Saudi Women’s Football: From Ground Zero to a World Cup Dream

Saudi Arabia, known for its prowess in men’s football with stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Karim Benzema, has embarked on an inspiring journey in women’s football. Just five years ago, organized women’s football in the country was virtually non-existent. However, determined efforts have set the stage for a promising future, despite the challenges.

The inception of a women’s football league marked a significant turning point in the country’s journey towards gender equality in sports. This initiative aimed to increase female participation in a nation where women’s rights have been historically restricted. The results have been remarkable. The Saudi Women’s National Team, who played their first game only last year, are now eyeing qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia is bidding to host the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup, a major international tournament.

With the start of the new season of the Saudi Women’s Premier League, the country continues to take significant strides in women’s football. While the path to progress has been significant, there is recognition that more needs to be done for women’s rights in Saudi Arabia, even as reforms are being implemented. Human rights groups have criticized the Saudi government for what they term “sportswashing” – using sports to distract from long-standing reputation issues.

Nonetheless, the players and advocates of women’s football in Saudi Arabia are excited about the opportunities ahead. Layan Jouhari, who represents Jeddah club Al-Ittihad and the national team, is thrilled about the prospect of competing in the Women’s World Cup, should they qualify. She acknowledges the challenges but remains determined to push forward.

Saudi Arabia’s journey in women’s football began with the lifting of a ban on women attending stadiums in 2018. The Saudi Arabia Football Federation (SAFF) established a women’s department the following year. In March 2022, Monika Staab, a German coach, formed the first-ever national team, which secured its first victory during a tour to the Seychelles.

Monika Staab, who is now the technical director of the women’s game at SAFF, has been impressed by the support from the Saudi Football Association and the country as a whole. She acknowledges that building a strong national team takes time and emphasizes the importance of developing youth teams.

Hosting the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup would be a significant milestone for Saudi Arabia, as it would mark their first appearance at a major international tournament. This prospect excites players like Layan Jouhari, who come from football-loving families.

A robust infrastructure is key to the success of national teams, and Saudi Arabia is laying the foundation for women’s football. Major men’s clubs like Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, and Al-Ittihad have created women’s teams. The Saudi Women’s Premier League, which began in 2020, now features eight teams. There is also a 30-team first division, promoting healthy competition and talent development.

With games scheduled to be broadcast live on national television this season, there is hope that the league’s profile will rise, attracting larger audiences. The addition of international talent through transfers is another positive sign of growth.

Saudi Arabia’s investment in sports, including women’s football, is connected to Vision 2030, a plan to diversify the country’s oil-dependent economy. Women’s participation in the workforce has increased significantly, and there have been changes in the male guardianship law, granting women more freedom.

However, there are concerns about human rights, women’s rights, and gender equality in the country. Heba Morayef from Amnesty International has called for the abolition of the male guardianship system and equal rights for women.

While progress has been made in women’s football, Saudi Arabia recognizes that there is still a long way to go. The national team’s ranking, currently at 172, reflects the challenges they face. Layan Jouhari remains optimistic, stating that they are taking it one step at a time.

Saudi Women’s Football has indeed come a long way, from ground zero to dreaming of representing the nation on the world stage. The journey has just begun, and the future holds the promise of even greater achievements in women’s football.