The football revolution in Saudi Arabia is not limited to the men’s game. In recent years, there has been significant progress in women’s football, despite starting from scratch. Just five years ago, there was no organized women’s football in the country, but now a league has been established to boost female participation in sports. The women’s national team, which played its first game last year, is aiming to qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, and Saudi Arabia is bidding to host the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup. The new season of the Saudi Women’s Premier League is set to kick off soon.
While there are still challenges and more work to be done for women’s rights in Saudi Arabia, the growth of women’s football in the country is generating excitement. Layan Jouhari, a player for Jeddah club Al-Ittihad and the national team, dreams of representing her country at the World Cup. She acknowledges the challenges but believes there is still much that can be achieved.
The progress in women’s football can be attributed to the efforts of the Saudi Arabia Football Federation (SAFF). In 2018, women were allowed to enter stadiums, and the SAFF established a women’s department the following year. Monika Staab, the first coach of the national team, selected an inaugural squad in 2022, which won their first ever game. Staab, now the technical director of the women’s game at SAFF, has praised the support and enthusiasm for women’s football in Saudi Arabia.
While the goal of qualifying for the 2027 Women’s World Cup may take time, the development of a strong national team is underway. Saudi Arabia is also bidding to host the 2026 Asian Cup, which would mark their first appearance at a major international tournament. The news of the bid was met with excitement by players like Jouhari, who recognizes the progress made but also the hard work required to compete against more established teams.
The growth of women’s football is supported by the establishment of the Saudi Women’s Premier League, which started in 2020. The league currently consists of eight teams, including those associated with well-known men’s clubs like Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, and Al-Ittihad. The league’s profile is expected to receive a boost with live broadcasts of games on national television. The addition of overseas talent, such as Nigerian international Ashleigh Plumptre and Swedish player Nor Mustafa, further enhances the league.
While there are concerns about human rights and women’s rights in Saudi Arabia, the progress in women’s football is connected to the country’s Vision 2030 plan to diversify its economy. Women’s participation in the general workforce has been increasing, and there has been a relaxation of the male guardianship law, granting women more freedom. However, there are calls for further reforms and equal rights for women.
The journey from zero to 90 in women’s football has been rapid, but reaching the next level will require continued effort. Despite the challenges, the growth and development of women’s football in Saudi Arabia offer hope and excitement for the future.