They Took Away the Game, Not the Dream: Afghan Women's Football Revival After Taliban Rule

For the players of Afghanistan's women's football team , the journey back to international football has been about much more than sport. It has been a story of survival, resilience and determination .

When the Taliban returned to power in 2021 , women's sports were effectively banned, forcing female athletes into hiding. Players who had once proudly represented Afghanistan suddenly found themselves at risk simply for playing football. Many fled the country in a desperate bid for safety, leaving behind their homes, families and careers.

Among them was goalkeeper Fatima Yousufi , who arrived in Australia carrying little more than a backpack and the hope that one day she could play for her country again. Alongside teammates scattered across Australia, Europe and the United States, she continued training and competing despite uncertainty over the team's future.

Their perseverance has finally been rewarded. Earlier this year, FIFA granted the Afghan women's team eligibility to compete internationally, opening the door to a long-awaited return to the global stage. This week, members of the Afghan Women United programme gathered in New Zealand for a training camp and friendly matches, marking another significant milestone in their journey.

For midfielder Mona Amini , the team's revival represents years of sacrifice and determination. Hearing Afghanistan's national anthem before an international match again was a powerful reminder of what the players had fought to preserve through years of exile.

Yet the team's mission extends beyond football. The players see themselves as representatives of Afghan women and girls who continue to face severe restrictions on education, sport and public life. Through their performances and visibility, they hope to inspire a new generation and keep alive the dream of a future Afghan women's national team.

Their return is a testament to the power of courage and perseverance . Though driven from their homeland, these footballers have refused to let their identity or ambitions disappear, transforming adversity into hope for countless others.