I was one of those kids – Nadia Nadim delighted to give back through Soccer Aid

Nadia Nadim says the kind of work Soccer Aid does is something she is “passionate” about and feels “really close” to as she prepares to take part in this summer’s event at Old Trafford.

When the 37-year-old was a child, she, her mother and her four sisters fled Taliban-ruled Afghanistan after her father was executed and arrived in Denmark as refugees.

In June, the Denmark, AC Milan and former Manchester City forward is set to make a debut appearance at Soccer Aid for UNICEF, the series of charity matches which have raised more than £100million supporting children around the world.

Nadim told the PA news agency: “I think what they’ve been doing since 2006 is amazing. UNICEF and Soccer Aid, trying to help those who are in need, especially children – being a part of it and trying to do something good is what I’m passionate about.

“I was one of those kids who’ve been on the other side. For me, that now I’m here and can have an impact on trying to help kids around the world, is massive.

“It’s something I’ve tried to do since I remember. The fact that there are so many people who do care about children’s welfare, needs, situations; it’s something that makes me happy and kind of restores my faith in humanity. It’s something that’s really, really close to me.

“I think when we do have the energy, the measures to do something good, we should do it. I know how it feels to be on the other side, and the importance of someone reaching out and giving you a hand.

“And now, my goal is to kind of bring that message out and hopefully I’ll get a bigger platform with time and a louder voice.”

Nadim, who feels her personal journey can be seen as a “story of hope”, is a UNESCO ambassador and was named the organisation’s ‘champion’ for girls’ and women’s education in 2019.

Women in Afghanistan are again living under restrictions, including female sport being effectively outlawed, after the Taliban returned to power in 2021.

“It was very sad to see, because I remember how the situation was when we were there in Afghanistan for the first time,” Nadim said. “I felt women weren’t treated as humans or equals. Basic things like going to school, working, was impossible.

“And now, after 20 years of trying to implement democracy, we kind of handed back the keys to the country. It’s sad to watch and I know for a fact how a lot of women are feeling in the country. The stories you hear are incredible, heartbreaking.

“I really hope this is temporary, because I feel bad for 50 per cent of Afghans who have had their tools to have a future, a normal life, taken away from them.

“If Afghan women are given the chance for education, something great can happen to them. If they have access to sports, you could have great athletes in the future. If you give people like me a second chance, something beautiful might happen.”

:: Soccer Aid for UNICEF takes place on June 15 at Old Trafford. Adult tickets start from £20 and juniors from £10. See socceraid.org.uk