. He taught me the basics and encouraged me to practice regularly. I was drawn to the sport not only because of the thrill of the game but also because it gave me a sense of freedom and expression that I didn't find elsewhere.  Playing football was empowering. It allowed me to build confidence, develop discipline, and foster teamwork. It was a rare opportunity to defy societal expectations and assert my own identity. Joining a girls' team and eventually the national team became symbols of progress and resilience for me. Football was more than a game; it was a way to challenge stereotypes, connect with others who shared my passion, and inspire other girls in Afghanistan to pursue their dreams regardless of societal barriers.

Leaving Afghanistan was a difficult decision, but it was necessary for my safety and to pursue my dreams. After the situation in our country became increasingly perilous, especially for women and women athletes, I knew I had to find a place where I could continue playing football and live without fear.  My journey began with a risky and uncertain escape from Afghanistan. I traveled through several countries, facing many challenges along the way, but my determination to continue playing football kept me focused. I managed to reach Australia, a country known for its strong support for women's sports and opportunities for refugees.  Arriving in Australia, I was both relieved and overwhelmed. The initial adjustment was challenging, from navigating a new culture to finding a place to live. However, my passion for football helped me find a sense of belonging. I joined a local team and was welcomed with open arms. The support from my new community and the chance to train and play at a high level was incredibly uplifting.  Now, playing in Australia, I've not only continued to pursue my football career but also become an advocate for other young women who face similar challenges. My journey has been one of resilience and hope, and I’m grateful for the opportunities I've been given here. Football remains a powerful part of my life, symbolizing both the struggle I endured and the new beginnings I’ve embraced.

I currently play for the Melbourne Victory football team in Australia. Being part of this team has been an incredible experience and a dream come true. The level of professionalism and support here has allowed me to grow as a player and compete at a high standard.  Football means so much to me. It represents a journey of resilience and empowerment. For me, it’s more than just a sport; it’s a way to connect with others, challenge myself, and honor the sacrifices I’ve made. It’s a source of strength and joy, allowing me to express myself and contribute to a team with shared goals and values.  Playing for Melbourne Victory has not only given me a platform to showcase my skills but also a sense of belonging and community. Football remains a powerful symbol of my journey from Afghanistan to Australia, embodying the hope and determination that brought me here and the future I’m working towards.

“I used to dress up like a boy… it was the only way I could play when I was a kid… I wore a mask to cover my face so as not be seen by my brothers and my relatives.”

My name is Manozh Noori, I’m 21 years old, I was born in 2003 in Kabul, Afghanistan and I’m now living in Australia. I lost my dad when I was really young, who passed away for unknown reasons. I was raised by my mother and my sister among my strict brothers and relatives, who tried to ban me from being a soccer player. At the beginning of my sporting career, I played basketball. When I was in primary school, there were no soccer grounds, and there were no opportunities to play soccer, so I had to join basketball to be able to play some sport. I used to try and play soccer with boys on streets that were away from our house, so as not to be seen by my brothers and my relatives, even though I was only 8 or 9 years of age. My family and my relatives hated sport and they did not know that I was playing soccer with the boys. I used to dress up like a boy just to get involved with them - it was the only way I could play when I was a kid.

A few years later, I was able to join our school senior soccer team, but I still couldn’t tell my family, except my sister and later my mother, but they still found out. I was threatened by them, and they tried to stop me studying as a punishment, but my mother and sister stood strong with me; they kept me strong and stable, and able to carry on playing.

I carried on working hard, and tried to direct my passion into more training, and the school team I was playing for began winning more; I was recognised as the best player and managed to become the best female scorer at the time in the Kabul school senior soccer league. I did not know that Afghanistan had the Afghanistan women’s national soccer team, or that there were any female teams like that, but after I watched some videos on TV and I heard about Afghanistan women’s team which have soccer activities in Afghanistan Football Federation (AFF), then I explained to my elder sister about how interested and passionate I was for joining women’s soccer team.

At first my sister was scared of getting even more threats, and we discussed it many times but she was too scared to help, so I spent a lot of time looking for a club before eventually finding Tawana Ladies soccer team. I joined the club on a trial basis, and but it only took joining on the first day of training to be accepted by the club - it was a really good session. I played and won Futsal tournaments, where my street football was very useful, and the Kabul champions league. It was going so well that I was then invited to play for Sangar ladies football team.We won the Kabul league and the Afghanistan Women’s Champions League, and I was won best player and best goal scorer a few years in row by Afghanistan football federation (AFF). After that, I played for Royal Kabul FC and I won the same titles again. I then formed Noori Sport ladies football team with a few of my friends.

For all of the 6 years since I left school at this point, I wore a mask to cover my face so as not be seen by my brothers and my relatives, because a lot of my games and tournaments were broadcast on TV, or were published about on social media and in the news. That was the only way I could keep playing. 

In 2017, I was invited by the Afghanistan women’s national football team, and as I was at the beginning of my career, I proudly accepted the invitation. I used to train with the national team and really enjoyed it, but because of the issues and threats of relatives, and because of the general attitude in society, I quit the national team. It was too much stress. I got invited again in 2020, so I talked to my family and I had friends who supported me and encouraged me to talk about my decision to join the national team. I decided to accept again and give it another go, but I kept playing without telling anyone except my mother and my sister again, who had always supported me. 

I travelled with the Afghanistan Women’s National Team to Tajikistan to play in the Asian Women’s Championship Cup, but after we got back from Tajikistan to Afghanistan on August 15th 2021, the Taliban had started taking over Afghanistan, and so we were all banned from playing and threatened. I was scared for my life because of my relatives, those who were against me for years, whether they knew I was playing soccer, even though I had tried my best to hide it. I had no hope, I was lost and I was frightened about the situation that happened so suddenly, and that brought huge and unlimited darkness in my life. 

I just did not expect the Taliban to take control of Afghanistan like they did, it was impossible to imagine. I spoke to Khalida Popal regarding the situation we were all going through, and she promised to help us, and try and evacuate us from Afghanistan. We then received letters of evacuation support from Australia through the help and cooperation of Khalida Popal, Craig Foster and many others. 

I have always had a strong passion and a dream of becoming a professional soccer player; I have never thought about quitting and have never given up on my dreams, no matter what has happened. I believed and worked hard and I kept going and this sport, my dream, saved my life because of the fearlessness that it gave me. I’m alive and I am now living in a peaceful environment. I now play at Craigieburn City Football Club in the State League One.

“In 2021, when the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, my world shattered. I feared I would never study or play soccer again. I spent sleepless nights crying, anxiously waiting for a chance to leave Kabul. Every knock on the door filled me with dread.”

I began playing soccer in school, driven by a deep passion for the game. It quickly became a central part of my life. Each day, I would attend school just to play soccer for half an hour—education mattered, but soccer mattered even more. Eventually, I joined the school team and met Mona Amini, a girl who played for the national team. Recognizing my enthusiasm, she invited me to join her club. Unfortunately, I could only participate in the school team at that time. After discussing it with my family, they wholeheartedly supported my ambitions. Their encouragement, combined with my passion, fueled my journey.

I joined Gulp Esteghlal and participated in a tournament to select players for the under-15 national team, where I was fortunate to be chosen. I traveled with both the under-17 and under-23 teams, playing 13 matches for the national squad.

In 2021, when the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, my world shattered. I feared I would never study or play soccer again. I spent sleepless nights crying, anxiously waiting for a chance to leave Kabul. Every knock on the door filled me with dread, knowing our love for soccer put us at risk. After two weeks, we received a lifeline through Khalida Popal, who helped us navigate our escape. I went to the airport with my family, but after two nights, I had to leave them behind to secure our passage. That was the hardest moment of my life—I slept with tears that night.

After enduring chaos at the airport, we finally arrived in Australia, but many of us were separated from our families. The pain of leaving them in Afghanistan was overwhelming. Two years later, my family joined me in Melbourne, and we’ve built a wonderful life together. I now play for Melbourne Victory AWT. Soccer is everything to me; it gives me life and purpose.

“I never imagined that in the midst of war, I would face the sound of bullets, screams, terror, lack of money, fear of life, despair, and people like those of the Taliban.”

I was 8 years old when I started playing football with my friends, before then starting to play more when I went to secondary school. They had a school team that I joined with one of my friends because her dad was a coach. I told my Mom that I was starting my training with my friend’s dad, and I worked hard. After a year of playing, I trialled with the national team and they told me that they liked the way I play football and they wanted me to play for them.

My Mom and Dad always supported me in football and my Dad always put in extra effort to take me in the park to practice. He wanted to play soccer with me and I am so proud of that.

When I think about the bitter days that happened in Afghanistan, I find it hard to forget them, but every time I think back to them, it makes me stronger. I never imagined that in the midst of war, I would face the sound of bullets, screams, terror, lack of money, fear of life, despair, and people like those of the Taliban. I often think of the people from my country, and wish that they be freed from the misery and violence against women, have hope returned to them. I am really grateful for the help that Australia gave us, to help us feel safe. I am forever grateful.

I played for the Sky United team for a year. They are really good team and I feel so happy that I had the chance to play with them and I feel they’re like my family, but now I have moved and I am waiting to find another team in my home area.

“Soccer means everything to me.”

At the age of 13, I was introduced to the beautiful game of soccer after being captivated by the sport on television. Growing up, I aspired to proudly represent the AWNT on the soccer field. 

My journey began with casual games on the streets alongside boys. Eventually, I secured a spot with the esteemed Royal Kabul Soccer Club and participated in a pivotal tournament with them. It was during this time that I caught the eye of the AWNT coaches, and I was elated to receive an invitation to join the national team, marking the fulfillment of my lifelong dream.

Currently I'm playing Melbourne Victoria AWT. Soccer means everything to me. It saved my life and helped me to begin my new life in Australia.

“I fought for my dreams and I am really proud of myself and I feel that I am the real hero of my football journey. It has been proven to me in my life that if you don't give up and continue with all your strength and believe in your dream, nothing and no one can stop you.”

I have loved football ever since I was a child. My two brothers always played football and in the village where I grew up there were always people playing football in the streets. My brother could do a lot of tricks, and would sit up at night with his friends to watch games like El Clasico in La Liga, and of course, when you see so much interest in football from those around you, slowly you also become interested. I also started playing football with my cousins and my neighbour's son, who was about the same age as me, around 11 or 12.

From the time I started playing football until I was selected for the national team, I saw many hardships that were not easy for me at all, from being slapped by members of my family, to even being kicked out of the house. Everyone knows that Afghanistan is a traditional society and there were so many people with superstitious thoughts and beliefs, and unfortunately my family are also like that. The biggest obstacle for me to be able to continue my football aside from the general attitude of society was my family, but my interest in football was so great that none of these obstacles stood in my way and I am proud of how much I love it. I fought for my dreams and I am really proud of myself and I feel that I am the real hero of my football journey. It has been proven to me in my life that if you don't give up and continue with all your strength and believe in your dream, nothing and no one can stop you. This belief has been proven in my life, like with my family - there was a barrier in my way, but now they are the biggest supporters because they know I never gave up on my dreams and what I believed in, and they now also respect me and respect my beliefs and dreams.

I was invited to join the national team exactly six months before I came to Australia. I remember that our team was preparing for some competitions in Tajikistan when the situation in the country deteriorated. They took over the country and we, the girls of the national team, like millions of other Afghan girls, stayed at home and waited for what disasters were going to happen to us. We were so worried and scared about getting out that we couldn’t think about anything else, until one morning in the WhatsApp group came a message to get to Hamid Karzai Airport as soon as possible. I remember that until I was out of the house and on the way to the airport. I didn't know where we were going.

Currently, I am playing football with other girls of the national team for Melbourne Victory AWT team.

For me, football means life, that gives good feelings of excitement and hope. Football saved my life. If I wasn't here in Australia today, I really don't know what fate I would have faced, and as long as I live, I am indebted to all the people who brought us to Australia for helping our dreams not to be wasted and for the rights of millions. Let's fight for Afghan women.