Khalida Popal

Khalida Popal, born on April 11, 1987, in Kabul, Afghanistan, is a former Afghan women's football player who captained the Afghanistan women's national football team. She was a pioneer for women's sports in Afghanistan and has been a powerful advocate for women's rights. After the Taliban takeover in 2021, Popal played a crucial role in helping Afghan women football players escape the country. She has been recognized internationally for her courage and activism. Popal's story of fighting for women's right to play sports under the most dangerous circumstances has inspired people worldwide.