Afghan-born footballer Nadia Nadim sees her participation in Soccer Aid as an opportunity to represent women who lack access to sports and a voice in society.
Nadim, 37, fled Afghanistan as a child after her father was executed by the Taliban. Growing up in a refugee camp, she discovered football, leading to a successful career with clubs like Manchester City and the Danish national team.
With women’s rights severely restricted in Afghanistan since the Taliban’s return in 2021—including a ban on competitive sports—Nadim believes Soccer Aid can highlight these issues to a wider audience.
“It’s important to create awareness and show what is possible when given a second chance,” she told BBC Sport. “For me, it’s about representing women who don’t have access and a voice.”
Soccer Aid, an annual charity football match supporting UNICEF, raises funds for children worldwide. Nadim hopes her presence will inspire young girls and pressure those in power to expand opportunities for women in sports.
