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Football is without a doubt the most popular sport on the planet. What began as a male-only sport has evolved into a discipline that embraces both genders and promotes equality all around. Yet, while the shift toward female football teams and contests appeared to be natural in Europe and America, it was not so in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Region. Up until the Al-Nasr women’s football team changed this perception, setting new records and inspiring millions of women.
Keep reading to find out everything about Al-Nasr’s female football team, their wonderful achievements, and the social impact they generated in the Arab world.
Background and Achievements
The Al-Nasr women’s football team was established in 2018 as the female counterpart of the club where Cristiano Ronaldo currently plays in the Saudi Pro League. As many fans worldwide found out in the meantime, Al-Nasr is one of the country’s oldest and most prestigious football squads.
The team was formed as a response to more and more women interested in professional sports and participation in competitive leagues. Since Saudi Arabia has made constant progress regarding women’s rights, establishing the team was another step toward equality. The team’s mission is to promote women’s football in the country and create more opportunities for females to showcase their talent for club and country.
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Al-Nasr’s women’s team has claimed two trophies in its short history. They won the inaugural edition of the 2021/2022 SAFF Women’s National Football Championship. Not only that Al-Nasr won all their eight matches in the championship, but they did so by scoring a total of 31 goals while only conceding three. The hard work, determination, team spirit, and constant support from their fans pushed the girls toward the trophy.
After the previous success, the team continued to write history by winning the first edition of the Saudi Women’s Premier League earlier this year. After 14 matches played, Al-Nasr collected 35 points and took the first position with a 3-point lead over Al-Hilal, their rivals from Riyadh. In the final round, Al-Nasr got a 3-2 victory over Al Yamamah, while Al-Hilal only managed a 4-4 draw with Ittihad to give the champions an ever bigger gap.
Overall, in the 2022/2023 first season of the Premier League, the team won 11 out of the 14 matches played. Two other games ended in a draw, and the only team capable of beating the champions was Al-Hilal in the 10th round after an away game that ended 6-3 for the runner-up. The team’s record in other competitions has also been impressive.
They won the 2020 Arab Women’s Sports Tournament, beating teams from across the Middle East, and finished as runners-up in the 2019 edition of the Arab Women’s Champions League. The team’s success has put them on the map and earned them respect and recognition from fans and fellow players worldwide.
Massive Impact on Society
The Al-Nasr women’s football team’s success has had a profound impact on Saudi Arabian and Gulf society, challenging traditional gender roles and inspiring women and girls to participate in sports. The team’s achievements have shown that women can excel in football and compete at the highest level and that sports should not be limited to men.
The team has also helped to break down stereotypes and dispel myths about women’s abilities and interests. Many young girls have been inspired by the team’s success and have started playing football themselves, either in school or at local clubs. The team has also raised awareness about women’s rights and gender equality, showing that women can be empowered and achieve success in all areas of life.
The Future of Women’s Soccer in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Region
Besides the team’s stunning success in its initial years, Al-Nasr also started a sustained movement across the Arab world. The establishment of the Saudi Women’s Football League and the Arab Women’s Sports Tournament are examples of the growing interest and support for women’s football in the region.
However, there is still much work to be done to promote and develop women’s football. There is a need for more investment in facilities, coaching, and training programs for women’s football, as well as greater awareness and promotion of women’s sports in general.
Final Words
With their success in the Premier League Championships, the Al-Nasr Women’s team has had a tremendous impact at an international level too. The editor-in-chief of the Arabic betting site a7labet, Khater Abdul Karim, commented on Twitter that this success is only the beginning for women’s soccer in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Region. It is clear that Al-Nasr Women’s team serves as a beacon of hope for female athletes throughout the Arab world, motivating them to follow in their footsteps and pushing society toward greater gender equality in sports and beyond.
