Khalida Popal is a football player, an activist and a defender at heart. As a committed team leader, Khalida empowers girls through sports and defends her teammates in Afghanistan both on and off the pitch.

This podcast is a production of Rebel Girls. It’s based on the book series Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls. This story was produced by Haley Dapkus with sound design and mixing by Bianca Salinas. It was written by Sara Weiss and edited by Abby Sher. Fact-checking by Joe Rhatigan. Narration by Shamsia Hassani. Original theme music was composed and performed by Elettra Bargiacchi. Our executive producer was Joy Smith. Thank you to the whole Rebel Girls team who make this podcast possible. Stay rebel!