Farkhunda Muhtaj

Farkhunda Muhtaj is an Afghan-Canadian professional footballer, social activist and keynote speaker. She is the Captain of the Afghanistan Women’s National Team and plays for Fortuna Sittard in the Dutch Eredevisie.

Muhtaj is the Director of Conscience and Culture at the Respect Group Inc., an active member of Common Goal’s Anti-racism project, a board member of Common Goal’s Quality Seal Committee and an Ashoka Fellow and INKey List Global Changemaker and Impact Fund leader.

She is the co-founder and director of Scarborough Simbas, a non-profit organization that uses sport to help ease the settlement journey of refugees and newcomers to Canada. She also serves as a humanitarian ambassador for Penny Appeal Canada.

Muhtaj earned two degrees from York University; a BSc degree in Kinesiology and Health Sciences (2019) and a B.Ed degree in Science and Physical Education (2021) while captaining York University’s Women’s Soccer Team. Muhtaj was recognized as a Top 30 York Alumni Under 30 in 2022 for her active dedication toward social justice. She is also a graduate of FIFA – UEFA’s Women in Football Leadership Development Programme (2022).

She is an OCT certified teacher. In 2021, she played an instrumental role in the evacuation of the Afghanistan Youth National Team to Portugal after the Taliban came into power in August.

Muhtaj is committed to help advance equitable and diverse opportunities for refugees and newcomers, women and girls, and underserved communities to feel empowered and become impactful leaders.