Visa, a global leader in digital payments, has introduced the She’s Next in Football initiative in Saudi Arabia, expanding on its previous She’s Next programs in fashion and gaming within the Kingdom. This new program is designed to empower and elevate women footballers by offering mentorship, specialized training, and access to exclusive opportunities with leading football experts.
The initiative is launched in collaboration with Saudi Awwal Bank (SAB) and AC Milan Women, providing female athletes in Saudi Arabia with a platform to enhance their skills, benefit from mentorship, and participate in world-class football training. Women football players in Saudi Arabia can apply from April 7, 2025, to May 5, 2025 by submitting a form available on the Visa website.
Finalists to be announced on May 21, 2025, will attend a training camp in Riyadh, where they will receive expert coaching and a certificate signed by Elisabet Spina, AC Milan Head of Women Football, and Suzanne Bakker, AC Milan Women’s Coach. They will also have the opportunity to train alongside and meet Farah Jefry, a prominent Saudi footballer and midfielder for Al-Ittihad Women’s Football Club, who serves as the program’s brand ambassador.
The program’s top winner will travel to Milan for a two-week “Training with the PRO” experience at the PUMA House of Football, AC Milan Women’s Team’s training center, gaining hands-on experience with professional athletes and coaches. The runner-up will receive a VIP tour of AC Milan’s training facilities, offering behind-the-scenes access to one of football’s most respected development programs.
Ali Bailoun, Visa’s Regional General Manager for KSA, Bahrain, and Oman, commented: “Women are driving change across industries, sports, and business, shaping the future through their contributions. As women’s football continues to grow, new pathways are opening for female athletes to access professional training, resources, and career development. As one of the world’s most active sponsors of women’s football, Visa is committed to strengthening the sport’s ecosystem at every level. By partnering with AC Milan Women and SAB Bank, we are contributing to the long-term development of women’s football in the Kingdom. Investing in women’s sports is an investment in inclusion and economic empowerment, ensuring female athletes receive the recognition and opportunities they deserve.”
Rania Alsharyoufi, Chief Human Resources Officer stated: “At Saudi Awwal Bank, we believe in the power of sports as a driver for empowerment, inclusion, and long-term growth. Our partnership with Visa and AC Milan Women in the She’s Next Football program reflects our commitment to fostering opportunities for women in Saudi Arabia, helping them reach their full potential on and off the field. By supporting initiatives that promote skills, mentorship, and visibility, we are proud to contribute to a more inclusive and dynamic future for women’s football in the Kingdom.”
Elisabet Spina, AC Milan Head of Women Football, added: “At AC Milan, we are deeply committed to fostering the growth of women’s football worldwide, and we are proud to be part of the She’s Next in Football initiative. As a Club with a rich history in developing and promoting the women’s game, we believe in the power of football to inspire and empower. This program represents a unique opportunity to support the next generation of female footballers in Saudi Arabia, providing them with world-class training, mentorship, and a pathway to grow in the sport. We look forward to sharing our expertise, supporting their journey, and helping shape the future of women’s football globally.”
Farah Jefry, also remarked: “I’m genuinely energized by this initiative and the remarkable opportunity it presents to ignite the passion of aspiring football players, empowering them to reach new heights in their athletic journey.”
To learn more and apply for the She’s Next in Football program, applicants must submit a short application form with details on the dedicated website.
About Visa
Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers and businesses globally. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement.
About SAB
Saudi Awwal Bank is one of the largest banks in the Kingdom and traces its origins in Saudi Arabia to more than 90 years, during which time it has been an active partner supporting the Kingdom’s economic growth and social development.
SAB is one of the leading corporate and institutional international banks in the Kingdom with a top Wealth & Personal Banking proposition. SAB is also a leader in Saudi Arabia and the region in trade finance, foreign exchange, debt wholesale banking, digital service innovation, and ESG, paving the way for transformation and excellence.
SAB offers integrated financial and banking services, including corporate banking, investment, private banking, and treasury.
SAB paid-up capital is SAR 20.5 billion, after the legal merger with Alawwal Bank on 14th March 2021, when it was legally known as the Saudi British Bank (SABB). Saudi Awwal Bank is a licensed financial institution operating under the supervision of and regulated by the Saudi Central Bank, and a partner of the HSBC Group.
