Women's Football In Saudi Arabia

Saudi Women’s Football includes several leagues and competitions. At the top is the Premier League, followed by the First Division and Second Division. There are also two major cup competitions, the Super Cup and the Federation Cup. Additionally, there is an U-17 Tournament to support the development of young talent. These leagues and competitions form the foundation of women’s football in the kingdom, Saudi Arabia also has national women’s football teams. The Senior Team represents the country in international competitions. The U-20 Team competes in youth tournaments, providing valuable experience for younger players. The U-17 Team focuses on developing the next generation of talent.

History

Women's football in Saudi Arabia has developed steadily over the years, reflecting growing local participation, national interest, and institutional support. From early grassroots clubs to organized national leagues and a national team, the sport’s evolution demonstrates a strong engagement from Saudi citizens and alignment with broader goals for sporting and community development.

1956: Foundation of the National Federation

The Saudi Arabia Football Federation (SAFF) was established in 1956 and joined FIFA the same year. Initially focused on men's football, this laid the groundwork for future sports development.

2006: Emergence of Women's Football Clubs

In 2006, King's United, the first women's football club, was founded in Jeddah, marking a pioneering moment. The same year, Eastern Flames FC emerged as a recreational team through Saudi Aramco, setting the stage for competitive play. While data on female players was limited, these efforts showcased growing enthusiasm.

2008: First Women's Matches and Tournaments

In January 2008, the first recorded women's football match occurred at Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium in Dammam, where Prince Mohammad bin Fahd University defeated Al-Yamamah College in a shootout before an all-female audience. That year, a tournament with seven teams was held, won by King's United, reflecting the sport’s rising popularity in cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam.

2009: Growing Visibility and Cultural Adaptation

By 2009, King's United trained regularly in Jeddah, respecting cultural norms by practicing privately. Coached by Reema Abdullah, the team included 35 players aged 13–35, wearing standard football kits. A charity match in March raised SR81,000 ($21,598) for disability support, drawing 400 female spectators. Cultural sensitivities led to Prince Alwaleed bin Talal withdrawing sponsorship from King's United amid media attention.

2010–2011: Building Momentum and Global Dialogue

In 2010, an all-women’s sports competition at Effat University sparked discussions about formalizing women’s sports programs. By 2011, the SAFF explored women’s football programs at universities, seeking guidance from federations in the United States, Germany, Brazil, and the United Kingdom. Women’s football was recognized as a tool to address health concerns like obesity, gaining broader societal relevance.

2012: Olympic Discussions and Grassroots Growth

In 2012, discussions about women’s participation in international competitions gained traction. The SAFF engaged with the International Football Association Board on attire, such as the hijab, in FIFA matches. Although no women’s team competed at the 2012 London Olympics despite International Olympic Committee pressure, the national Olympic committee signaled openness to future participation. A female player noted, "Our generation started the game... The next generation will have it on a silver platter."

2014–2018: Expanding Access and Cultural Shifts

In 2014, women were permitted to enter stadiums to watch men’s football, a significant step toward inclusion. By January 2018, this policy was fully implemented, allowing women to attend matches. In 2017, the Vision 2030 plan, supported by the monarchy, emphasized women’s participation in sports, fostering optimism for a national team.

2019–2020: Formal Leagues and Regional Success

In January 2019, Eastern Flames FC competed in the Gulf Cooperation Council’s first women’s football tournament in Al Ain. In December 2019, Jeddah Eagles won the Jeddah Women's Football League, the first competition organized by the SAFF. In February 2020, Saudi Arabia launched a nationwide women’s football league, with over 10 recreational teams in cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Khobar. In December 2020, the Saudi Sports for All Federation launched a nation-wide league in Dammam, Riyadh, and Jeddah, with Jeddah Eagles, Eastern Flames FC, and Challenge FC emerging as regional champions.

2022–2024: National Team and Competitive Expansion

In February 2022, the Saudi women’s national football team played its first international match, defeating Seychelles 2–0. That same year, the SAFF launched both the Saudi Women's Premier League and Saudi Women's First Division League.

In 2024, the SAFF further expanded its women's football program with the introduction of the Saudi Women's Second Division League and the Saudi Women's Super Cup, providing additional competitive opportunities. Additionally, youth tournaments for young girls were introduced to foster future talent and support the development of football at the grassroots level.

Leagues

Cups

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Saudi Arabia
Women's football in Saudi Arabia