Magnitsky Awards
Winner’s Bio

Farkhunda Muhtaj is an Afghan Canadian professional footballer and social activist who brings together the worlds of sport, education and humanitarianism.

Farkhunda is the co-founder of Scarborough Simbas, a non-profit organisation that uses sport to help refugees and newcomers settle in Canada.

Farkhunda captained the Afghanistan Women’s National Team and, in 2021, following the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan, helped lead the evacuation of more than 300 Afghans, including members of the Afghanistan Youth National Team. Her role in this mission was featured in We Are Ayenda, a Cannes Lions Grand Prix-winning documentary presented by WhatsApp.

She is an ambassador for Right to Play Canada and a supporter of UNHCR Canada. She has also served on the Canadian Child Rights in Sport Advisory Committee, Canada Soccer’s Women’s Development Advisory Committee, and the FIFA World Cup 2026 Toronto Sport, Physical Activity, Health & Wellness Programme Advisory Body.

Farkhunda holds two degrees from York University: A Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Health Science and a Bachelor of Education.