The Saudi Arabian Women’s National Football Team just entered the FIFA World Rankings
Girl power…
These are exciting times. The Saudi Arabian Women’s Football National Team has just been included in the official FIFA World Rankings for the very first time.
The official announcement came on Friday March 24. The historic moment was then celebrated widely across Saudi Arabia.
24.03.23
Our journey started 18 months ago…. ??
And today, we are proud to be officially #FIFARanked ?
More details: https://t.co/f69cY7TtZt ?@FIFAcom pic.twitter.com/asUHu921sR
— إدارة الكرة النسائية – SAFF (@saff_wfd) March 24, 2023
There was also a dedicated event held at King Abdullah Sports City in the coastal city of Jeddah with fireworks and confetti.
The Women’s Football Department of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) was established back in 2019. The national team was then introduced two years later followed by tryouts that welcomed over 700 girls. The official squad has since featured 47 girls.
Known as the Green Falcons, the team’s first competitive international matches took place in February 2022 against Seychelles and Maldives. With Saudi winning both matches 2-0.
The Saudi Arabian Women’s National Football Team can now build on its record of four wins by officially competing in FIFA and AFC-sanctioned competitions.
Following our National Team’s milestone announcement yesterday.. ???
Take a look at the key numbers behind its journey ?️#FIFARanked pic.twitter.com/fgMGRG9tHy
— إدارة الكرة النسائية – SAFF (@saff_wfd) March 25, 2023
“Each player has their own story, but what we all share is a love of football and a desire to compete. To be FIFA ranked makes us part of world football and that means everything. We recognise that we have a huge responsibility to inspire the youth and pave way for the future generation who will represent Saudi Arabia,” said team captain Sarah Khalid.
Women’s football in Saudi Arabia has undergone a huge transformation, as of right now there are 694 league players, representing over 20 nationalities from across the globe, marking an 86 per cent increase since 2021.
And this is just the beginning…
For more information please visit: saff.com.sa
Images: Social