In Houston, Texas, Afghan refugees are finding a sense of belonging and empowerment through soccer. After facing severe restrictions on women’s sports in Afghanistan, players like Sodaba Khinjani and Rabia Yaqobi now play for the Houston Shine FC. Their journey to this point is marked by resilience and determination.
Khinjani, who was once selected for the Afghan women’s national team at the age of 14, recalls the challenges she faced. “Everybody that was in sport was on the kill list of the Taliban,” she said. After the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, the Taliban imposed strict bans on women participating in sports. Khinjani practiced in secret, driven by her passion for soccer, but the trauma of losing her brother to Taliban violence still haunts her.
FIFA has provided opportunities for female athletes to escape to safety, but this often meant leaving their families behind. Khinjani has not seen her family in four years, a sacrifice many players have made to pursue their dreams. Yaqobi, who works in a restaurant, sends money back to her mother in Afghanistan. “Sometimes I don’t eat, save money, send it [to] my mom because my mom needs it,” she shared.
The Shine’s coach, Rachel Fabre, expresses admiration for her players’ strength. “The sheer magnitude, the trauma that they have been through to just get to this point here is massive,” Fabre stated. Although the players are forging new lives, the challenges they face are far from over.
FIFA announced in May 2023 plans to form an Afghanistan women’s refugee team, allowing players resettled in various countries to compete in the 2027 Women’s FIFA World Cup. This initiative offers hope but comes with complications. In September, FIFA informed American-based players they could not attend international training camps for the official team. The organization cited immigration and safety concerns, despite all Shine players holding green cards.
In a statement, FIFA emphasized its commitment to providing opportunities for all eligible players, saying, “When it comes to players who are not selected for the inaugural squad, FIFA remains committed to providing opportunities to all players eligible for the Afghan Women United.”
Khinjani remains undeterred by the setbacks. “I will fight with FIFA. I will fight with the Taliban. I will fight for my rights,” she declared. This determination reflects the spirit of the Afghan women who continue to seek their place on the global stage.
The stories of Khinjani, Yaqobi, and their teammates illustrate the intersection of sport and survival. As they continue to navigate their new lives, they are also charting a course for future generations of female athletes in Afghanistan. Through soccer, they are not just playing a game; they are reclaiming their identities and aspirations.
