Saudi Women's Soccer Players Honored at First National Ceremony

posted on: May 20, 2026

By: Claire Keefe/Arab America Contributing Writer

Saudi Arabia recently marked a historic moment for women’s sports by hosting its first-ever national awards ceremony dedicated to women’s soccer. The event celebrated athletes and coaches, as well as community leaders who have helped transform women’s football into one of the fastest-growing movements in the Kingdom.

The inaugural Saudi Women’s Football Awards 2026 was more than just a night of trophies and recognition. For many participants, it symbolized years of progress, determination, and changing opportunities for women in Saudi sports. Female athletes who once had limited access to organized competition are now competing in professional leagues, representing the national team, and being celebrated on a national stage.

A Landmark Moment for Women’s Football

Women’s soccer in Saudi Arabia has developed rapidly in only a few years. Organized women’s football was once limited, but reforms connected to the country’s Vision 2030 initiative have opened new opportunities for women in sports and public life.

The launch of the Saudi Women’s Premier League in 2022 helped speed up that growth by creating a structured national competition for female athletes. Since then, clubs have expanded women’s programs and developed coaching opportunities for girls and young women.

According to Arab News, the event celebrated not only achievements on the field but also the leadership and grassroots work helping build a “sustainable football ecosystem” across the Kingdom.

Recognizing Leaders and Trailblazers

Several major awards honored women who have played important roles in the development of women’s football in Saudi Arabia, both on and off the pitch.

One of the evening’s top honors went to Maram Al-Butairi, CEO of Eastern Flames FC, who received the Most Influential Woman of the Year award. Al-Butairi has become one of the leading figures helping drive the professional growth of women’s soccer in Saudi Arabia.

Another key figure recognized was Aalia Alrasheed, head of the women’s football department at the Saudi Arabian Football Federation. She received the Outstanding Contribution to Women’s Football award for helping expand opportunities and structures for female participation nationwide.

Community leadership was also celebrated during the ceremony. Sara Alawaad earned the Local Hero of the Year award for her “Never Too Late” initiative, which encourages more women and girls to participate in football and sports.

Dona Rajab was named Female Football Executive of the Year for her efforts in leading the women’s academy at AlUla Club and helping to develop young talent.

Celebrating the Players

The ceremony also honored some of the league’s top-performing athletes, highlighting the increasing competitiveness and quality of the Saudi Women’s Premier League.

Seba Tawfiq, an Al-Ittihad midfielder and Saudi national team player, received the Style Icon of the Year award for her influence both on and off the field.

Sara Al-Hamad of Al-Nassr won Goal of the Year. Additionally, internationally recognized midfielder Kheira Hamraoui of Al-Hilal was named International Player of the Year.

Lana Abdulrazak earned the National Team Player of the Year award for her performances with the Saudi women’s national team. Meanwhile, Brazilian star Adriana Silva of Al-Qadsiah claimed the prestigious Player of the Year award following an outstanding season.

The event also unveiled the Ultimate Team of the Year, featuring standout performers from clubs across the league. This includes players from Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, and Al-Qadsiah.

The Rapid Rise of Women’s Soccer

The growth of women’s football in Saudi Arabia has been remarkable. According to Arab News, more than 77,000 girls now participate in the annual Girls’ Schools League. Furthermore, the country has over 1,000 qualified female coaches.

The Saudi women’s national team was officially established only a few years ago, yet it has already achieved several milestones. This includes entering the FIFA rankings for the first time.

Saudi Arabia has also invested heavily in infrastructure and media coverage for the women’s game. Footballco, the company behind the awards, has launched Arabic-language women’s football platforms such as Indivisa and Yalla Girl. This has helped bring greater attention to female athletes in the region.

Challenges and Global Attention

Despite the progress, women’s football in Saudi Arabia continues to face challenges. Critics argue that resources and visibility for female athletes still lag behind the men’s game. Others point to broader debates surrounding women’s rights and the country’s international image.

At the same time, supporters say the growth of women’s sports represents genuine social progress and creates opportunities that did not exist before. Many athletes involved in the league describe their participation as both personally meaningful and historically important.

Looking Toward the Future

In the end, Saudi Arabia’s first women’s football awards ceremony served as a public acknowledgment that women’s soccer has become an important part of the country’s sporting culture.

As investment in the women’s game continues, expectations are rising for the leagues and the national team. More girls are entering academies, and more athletes are gaining recognition nationally and internationally.