Khalida Popal, the former captain of the Afghanistan women’s national football team, has been included in Time magazine’s list of the 100 most influential sports figures in the world for the year 2026.
This is the first time that Time magazine has introduced and celebrated the most influential personalities in the world of sports.
The report states that Khalida Popal’s name was included in this list due to her significant role in the development of women’s sports and her support for the rights of female athletes in Afghanistan.
After years of activity in football and advocating for women’s rights, Ms. Popal has become one of the most recognized figures in Afghan sports on an international level.
Time magazine noted that she was one of the founders of the first women’s national football team in Afghanistan in 2007 and, in addition to her presence on the field, has worked to promote women’s football and increase girls’ participation in the sport.
The report continues that with the resurgence of the caretaker government, women’s sports in Afghanistan were effectively halted, and the Afghanistan Football Federation dissolved the women’s national team in 2021. As a result of these developments, many female footballers, including Khalida Popal, were forced to leave the country.
Time adds that after migrating to Denmark, Popal continued her activities and played a pivotal role in establishing and organizing the “Afghan Women United” team, which consists of female footballers from Afghanistan living in various countries.
According to the report, Khalida Popal led campaigns for the recognition of this team by FIFA (the International Federation of Association Football). These campaigns ultimately succeeded in April of this year when FIFA recognized the team.
With this decision, Afghan players who are members of “Afghan Women United” can participate in international competitions, including the qualifying matches for the 2028 Summer Olympics.
The “100 Most Influential Sports Figures” list is published annually by Time magazine and honors athletes, coaches, and personalities who have made a significant impact on the world of sports.
