Nursing Emergency Units by Day, Pursuing Football Dreams for Saudi Women by Night: Bayan Sadagah's Journey
In a remarkable turn of events, women's football in Saudi Arabia has made significant strides since the establishment of the Saudi women's national football team in 2021. This progress is part of a broader transformation aiming to expand women's roles in society and integrate Saudi women into international sports platforms.
The country, once marked by severe restrictions on women's sports participation, has now formed official women's teams, organised tournaments, and launched formal women's football leagues. Major societal changes, such as introducing physical education for girls in schools and allowing women sports spectators, reflect broader efforts towards gender equality in sports under Saudi Vision 2030.
The Saudi women's national team made its international debut in 2022, with no naturalized players and a rapidly improving profile. This quick rise marks a breakthrough given the historical barriers women faced in Saudi sports. The team is now building towards qualifying for the Asian Cup within the next 7-8 years.
Bayan Sadagah, a 30-year-old midfielder, plays a crucial role as the captain of both Al-Ittihad, her club team in the Saudi Women's Premier League (SWPL), and the national team. Her leadership on the field exemplifies women's emerging status in Saudi sports culture, helping inspire young female athletes across the kingdom.
Before becoming a professional footballer, Bayan worked as a nurse in the emergency department of a hospital in Jeddah. Her family, who have been supportive of her football career since the beginning, continue to attend her games, travel when they can, and ask about her training.
The SWPL, launched in 2022, currently has 10 teams. The league has the potential to attract top global talent and improve the quality, professionalism, and visibility of women's football in Saudi Arabia. Hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup in Saudi Arabia is expected to inspire a new generation of footballers and improve opportunities across the country.
Bayan is inspired by the free spirit of barefoot street footballers in her country and counts Messi, Iniesta, Zidane, Ronaldinho, and Marta as her football heroes. Off the field, she enjoys activities such as going to the beach, gardening, having coffee, listening to music, cooking, and spending time with friends. Serena Williams is a significant athletic role model for Bayan.
The SWPL is inspiring young girls in Saudi Arabia to play football. Most players in the league are Saudi nationals, with some international players also participating. Bayan believes her role as a female footballer and captain is about setting an example, representing progress, and inspiring young girls across the country.
The 2034 Fifa World Cup could be a game-changer for women's football in Saudi Arabia, fostering talent and integrating Saudi women further into the global sports community. The potential for growth is immense, and with the right investments and support, women's football in Saudi Arabia is poised to continue its remarkable journey towards equality and success.
- The significant strides in women's football in Saudi Arabia are part of a broader transformation, aiming to expand women's roles in society and integrate Saudi women into international sports platforms.
- Bayan Sadagah, the captain of both Al-Ittihad and the Saudi women's national team, plays a crucial role in exemplifying women's emerging status in Saudi sports culture.
- The Saudi Women's Premier League (SWPL), launched in 2022, has the potential to attract top global talent, improve the quality, professionalism, and visibility of women's football in Saudi Arabia.
- The SWPL is inspiring young girls in Saudi Arabia to play football, with most players in the league being Saudi nationals, and Bayan believes her role as a female footballer is about setting an example, representing progress, and inspiring young girls across the country.
- Bayan is inspired by the free spirit of barefoot street footballers in her country and counts Messi, Iniesta, Zidane, Ronaldinho, and Marta as her football heroes, while Serena Williams is a significant athletic role model for Bayan.
- Hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup in Saudi Arabia is expected to inspire a new generation of footballers and improve opportunities across the country, potentially fostering talent, integrating Saudi women further into the global sports community, and propelling women's football in Saudi Arabia towards continued success.
