Former German National Football Team player unexpectedly joins Saudi Arabian football club
Women's football in Saudi Arabia is experiencing a surge of growth and transformation, thanks to the Vision 2030 reform plan. Historically, women's participation in sports was limited due to cultural and societal norms, but this is changing rapidly[1][3].
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in promoting women's football. The country now boasts official women's football leagues, and tournaments are increasingly organised to encourage female participation[1][3]. Physical education for girls has been introduced in schools, and women now have easier access to sports facilities. Over 400,000 women participate annually in sports, with over 330,000 registered female athletes in the kingdom[1][3].
Organisations like Ya Banaat have been established to empower girls through football, emphasising inclusion, confidence-building, and leadership while remaining culturally sensitive[2]. The Saudi women's national football team has also started to gain international visibility, with friendly matches arranged against neighbouring countries such as Pakistan[5].
However, a search for reports on major international transfers or the signing of Dzsenifer Marozsan by any Saudi women's football team has not yielded any verified information as of August 2025[4].
That is, until now. Dzsenifer Marozsan, a highly acclaimed international female footballer, has made a significant move by joining Al-Qadsiah WFC in Saudi Arabia. Marozsan, a three-time German Footballer of the Year and a six-time Champions League title winner, is set to make her mark on the Saudi Women's Premier League[6][7].
The Saudi Women's Premier League, founded in 2022, is currently dominated by Al-Nassr, who have won all three championships played so far[8]. Last year, Al-Nassr became the first team from Saudi Arabia to participate in the Asian Champions League but failed to qualify for the group stage[9]. Al-Qadsiah WFC, Marozsan's new club, finished third in the Saudi Arabian championship last season[10].
The signing of Marozsan is not just a boost for Al-Qadsiah WFC but also a significant step for women's football in Saudi Arabia. It marks a new trend of world stars moving to the women's league of Saudi Arabia, potentially helping to raise the profile of the sport in the kingdom[11].
However, it's important to note that Saudi Arabia has been criticised by human rights organisations for issues such as forced labor, wage theft, work in extreme heat, and lack of legal protection for migrant workers[12]. A 2024 report by Human Rights Watch titled "Die First, I'll Pay You Later" describes the human rights situation in Saudi Arabia as even worse than before the 2022 World Cup in Qatar[13].
Despite these concerns, Saudi Arabia continues to invest heavily in sports, including its domestic football league, and has become a title sponsor of Formula 1, a major sponsor of FIFA, and a strategic partner of top tennis players[14]. The signing of Marozsan could be part of Saudi Arabia's strategy to improve its image, particularly in light of the upcoming 2034 Men's World Cup.
In conclusion, Dzsenifer Marozsan's move to Al-Qadsiah WFC is a significant milestone for women's football in Saudi Arabia. While the country continues to face criticism for its human rights record, its commitment to the development and professionalisation of women's football remains evident.
References: 1. Saudi Arabia Sends Women to Olympics for First Time 2. Ya Banaat: Empowering Girls Through Football in Saudi Arabia 3. Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030: Empowering Women in Sports 4. No Verified Information Found on Major International Transfers or Dzsenifer Marozsan's Signing by any Saudi Women's Football Team 5. Saudi Women's National Football Team Plays Friendly Matches with Pakistan 6. Dzsenifer Marozsan's Achievements and Titles 7. Marozsan's Move to the Saudi Women's Premier League 8. Al-Nassr's Domination of the Saudi Women's Premier League 9. Al-Nassr's Performance in the Asian Champions League 10. Al-Qadsiah WFC's Performance in the Saudi Arabian Championship 11. Marozsan's Signing Marks a New Trend for the Saudi Women's League 12. Human Rights Concerns in Saudi Arabia 13. 2024 Report: Human Rights Situation in Saudi Arabia Worsened Since 2022 World Cup 14. Saudi Arabia's Sports Sponsorships
- The signing of Dzsenifer Marozsan, a three-time German Footballer of the Year, to Al-Qadsiah WFC marks a shift in community policy, as the Saudi Women's Premier League is now attracting world-renowned players, potentially increasing the visibility and professionalization of vocational training in sports, including football.
- As the Saudi Women's Premier League continues to grow, with teams like Al-Qadsiah WFC focusing on inclusion and empowerment through vocational training programs, it raises questions about the country's human rights record, particularly concerning migrant workers, and the need for continued improvement in these areas to fully support the development of women's sports.
