Farkhunda Muhtaj

Afghan-Canadian professional footballer, Farkhunda Muhtaj, was officially welcomed as the first player named to the Calgary Wild FC roster. The captain of the Afghanistan Women's National Football Team – a social activist who bridges the world of sport, education and humanitarianism – set the tone for the culture and values the Calgary Wild FC will exude on and off the pitch, while putting an emphasis on inclusion in sport as a catalyst for positive change within the community.

Farkhunda’s parents, Rashad and Zohra Muhtaj, are Afghan refugees who immigrated to Canada when she was just two years old. They came with the dream of building a vibrant future for their children, one they were deprived of due to civil war.

 As co-founder of the Scarborough Simbas, a non-profit organization, Farkhunda uses sport to support the settlement of refugees in Canada. She also founded Ayenda FC, the unofficial Afghan Youth National Football Team, in 2021, following her being a key figure in the evacuation of over 300 Afghans, including members of the Afghanistan Youth National Team, to Portugal after the Taliban's return to power.

There is no better role model for all Canadians than Farkhunda. Her changemaking efforts have been recognized by global organizations, including FC Barcelona, UNHCR, York University, World Football Summit, the Canadian Premier League, WomenforWomen International and more while serving as an ambassador for several international causes. 

Did You Know….she holds two degrees from York University where she captained the varsity women’s soccer team, earning a BSc in 2019 and a B.Ed in 2021, along with many accolades for her performance on the pitch including USPORT Academic All-Canadian, OUA First-Team All-Star, and an OUA Gold Medal.