Sara Essam became the first Arab player in the Women’s Super League when she signed with the English team Stoke City in 2017. The pioneering Egyptian concluded her first season as the team’s leading scorer, launching a career that has led to her playing for Fundación Albacete in the first level of Spain.
Essam, a FIFA World Cup Ambassador off the field, thinks this year’s competition in Qatar marks a turning point for the game.
Essam is confident that the event, which will take place in eight cutting-edge stadiums from November 20 to December 18, will have a tremendous positive impact on the entire region, particularly the development of women’s sport.
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“We can see there is increasing interest in all women’s sports across the Arab world. This is very important because it’s time to recognise there is no difference between male and female athletes – both are able to be talented and hard-working,” said Essam.
“I am certain that with the World Cup coming to the region for the first time, the world will start to discover the region is full of talent, and that girls in the Arab world play football as well.”
This year’s tournament, which will get underway when hosts Qatar face Ecuador at Al Bayt Stadium, is seen as an historic event that will showcase the region’s talent – both on the pitch and in terms of the Arab world’s ability to host mega sporting events.
“I remember when Qatar won the right to host the World Cup. As Egyptians, we were all thrilled because we knew the enormity of the decision to grant an Arab country the right to host the tournament for the first time. I particularly recall how all my friends and family were so excited to welcome everyone to this part of the world,” said Essam.
Essam is of the opinion that the tournament’s impact will be felt for a very long time after the final bell on December 18 at Lusail Stadium. She has represented Arab female football players all across the world, therefore she is well aware of the value of using sport to combat prejudice.
“The competition will alter how the Arab world is viewed. After the World Cup, more people will want to travel to the area. Anyone who has preconceived notions or anxieties about traveling to the area will see an amazing performance and a true celebration during the World Cup. They will surely be inspired to travel to Qatar and other nations in the region as a result of this.
