Pakistan’s star footballer Mariam Mahmood has been named Female Elite Sports Athlete of the Year at the Muslim Sports Awards 2025.
The ceremony was held at Elland Road Stadium, home of Premier League club Leeds United. The event celebrates the achievements of the Muslim community in sport, from grassroots players to professional athletes and the people supporting them.
While accepting her award, Mariam said, “I just hope that I can show young girls who look like me that they can also do it.” Her message of representation and encouragement drew strong support from attendees and her followers.
Born in England, Mariam Mahmood is a Pakistani women’s footballer who has represented the national team as a forward. She has been part of Pakistan’s senior women’s squad in international competitions, including SAFF Women’s Championship fixtures.
Earlier this year, Mariam Mahmood represented Pakistan in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers, where she scored her first international goals and helped secure a 2–1 victory against Kyrgyzstan.
Mahmood is known for her goal-scoring ability and is among the young footballers contributing to the revival of women’s football in Pakistan by blending domestic commitment with international exposure.