Farkhunda
Muhtaj

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, after the Taliban’s return to power, she was 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.

Farkhunda’s changemaking efforts have been recognized by global organizations, including FC Barcelona, UNHCR, York University, World Football Summit, the Canadian Premier League, Women for Women International, while serving as an ambassador for several international causes.

Did You Know

Farkhunda holds two degrees from York University, where she captained the varsity women’s soccer team and earned a bachelor of science in 2019, as well as a bachelor of education in 2021. She has also received many accolades for her performance off the pitch, including USPORT Academic All-Canadian, OUA First-Team All-Star, and an OUA Gold Medal.