Malika Noor, vice-captain of the Pakistan women’s football team, has announced her retirement from international football at 30. Noor, who has earned 22 caps and scored multiple goals as a defender, played domestically for Young Rising Stars, Eagles Women’s Football Club, and the Pakistan Army.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, she shared, “Probably the hardest decision that I have made in my life! I wasn’t mentally ready, I thought I would give some more years to the team but the scenarios have changed, and this feels like a must-do! Representing my country on the world stage has been one of the greatest honors of my life, and I am incredibly grateful for every opportunity I’ve had to wear the national team jersey.”
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Previously, Noor hinted at facing domestic football politics in a post on X (formerly Twitter), which came just before the Pakistan Women’s Football Club Championship. Senior sports journalist Faizan Lakhani mentioned that departments were preventing their female footballers from participating in the Women’s Championship because they had not been invited by the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) Normalisation Committee.
Reflecting on her journey, Noor expressed gratitude, “From my debut to my final match, the journey has been filled with unforgettable moments, hard-fought victories, and invaluable lessons. I have been privileged to play alongside some of the best teammates and under the guidance of exceptional coaches. Each match and every training session has shaped me not only as a player but also as a person.”
She also thanked her family, friends, teammates, and fans for their unwavering support and encouragement. “Thank you to my family and friends for your unwavering support and sacrifices, allowing me to pursue my dreams. To my teammates, thank you for your fellowship and for pushing me to be the best version of myself. And to the fans, your passion and encouragement have been the driving force behind every performance.”
