Afghan-born footballer Nadia Nadim says he wants to represent women who have “not accessed” when he participates in football aid this year.
Nadim fled Afghanistan for Europe with her mother and four sisters when she was 11 years old after her father was executed by the Taliban.
She continued to have an incredible career, starting out in a refugee camp, playing for Manchester City and representing Denmark.
After the Taliban gained power in 2021, women’s rights in Afghanistan are severely restricted and banned from competitive sports.
It led to a fierce debate over Afghanistan’s sporting status, and called for the English men’s cricket team to boycott the Champions Trophy match last month.
Nadim, 37, says Soccer Aid offers the opportunity to reach different types of sports audiences – and through that, she wants to make more people aware of the issues women have access to sports in Afghanistan and beyond.
“I think that’s very important. Being there represents what is possible,” she told BBC Sports. “It doesn’t even have to be an Afghan girl. For me, it’s about representing a woman with no access or voice.
“I don’t only want to inspire, but I also show that if someone is given a second chance, it can be beautiful.
“It’s important to create that awareness in every audience and be up to date with what’s going on around the world.”
