Pakistan women’s team footballer and vice-captain Malika Noor has announced her retirement from international football at the age of 30.
Malika Noor has made 22 appearances for the Pakistan women’s team and has also scored multiple goals at the international football level as a defender. She has represented Young Rising Stars, Eagles Women’s Football Club, and the Pakistan Army department at the domestic level.
The 30-year-old footballer posted a heartfelt note on Instagram, stating, “Probably the hardest decision that I have made in my life! I wasn’t mentally ready, I thought I would give some more years to the team but the scenarios have changed, and this feels like a must-do! Representing my country on the world stage has been one of the greatest honors of my life, and I am incredibly grateful for every opportunity I’ve had to wear the national team jersey.”
Malika Noor had previously indicated while posting on X that she was going through politics within the domestic football setup. It was a statement that came just before the Pakistan Women’s Football Club Championship.
Senior Sports Journalist, Faizan Lakhani also tweeted that the departments were stopping their female footballers from participating in the Women’s Championship because they had not been invited to the competition by the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) Normalisation Committee.
“From my debut to my final match, the journey has been filled with unforgettable moments, hard-fought victories, and invaluable lessons. I have been privileged to play alongside some of the best teammates and under the guidance of exceptional coaches. Each match and every training session has shaped me not only as a player but also as a person.”
“Thank you to my family and friends for your unwavering support and sacrifices, allowing me to pursue my dreams. To my teammates, thank you for your fellowship and for pushing me to be the best version of myself. And to the fans, your passion and encouragement have been the driving force behind every performance.”
