Saudi Arabia’s Women’s Football: A New Report Highlights Incredible Growth

NEOM, in collaboration with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), has released a new report titled “Pioneering Change: Women’s Football in Saudi Arabia.” This report showcases the progress of women’s football in the Kingdom, achievements so far, and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.

As the Presenting Partner of the AFC Women’s Champions League, NEOM is committed to boosting women’s football, not just in Saudi Arabia, but across the region. The report emphasizes how the sport has grown exponentially and its potential to shape the future of sports in Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, and Asia.

A Key Role in Saudi Vision 2030

Women’s football has become a driving force for empowering women in sports and society in Saudi Arabia. This aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which aims to promote gender equality, healthier lifestyles, and a more inclusive sports culture. With Saudi Arabia hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2034, women’s participation in football is expected to grow even further.

Jan Paterson, Managing Director of NEOM Sport, commented:

“This report isn’t just about football; it’s about creating more opportunities for women and showcasing the positive impact sport has on communities. Together with the AFC, we are committed to unlocking the full potential of women’s sports and telling the inspiring stories of empowerment and change.”

Achievements in Women’s Football

The report highlights significant milestones achieved between 2022 and 2023, including:

• Launch of the Saudi Women’s Premier League and the Women’s National Team.
• Appointment of female leaders in key roles.
• Securing Saudi Arabia’s first-ever FIFA world ranking for women’s football.

Aalia Abdulaziz AlRasheed, Head of Women’s Football at the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF), expressed pride in the progress made:

“Since creating a dedicated women’s football department six years ago, the transformation has been incredible. From launching four national teams to introducing five competitions and training 77,000 girls through our Schools League, we’ve made huge strides.”

The report also highlights:

• The establishment of regional training centers for girls.
• Investment in grassroots programs, coaching, and refereeing.
• Commercialization efforts to grow the sport.

A Global Collaboration

Saudi Arabia is working with 62 international federations to advance women’s football. Currently, 60 international players from 20 countries play in Saudi leagues, showcasing the sport’s global appeal.

AlRasheed added:

“Our mission is to inspire girls across Saudi Arabia to chase their dreams in football. This journey has already impacted millions, not just here, but worldwide. The best is yet to come.”

With its strong foundation and ambitious goals, Saudi women’s football is set to continue inspiring a new generation of players and fans worldwide.