Brazilian footballer Kathleen Souza has publicly embraced Islam, marking a profound spiritual milestone in her life. Currently residing in Saudi Arabia, she also performed the Umrah pilgrimage as part of her religious journey.
The announcement was formally made on Tuesday by her Saudi club, Al Nassr Women. The club confirmed that their Brazilian star has embraced Islam and extended a warm welcome to her decision. Fellow teammates joined in congratulating her on this significant personal choice.
Following her conversion, Souza visited the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, performing the Umrah rituals and embracing the spiritual essence of her new faith. The club shared a heartfelt video on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, stating:
“We are honoured to share a special moment in our player Kathleen Souza’s life with everyone. May Allah grant her strength and fill her heart with peace and tranquility.”
In the video, Souza appeared visibly emotional. She held back tears as she spoke:
“I was simply seeking the right path and hoping to discover a better version of myself.”
Professional and Personal Background
Kathleen Souza is a centre-back who currently captains Al Nassr in the Saudi Women’s Premier League. She is also a member of the Brazilian national team. Born and raised in the Baixada Santista region, she initially began her football journey playing futsal before moving to the United States to pursue both studies and football.
| Career Milestones | Details |
|---|---|
| Youth Development | Futsal in Baixada Santista, Brazil |
| College Career (USA) | Monroe College Mustangs, Louisville Cardinals, UFC Knights |
| Professional Clubs | FC Girondins de Bordeaux, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Al Nassr (2024–present) |
| National Team Debut | 2018 for Brazil |
| Major International Tournaments | 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup participant |
Souza began her professional career with FC Girondins de Bordeaux in France and subsequently played for top European clubs including Inter Milan and Real Madrid. She joined Al Nassr in 2024, bringing experience and leadership to the Saudi Women’s Premier League.
Her international career began in 2018 when she debuted for the Brazilian national team, and she participated in the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, further solidifying her status as one of Brazil’s prominent female defenders.
Souza’s spiritual journey, now intertwined with her distinguished football career, represents a deeply personal evolution. Her choice has drawn widespread admiration, highlighting the intersection of personal faith and professional dedication in the world of international sports.