In conversation with Fatima Yousufi, Captain and Goalkeeper for the Afghanistan Women's Soccer Team

The story of the Afghan Women’s National Football Team is not an easy one to tell.

For years, they were forced to play in secret under Taliban rule. They then experienced a brief 14 years of normality, where the foundations of Afghan women's football began to flourish, with the support it rightfully deserved. Fatima was one of the young women growing up during this time, who was able to see a future, where football was an option.

But everything changed in August 2021 when the Taliban took control of Afghanistan once again. Faced with new dangers, the Afghan women’s team was forced to flee for their lives. That’s where Australian football icon and human rights activist Craig Foster comes in.

After hearing their story, Craig became a tireless advocate for the team, helping coordinate their escape and their relocation to safety. With his efforts and the support of many others, these incredible women, including Fatima, were granted asylum and eventually found refuge in Australia, where they could rebuild their lives and their love for football.

Today, the Afghan women’s team is in a new chapter—rebuilding from the ground up, training in exile, and keeping their dream alive despite the challenges. But their journey is far from over. Their story is a reminder of how sport transcends borders and can be a lifeline in the fight for justice and equality.

This is a conversation not to be missed.