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Saudi Women’s Football Experiences Unprecedented 195% Growth

Women’s football in Saudi Arabia has experienced a “remarkable transformation” since 2018, with over 70,000 girls now participating at the grassroots level, more than 1,500 registered players nationwide, and the number of professional female players surging by 195%, according to a new report by NEOM and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

Grassroots Growth: A Foundation for Success

The most significant growth has occurred at the grassroots level, with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation’s (SAFF) Girls’ Schools League seeing participation surge 46% year-on-year to reach more than 70,000 players in 2023 24. The number of regional training centers has expanded from one to six between 2021 and 2023, resulting in a 773% increase in attendance from 22 to 192 young players aged 6-17 years old.

“We started at zero, and today we have a growing ecosystem that includes developing competitive leagues, advancing the Women’s National Team, and building relationships with stakeholders to ensure sustained growth and success,” said Aalia Abdulaziz al-Rasheed, Head of Women’s Football at SAFF.

Professionalization and Investment

The professional landscape has seen equally dramatic growth, with the number of professional female players increasing by 195% since 2021. The Kingdom now has more than 1,500 registered players, including over 940 Saudi nationals 24. The development of women’s football has been supported by significant financial investment, with the Women’s Clubs Development Fund Program increasing to SAR 60 million ($16 million) for the 2024-25 season – a SAR 10 million ($2.67 million) increase year-on-year.

“Saudi Arabia is building a great system—a top-down approach. It’s a unique opportunity to build something from scratch, not just for the Kingdom, but as a benchmark for others,” said Dr. Mezna al-Marzooqi, director general of the Leaders Development Institute at the Ministry of Sport.

Breaking Barriers: Social and Commercial Impact

The report highlights how women’s football is serving as a catalyst for broader social change in Saudi Arabia, challenging traditional norms and creating new opportunities for women in sports. The commercialization of women’s football has attracted major global brands, with Lay’s partnering with the SAFF Women’s Premier League and Rexona becoming an Official Partner of the Saudi Arabia Women’s National Team in October 2024.

Fan engagement data reveals strong potential for growth, with 48% of female football fans in Saudi Arabia watching women’s football regularly and 28% participating in the sport at least once per month.

Challenges, Future Opportunities

Despite the progress, the report acknowledges ongoing challenges, particularly regarding infrastructure access across the vast country. While some clubs like Al-Ittihad and Al-Shabab share facilities with their men’s teams, others face significant logistical challenges.

With Saudi Arabia set to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, the report suggests women’s football will continue to grow significantly. The Kingdom’s approach to developing the sport from scratch, free from legacy constraints, positions it to potentially establish new benchmarks for women’s football globally.

“The journey is just beginning, but the opportunities are vast and deeply impactful,” said Jan Paterson, managing director of NEOM Sport. “It’s about more than just football. It’s about providing more opportunities for women and demonstrating the far-reaching impact that sport can have on individuals and communities”.

Al-Rasheed added: “Our mission is simple: we want to inspire and offer new opportunities for girls throughout the country to realize their dreams and showcase their talent and love for the beautiful game”.

The report concludes that Saudi Arabia’s women’s football development model, backed by government support and commercial investment, could set new global standards for growing the women’s game in developing markets.

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