Nadia Nadim: playing football can help to give voice to Afghan women

The footballer born Nadim, born in Afghanistan, says he wants to represent women “who do not have access and a voice” when he takes part in the football aid of this year.

Nadim flew from Afghanistan to Europe with his mother and four sisters when he was 11 years old after his father was executed by the Taliban.

He took football in a refugee camp and continued to play a stellar career, including the game for Manchester City and the representative of Denmark.

Following the return to power of the Taliban in 2021, women’s rights in Afghanistan have been seriously limited and are prohibited by competitive sports.

Led to a fierce debate on the sports status of Afghanistan, with requests for the men’s cricket team of England To boycott the game of the samples trophies last month.

Nadim, 37, says that Soccer Aid presents the possibility of reaching a different type of sports audience – and that through it it hopes to make more people aware of the issues that women have access to sport in Afghanistan and beyond.

“I think it’s very important, being there represents what is possible,” he told BBC Sport. “He doesn’t even have to be Afghan girls. For me, it is a question of representing women who have no access and voice.

“I want to inspire, but also show those to power that if someone is given a second possibility it can be beautiful.

“It is important to create that awareness, for all the public and be updated on what is happening all over the world.”