Farkhunda Muhtaj is a professional footballer and a sport and humanitarian activist. As captain of the Afghanistan Women’s National Football Team, she played an instrumental role in the escape of 300 + Afghans including the Afghanistan Youth National Team to Portugal after the Taliban regime came into power. She is dedicated to using sport as a tool to help empower and maximize the experience of underprivileged, refugee, and newcomer youth.

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). She captained York University’s Women’s Soccer Team and later joined the York Lions as an Assistant coach after spending 5 seasons as a player. She has won many academic and athletic accolades each year. Most recently Muhtaj was recognized as a Top 30 York Alumni Under 30 for her active dedication toward social justice. 

Muhtaj was one of thirty female leaders in football invited by FIFA – UEFA to participate in the 2022 Women in Football Leadership Development Programme in Switzerland. 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 is an OCT certified teacher and was teaching Science and Physical Education at Clarke HS prior to playing professional football.

Muhtaj is committed to developing and implementing sustainable humanitarian and sport projects locally and globally to help advance equitable and diverse opportunities for refugees and newcomers, women and girls, and underserved communities to feel empowered and become impactful leaders.