Mariam Mahmood Becomes First Pakistani Footballer to Play in UEFA Women’s Champions League
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
Pakistan international Mariam Mahmood has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Pakistani footballer to feature in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
The 22-year-old forward represented Wrexham AFC Women during the club’s debut appearance in Europe’s premier women’s club competition, marking a significant moment for both Pakistani football and Wrexham.
Historic European Debut
Mariam Mahmood started for Wrexham in the first qualifying-round match against Armenian champions FC Pyunik on July 22, 2026.
Despite conceding early, Wrexham staged an impressive comeback to secure a 4-2 victory, earning the club’s first-ever win in European competition.
Goals from Katie Barker, Lili Jones, Ava Suckley, and Natasha Thomas helped the Welsh side make history in their first UEFA Women’s Champions League campaign.
Wrexham’s European Journey Ends
The victory advanced Wrexham to the final of their four-team qualifying mini-tournament, where they faced Latvian champions Riga FC.
Wrexham took a 1-0 lead into halftime but were unable to maintain their advantage, with Riga FC scoring four second-half goals to claim a 4-1 victory and progress to the next qualifying stage.
Although Wrexham’s European campaign came to an end, the club’s debut appearance and first continental victory marked an important achievement.
Landmark Achievement for Pakistani Football
By appearing in both Champions League qualifying matches, Mariam Mahmood became the first Pakistani player to compete in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
Her participation represents a significant milestone for Pakistan’s growing presence in international women’s football.
Successful Season with Wrexham
Earlier in 2026, Mahmood also helped Wrexham win the Adran Premier title for the first time in the club’s history.
The championship made her the first Pakistani female footballer to be part of a European top-flight league-winning team.
She played an important role throughout the season, contributing 10 goals and two assists, helping Wrexham qualify for European competition.
Career and International Football
Mariam Mahmood joined Wrexham from West Bromwich Albion Women, where she developed through the club’s academy and made more than 80 senior appearances.
Born in Dudley, England, she later chose to represent Pakistan at the international level.
She made her senior international debut in 2025 during the AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers and scored twice in Pakistan’s victory over Kyrgyzstan.
Mahmood is also recognized as Wrexham AFC Women’s first British-Pakistani and first Muslim player, adding another notable milestone to her football journey.
While Wrexham’s UEFA Women’s Champions League campaign concluded in the qualifying stage, Mariam Mahmood’s historic appearance stands as a landmark achievement for Pakistani football and an inspiring moment for aspiring athletes across the country.
