98. ⚽ Maria Khan 🇵🇰 : From Backup Keeper to Pro Footballer at 32

Join us as we chat with Maria Khan, captain of the Pakistan women’s football team, about her incredible journey from an early love of football (or soccer) as a kid in the U.S. to signing her first professional contract at 32 in Saudi Arabia. 

Maria opens up about the influence of her sporting family legacy, the lessons learned as a Division 1 backup goalkeeper, and the moment she rediscovered her love for football in Pakistan. She shares what it’s like to captain the Pakistani national team, navigate setbacks, and build resilience, while highlighting the power of supportive environments, corporate backing, and strong team leadership.

We also dive into the challenges female athletes face around fertility, family planning, and evolving maternity policies, alongside the exciting growth of women’s football and the importance of visibility, advocacy, and creating opportunities for the next generation.

Follow Maria on Instagram: @mariajamilakhan

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Credits:

• Host: Dawn Barnable
• Guest: Maria Khan
• Editor: Diya Vergis
• Produced by: The Mettleset

🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.

I hope you enjoy the episode!

Dawn