Afghan refugees Sodaba Khinjani and Rabia Yaqobi are carving out new lives in Houston, Texas, while pursuing their passion for soccer. Both women escaped Afghanistan following the U.S. withdrawal in 2021, a period marked by the Taliban’s rise to power and their subsequent ban on women’s sports. Now, they play for Houston Shine FC, a testament to resilience and determination.
Khinjani, who was once a hopeful member of the Afghan women’s national team, recalls the harrowing experiences that led her to leave her homeland. “Everybody that was in sport was on the kill list of the Taliban,” she stated. At just 14 years old, she was selected to join the national team but had to practice in secrecy to evade the regime’s brutal attention. Tragically, Khinjani lost her brother to the Taliban, who sent his body back to their family.
Yaqobi, who works as a cook, shares a similar story of sacrifice and longing. The women often send money earned from their jobs back to their families in Afghanistan, prioritizing their loved ones’ needs over their own. “Sometimes I’m not eating, I save money and send it to my mom because my mom needs it,” Yaqobi explained. This sense of duty underscores the challenges they face as they adapt to life in a new country while still feeling the weight of their past.
FIFA has attempted to support female Afghan athletes by providing visas that allowed some to escape. In May, the organization announced plans to create a women’s refugee team composed of players resettled in various countries, aiming for participation in the 2027 Women’s FIFA World Cup. Yet, in September, FIFA informed players based in the United States that they would not be allowed to attend international training camps crucial for selection. The organization cited immigration and safety concerns, despite the fact that all members of the Shine team hold green cards.
Rachel Fabre, the coach of Houston Shine FC, expressed admiration for the players’ resilience. “The sheer magnitude of the trauma they have been through to just get to this point here is massive,” Fabre noted. Despite the barriers they face, Khinjani remains resolute in her fight for recognition and rights. “I will fight with FIFA. I will fight with the Taliban. I will fight for my rights,” she declared, embodying the spirit of determination that defines her journey.
As these women continue to train and compete, they not only strive for personal achievements but also hope to inspire others facing similar challenges. Their story is a powerful reminder of the strength and tenacity of Afghan women athletes who refuse to be silenced, proving that the love for the game transcends borders and adversity.
