Who is Layla Banaras? Shaping the Future of Pakistan’s Women’s Football

At just 19, Layla Banaras made a stunning international debut for Pakistan, quickly becoming a symbol of hope for a national women’s program still in its infancy. Within days of her first match during the AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers, videos of her assists circulated online, amassing over a million views. But for Banaras, the moment was about much more than numbers.

“I was like, oh my God, I’m playing football for a living!” she recalls. “But seeing my dad in the crowd, that was what really got me. I couldn’t put it into words.”

That first match was a milestone, not just personally but for Pakistan’s emerging women’s football team. Before kickoff, Banaras spotted her father in the crowd—his first time watching her represent their homeland thousands of miles away. Though nerves and the noise overwhelmed her memory of the game itself, she delivered two assists and left the field to cheers from the passionate section of Pakistan supporters present.

Navigating Between Two Football Systems

Banaras’ debut highlighted the unique position she holds between two very different footballing worlds. Having spent 11 years in Birmingham City’s structured academy system, where she was scouted at eight and developed through multiple positions before settling as a midfielder, she now serves as a bridge to Pakistan’s fledgling national program.

“I started as a fullback, but a coach said I’d suit midfield,” she explains. “I tried it and loved it. I haven’t moved back since.”

Her role in midfield has given her greater control and impact on the pitch. “You’re involved in everything there,” she says. “Controlling tempo, building attacks, defending when needed. It suits how I like to play.”

Yet, even as her viral debut brought attention, Banaras remains grounded, recognizing the broader challenge she has stepped into—a program still rebuilding after years of instability.

Rebuilding Through the Diaspora

Pakistan’s women’s football has struggled with disruptions. From 2014 to 2022, the national team played no official matches due to FIFA suspensions and internal conflicts within the Pakistan Football Federation. This hiatus stalled development for a generation of players.

In response, diaspora players like Banaras have become vital lifelines. Captain Maria Khan, striker Zahmena Malik, and others have also joined the national setup recently. These players bring experience from structured systems abroad but face the challenge of limited training time and a lack of domestic infrastructure at home.

Banaras immediately noticed the differences: “Here [in England], you play every week. You train every day. It’s structured,” she says. “Over there, the local girls don’t have that. They only come in during international breaks.” Yet, she was impressed by the talent and unity she saw. “You wouldn’t know who came through an academy system and who didn’t. Everyone gelled. Everyone played for the badge.”

For Banaras, the issue is less about a developed-versus-undeveloped divide and more about opportunity. “If they had regular games and more camps, that ability would only grow,” she says.

The Road Ahead for Pakistani Women’s Football

Currently, Pakistan’s women’s team remains disconnected from domestic development. There is no professional league and few pathways for girls aspiring to reach the top level. The Pakistan Football Federation has made public promises to improve the women’s game, but progress has been slow.

Banaras is clear about what is needed: “The girls in Pakistan need more access. They need clubs. They need leagues. They need to play regularly.”

Her connection to Pakistan goes beyond family ties; it is deeply personal. “It felt different. It was more than just football,” she says. “You’re representing 250 million people. That’s not something you take lightly.”

While she competes for her place within England’s competitive football scene, in Pakistan, Banaras is part of a core group shaping the national team’s future. “We only had a short camp before the Asian qualifiers, but we still managed to perform,” she reflects. “The more time we get together, the more we’ll be able to show what we can do.”

A Star Still Rising

Banaras knows she is far from finished. At 19, early in her professional career, she faces challenges ahead but remains optimistic. “The structure isn’t there yet, but the players are,” she says.

Beyond her on-field success, Banaras shares glimpses of her everyday life on social media—from training drills to her lighthearted “Hunt for Halal Meat” series on Instagram—reminding fans that beneath the rising star is a relatable teenager navigating life off the pitch.

With each assist and every performance, Layla Banaras not only writes her name into Pakistan’s football history but also carries the hopes of a generation waiting to break through.

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