Today’s episode is brought to you with the support of New Balance. 👟

In this episode, host Dawn Barnable is joined by Monika Staab, a true pioneer in women’s football, to discuss the incredible journey of developing women’s football in Saudi Arabia. Recorded late last year, Monika reflects on her incredible role as the technical director for the Saudi women’s national football program, a role she has since stepped down from but whose impact continues to shape the sport in the Kingdom.

Since the establishment of the Saudi Women’s Premier League (SWPL) in 2022, the league has experienced rapid growth, with Al Nassr winning back-to-back-to-back league titles in 2022-23, 2023-24, and 2024-25. The 2024-25 season also marked a milestone with the league expanding from 8 to 10 clubs, increasing the number of match weeks and attracting over 200 players to the Kingdom’s top-flight league.

Monika discusses the historic first international match for the Saudi women’s national team, the development of grassroots programs, and the significant support from women in leadership positions. She also shares insights into the ongoing cultural shift in Saudi Arabia towards greater participation of women in sports, and how football is being embraced as a career by more and more women.

Key stats about the growth of Saudi women’s football include:

• ⚽ 44% of Saudis now follow the SAFF Women’s Premier League (SWPL)
• ⚽ 77,000 girls engage in football weekly, showing the sport’s growing appeal across the Kingdom
• ⚽ Over 200 players registered for the SWPL in the 2024-25 season
• ⚽ 72% of respondents in a recent report stated that women’s football attracts fans who previously felt excluded from the sport

In this episode, we dive into:

• ⚽ Monika’s start and career in sports
• ⚽ Monika’s pivotal role in shaping women’s football in Saudi Arabia
• ⚽ The growth of the Saudi Women’s Premier League and its future
• ⚽ The first international match for the Saudi women’s national team
• ⚽ How the SWPL continues to attract international talent and sponsorship
• ⚽ The cultural shift in Saudi Arabia towards embracing women’s football
• ⚽ And much more.

Monika’s journey is a testament to the power of vision, leadership, and perseverance. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about the future of women’s football, particularly in the MENA region.

🔗 Links & Resources

• Saudi Football Federation
• Saudi Women’s Premier League

📊 Reports:

• NEOM & AFC - Pioneering Change: Women’s Football in Saudi Arabia
• FOOTBALL CO & INDIVISA - The Time is Now

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