Mar 3 • 04:15 UTC 🇪🇸 Spain El País

Edna Imade: "God has given me the gift of football to help my family, so they lack neither a bed nor food"

Edna Imade reflects on her journey from being a refugee to a professional footballer, emphasizing her desire to support her family.

Edna Imade, a forward for both the Spanish national team and Bayern Munich, shares her remarkable life story, detailing her arrival in Spain as a refugee. At just three months old, she traveled with her mother, Floren, who fled Nigeria and faced perilous conditions crossing the Sahara and the Mediterranean. Edna's early childhood in a convent in Algeciras and her subsequent move to Carmona laid the foundation for her passion for football, which became an escape and a way to improve her family's circumstances.

In her reflections, Imade candidly discusses the challenges of racism within the sport and society, particularly in light of her background as a black player in predominantly white leagues. Ahead of Spain's match against Iceland, she highlights the importance of representation and the responsibility athletes have in addressing social issues. Imade's rise in the football world serves not only as an inspiration for aspiring players but also as a testament to the resilience and determination prevalent in her community.

As she prepares for the upcoming match, Imade expresses her gratitude for the opportunities football has provided her, framing her achievements as a means of giving back to her family. Her story transcends sports, encapsulating themes of struggle, hope, and social justice that resonate with many, making her a role model not only in athletics but also in advocating for change.

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