Women’s Football in the UAE: Interview with Nouf Al Anzi

by Barbara Yakimchuk

Women’s Football In the UAE. Interview With Nouf Al Anzi, the Captain

10 May 2025

How did your school graduation go? I have recently met a girl who only heard about hers from her mother and friends. But she never regrets it — everything was sacrificed for a bigger goal in her life.

Young, driven, and passionate about what she does — that is Nouf Al Anzi. But you probably know her for something else: she is the captain of the Football UAE Women’s National Team. In this conversation, she shares her journey in professional sports, opens up about what her everyday life really looks like, recalls her first big crisis as an athlete, and reveals the ritual she follows before every important match. Read her story below.

— Hello Nouf! Let’s start from the beginning. How did sports — and especially football — become part of your life?

— Football has always been around me. Even before I thought of it as something serious, it was part of our family time. We would play during gatherings or just kick the ball around with my siblings whenever we had the chance. It was simply our way of having fun and staying close. It has always been there in one way or another.

— So, when did you actually start training or playing in a team setting?

— I am 28 now, and I started playing around grade four. My school had a football league, and we played matches against other schools. It was fun, competitive, and gave me a real taste of the game. Then, at 16, I joined my first official club — Al Wahda Football Club. That was the turning point. That is when things became serious, and I would say my real football journey began.

— Football is great, but there are so many other options — rugby, basketball, swimming. Why football? Was your family a big influence?

— Very much so. My father played it when he was younger and later got involved in managing a football club. My siblings joined clubs early too, but it was my sister and I who really took it further, and we both ended up playing for the national team.

I actually tried other sports as well. I was on the rugby team, the swimming team, and I even played basketball at school. But football just felt different. It connected with me in a way none of the others did. It was always the one.

Photos from Nouf's family archive

— Were you ever scared or unsure about choosing a path in sports?

— Honestly, not really — because my parents always supported me, with one condition: that I balance sports with academics. That balance was really important for them.

— And did you manage to keep that balance?

— Yes, and I am grateful for that mindset. I completed my bachelor’s degree in Information Security Engineering, and then I went on to do my Master’s in Sports Management. I actually believe that football helped me become more organised with my time and taught me how to juggle different responsibilities effectively.

— You currently hold the title of Captain of the UAE Women’s National Football Team. How did you reach this position? Was it a gradual journey or more of a sudden opportunity?

— It was definitely a step-by-step journey. I was actually a very shy kid growing up, and I never imagined I would become a captain one day. But football gave me confidence, leadership skills, and experiences that shaped me. It became much more than just a sport for me. Over time, as I progressed in my football career, I started to grow into the role. One person who really played a key part was Coach Houriya. She was a mentor to me, and she saw potential in me even when I did not see it myself. I became the captain about four years ago.

— What changed when you became the captain?

— Being captain comes with a lot of responsibility. It is not just about playing anymore — it is about representing the entire team, setting an example, and inspiring others. I have to be a role model both on and off the pitch, especially for younger players. It is about supporting my teammates, helping them grow, and carrying the values we stand for as a team. And of course, I would not be here without my teammates, coaches, family, and the clubs I have represented — they all played a role in this journey.

— For those who are not in professional sports, it is always interesting to get a glimpse into your daily routine. How much time do you spend on training each day?

— It is usually around four hours.

— That sounds like quite a lot. Is it difficult? Do you ever feel any negative effects on your health because of it?

— Yeah, when you just hear the number, it does sound like a lot. But honestly, recovery is the key. As long as I take care of my body — eat well, sleep enough, and recover properly — I can perform at the same level the next day. It is really about keeping everything in balance: nutrition, sleep, and recovery. When those are in check, the workload does not feel like a burden. In fact, I would say it keeps my body in top shape and ready for each training session or game.

For me, the structure I follow is quite simple, but not always easy. I need at least eight hours of sleep a night, sometimes even more (if I can). I also love to take naps during the day, especially if I have several training sessions or I am at a training camp.

When it comes to food... Well, I do have a sweet tooth! Chocolate is definitely my weakness. But I try to keep things balanced. I always start my day with a solid breakfast — usually something high in protein. I drink lots of water and make sure to get my electrolytes, magnesium, and other supplements to support recovery.

Lunch is pretty standard for me: some carbs like rice or pasta, a side salad, and a good portion of protein. It is all about fuelling my body the right way.

— And what about the food you eat before important games? Do you usually have a meal beforehand?

— Yes, usually I eat lunch before a game. I go for a high-carb meal because it gives me the energy I need. As I mentioned, I always have some chocolate before a match — it is a little ritual — and sometimes candy too, just to lift my mood.

As a snack, I might have a banana on toast with peanut butter and honey, depending on how I feel. If I am already full from lunch, I might skip it. One thing I always pay attention to is keeping my energy levels up. I make sure to stay hydrated and sometimes take electrolytes as well.

— And do you have any rituals or routines you follow before big matches to get in the zone?

— Yes, definitely. One thing I always do is speak with my family. I ask them to pray for us and send their support — it gives me strength. I also listen to the Quran before games; it helps calm me and brings focus. I make a personal prayer for good luck as well.

When we are on the team bus or already at the field, we play national songs to boost the energy and get into the spirit. All of these things help me feel grounded and mentally ready to give my best on the pitch.

— You have been in this sport for quite a while. What is one thing everyone should know before getting into it?

— One of the most important things is dedication and commitment.

Take this example: imagine a girl still in school who has an exam the next day. I often hear things like, “I can not make it to training or the game because I have to study.” But in my opinion, there are 24 hours in a day — you can absolutely find time for a two-hour training session or a match. Time management is everything.

You have to make the effort to fit training into your day. It is doable. Of course, it means making sacrifices. Like when your friends are heading out on the weekend, and you have got a game or practice instead. In moments like that, you choose football.

But I really believe that later — years from now — you will thank yourself. Dedication, commitment, and knowing how to prioritise your goals over distractions — those are the qualities every athlete needs to grow.

— How did you personally learn to manage your time so well? Was it something you were taught, or did it come with experience?

— I would say it came naturally over time.

I joined a football club when I was 16, and the schedule was intense. So I had no choice but to start prioritising. One interesting example: I missed my high school graduation ceremony because I had a final game. I let my mom go up on stage to collect the certificate for me.

But that was a conscious choice — and I have never regretted it. Looking back, I am glad I made that decision. It taught me how to focus on what truly matters for my goals.

— Is it true that professional athletes often do not have close friends because of all the competition?

— I would say that is only partly true. I actually have plenty of close, lifelong friends — both from football and from outside the sport. And they are not just Emirati; they are international. That is one of the great things about football — you meet people from all over the world.

For example, I am still in touch with friends I met seven years ago, and with others from four years back. True friends are the ones who stay by your side and genuinely want the best for you — and those are the friendships that last.

— Okay! And what about competition within the same team — does that happen?

— Yes, it does. But I believe the most important qualities in any footballer are values like teamwork, integrity, and loyalty. If every player truly embraces those values, you will not get a toxic atmosphere. In my experience, all the teams I have played for — including the UAE National team — have been very supportive. At the end of the day, on a national team, there are 11 players on the pitch. It is never about “Nouf won” or “Player X won”— it is about the UAE winning.

That is the message we always reinforce with our players. Of course, it is tough for someone on the bench or not getting much game time — frustration is completely natural. That is when coaching staff and team leaders need to step up: communicate clearly, keep everyone engaged, and help each player understand their role and stay motivated.

— And that is part of your role — to help deliver that message?

— Yes, absolutely. When the coach announces the lineup and I notice some players looking down or feeling discouraged, I make an effort to sit with them. I explain that sometimes the tactical plan might require a different skill set, not that they are not good players. I remind them their time will come, but they need to keep working hard and stay ready. So yes, part of my role is also supporting them mentally.

— Do you agree with the idea that every professional athlete faces a crisis at some point in their career, and that overcoming it leads to personal and professional growth?

— Absolutely. I really believe every athlete reaches a point where they start doubting themselves — wondering, “Why am I doing this?” It is normal to have low moments. But, like you said, after those moments, there is often a breakthrough. That has been true in my experience. Every time I have hit a rough patch, something meaningful followed.

One example is when I moved to Spain to play professionally — it was a childhood dream come true. But right before that, I went through a period of doubt. The same thing happened before the Asian Champions League. I was questioning everything: “What is next? Where am I going?” But then we qualified all the way to the quarter-finals, which was a huge achievement — not just for the UAE, but for the Middle East as a whole.

These doubts always show up before something big. You just have to stay mentally strong and consistent. Even when it’s hard, you have to trust that it will eventually pay off.

— How do you mentally prepare before a match, especially when there’s no guarantee of success?

— That is such a good question. I always say, before the game even starts, you have to find something within yourself that keeps you going. Yes, winning is a motivator — but before the result, there’s often a wave of doubt or even exhaustion.

In those moments, I remind myself of a word I love in Arabic: Kheirah. It means that even in a difficult or painful situation, there is some hidden good. I believe everything happens for a reason, and that God always has a better plan. Maybe He is protecting us from something worse. That belief keeps me grounded and pushes me forward. I always try to carry that mindset with me — and I encourage others to do the same. It is what gets you through the hardest parts.

— Football is often about trauma. Have you ever had a serious injury? How did you handle it, both physically and mentally?

— Yes, my worst injury happened during COVID. We were preparing for qualifiers, and I tore my hamstring — grade three. It was rough. Injuries are one of the hardest parts of being an athlete. It is not just the physical pain; it is the disruption to your routine. You go from training every day to doing absolutely nothing, and that shift is tough mentally.

But again, I leaned on that same mindset: everything happens for a reason. I took it day by day — and I came back stronger, both physically and mentally. The injury gave me time to rebuild, reflect, and return better than before. It was painful, yes, but it gave me perspective.

— What advice would you give to someone who wants to start playing football? Where should they begin, and how can they discover their position on the field?

— First, I would recommend looking into what platforms, clubs, or academies are available in your city or country. There are usually development programmes or local teams you can join. Do not be shy — reach out, apply, and just give it a try.

Also, do not be afraid to try different clubs or teams until you find one that fits you. And when it comes to finding your position on the field, be open to experimenting. You might start out thinking you are a striker, but a coach could spot qualities that make you a strong defender or midfielder instead. Coaches often notice strengths in us that we do not yet see ourselves. The key is to stay open-minded and curious — do not box yourself in too early.

Coaches see things from a broader perspective, and if they suggest a different role, it is usually because they believe you can make a bigger impact there. I always tell players: be flexible. It is about what helps the team, and often, that change turns out to be the best thing for your growth. You might even discover a new strength you never expected.

— And what is your position, by the way?

— Well, when I first joined, the coach put me as a goalkeeper — probably because I am tall! But then the head coach stepped in and said, “No, we need Nouf in midfield.” And that is where I have been ever since.

That said, I have played in several different positions over the years, and I think that is a good thing. Being versatile makes you a stronger player and more valuable to the team.

— Are players on the UAE national team only Emiratis, or can residents join too?

— That has changed in recent years. Now, if someone has lived in the UAE for a number of years — or was born here — and they are doing well in football, they can be considered for the national team, even if they are not Emirati citizens.

Of course, there are still official procedures and criteria, especially from the Asian Football Confederation, and those can take some time. But overall, the national team is becoming more inclusive, and I think that is a really positive step forward.

by Barbara Yakimchuk