BIOGRAPHY

Sarah Essam Hassanin | Egyptian Women’s National team football player

 

I began playing basketball during summer camps with my siblings, but my heart always belonged to football. My journey started at the Arsenal Football Academy in Egypt, with the sole ambition of being mentally and physically prepared to play abroad, where greater opportunities and professionalism awaited. 

 

I started to progress in my football career being chosen for the u17 national team as one of the team captains, playing first-team football at the age of 15 at Wadi Degla in Egypt and being chosen for national team “A” too in a short time. 

 

I always wanted to push myself more than anybody else around me so I can be different, because I believed that I had bigger goals and targets. 

 

Whenever a setback and a struggle comes my way I always say to myself I have bigger dreams so I have to overcome them or I will just be average. 

 

I still think like that until today, if I want big things I have to overcome bigger challenges.

 

I've always found fulfilment in being the first girl to approach boys to play with them. Despite facing the challenge of people's judgment and rejection, it was rewarding to inspire and encourage other girls to join me. That's the essence of women’s empowerment!

 

I'm an energetic individual, occasionally stirring up trouble, but I've never faltered academically. Wherever I am, I seek to shoulder responsibility and leave my unique mark. Losing is not an option for me; I possess an intensely competitive mindset and an insatiable hunger for both success and food.

 

While I never aimed for titles, hard work has consistently yielded rewards. Being a trailblazer for others has been both an honour and a responsibility.

 

Representing my national team was a lifelong dream, and it became a reality at the age of 15. I'm proud to continue playing for the Egypt national team to this day.

 

Although I love singing, I must admit I lack talent in that area. However, I excel in any sport involving a ball.

 

Achievements:

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• First Egyptian Woman to play football in UK and Spain

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• First Egyptian/Arab Woman to be FIFA’s Official Ambassador for Qatar’s World Cup 2022 

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• University of Derby, UK Sports Scholar and Civil and Infrastructure Engineer Graduate

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• First Egyptian female footballer sponsored by Adidas

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• Arab Woman of the Year 2018 by London Arabia Organisation

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• BBC commentator

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• BBC 100 Women 2017