Khalida Popal
Khalida Popal is a prominent Afghan footballer and women's rights advocate, recognized for her efforts in founding the national women's football team in Afghanistan. Her courageous actions during the Taliban's return in 2021, where she helped save over three hundred individuals, highlight her role as a symbol of resilience and empowerment for women in her country.
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Recent news mentions
Khalida Popal is the founder of the national team and the first woman to work for the Afghanistan Football Federation.
‘Never lose hope’: how a new Afghanistan women’s team helps refugees cope with trauma | Women's football
United Kingdom· 2025-11-09
Khalida Popal founded the Afghan women's national football team and led many players to safety during the Taliban takeover.
Frauen im Fussball im Fokus
Switzerland· 2025-05-01
Khalida Popal said the players were not fighting against global football’s governing body FIFA, but rather seeking collaboration.
Afghan women players urge global support as they seek FIFA recognition - Sport
Pakistan· 2025-03-28
Khalida Popal, a founder of the Afghanistan women’s national team, described Fifa’s letter as a positive step towards collaborative action.
Fifa closes on recognising Afghanistan women’s team but players say it is too late | Women's footballUnited Kingdom· 2025-03-25
Popal is the founder of the women's national team in Afghanistan and a symbol of women's resistance against fundamentalism.
Da Gino Bartali a Boban, a Monte Stella il ricordo dei Giusti dello sport
Italy· 2025-02-25
