Mariam Mahmood: First Pakistani in Women's Champions League

It’s been an absolute whirlwind of a season for Mariam "Maz" Mahmood. Since making the switch from West Bromwich Albion to Wrexham AFC this year, the forward hasn’t just been scoring goals; she’s been rewriting history. After clinching the Welsh Adran Premier title, Wrexham has officially booked their ticket to the UEFA Women's Champions League qualifiers, making Mariam the very first Pakistani international to qualify for and play in Europe’s elite club competition!

It's been a phenomenal debut campaign in Wales for Mariam, who racked up an impressive 10 goals and 2 assists to help power Wrexham to the top of the table. The Champions League qualifiers, set for mid-July, usually feature an intense mini-tournament format where Wrexham will battle it out in a single-match semi-final against other European hopefuls. If they advance, they play a final for a spot in Round 2. It’s exciting, uncharted territory for Wrexham, and a massive milestone for Pakistan women's football.

Speaking in a recent interview with Wrexham TV, Mariam shared her sheer awe at the team's monumental achievement. "I don’t think it’s fully sunk in what we’ve done as a team. Maybe on Sunday when we have the trophy it might, because all the players, staff, and fans will all be together, and then it might truly hit us," she expressed. "For me personally, when I look back at the game against Cardiff and the pictures and moments, I still feel in a bit of disbelief."

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I don’t really have any words to describe what it would mean to play Champions League football. Thinking where I was back a year ago to where I am now, it’s really surreal...

Looking ahead to her historic European debut, she added: "I don’t really have any words to describe what it would mean to play Champions League football. Thinking where I was back a year ago to where I am now, it’s really surreal, and I’m proud of myself, the team, and everyone around me who’s helped me. I’m so grateful to be where I am, and I can’t believe what we’ve achieved this season."

But there’s no rest for a champion. Mariam will lace up for Wrexham's final game of the season this week before instantly jetting off to the Ivory Coast for international duty with the Pakistan national team. Because of her intense league commitments and the tight title race in Wales, she had to miss the national team's initial training camp in Pakistan. Still, she's set to rejoin the squad in peak, title-winning form.

Watch her highlights from the league-winning match below!