Farkhunda Muhtaj (born November 15, 1997) is an Afghan footballer who plays as a midfielder for Calgary Wild FC of the Northern Super League.
During the Afghan Civil War, Muhtaj's family fled from Afghanistan and sought sanctuary in Pakistan, where they lived without valid papers, and that was where she was born.
[20] In October 2024, she was announced as the first signing for Calgary Wild FC of the Northern Super League, ahead of the inaugural 2025 season.
[29][30] Following the takeover of Afghanistan by the Taliban in August 2021, women's rights were severely restricted, including the banning of female sports.
[35][36] The rescue mission, which was called Operation Soccer Balls, was coordinated through an international coalition of former U.S. military and intelligence officials, United States Senator Chris Coons, United States allies, and humanitarian groups, with her connection to the US personalel aided through her relationship with her former mentor and former Iranian player and coach Katayoun Khosrowyar.
[37][38] The mission initially suffered multiple setbacks, including several failed rescue attempts and a suicide bombing carried out by Islamic State militants,[37] with the group having to go into hiding after being unable to leave before the August 31 deadline for safe passage out of the country had passed.
[43][44] In 2020, Muhtaj co-founded the Scarborough Simbas, a program which offers free recreational and wellness opportunities for newcomers, refugees, underprivileged and at-risk Muslim youth, which helps participants to learn to connect with their communities and understand the fabric of Canadian society through sport.