Nadia Nadim’s mother died Tuesday after she was hit by a truck, the Racing Louisville FC striker revealed Wednesday morning. She was 57 years old.
“Words can not describe what I’m feeling,” Nadim said in an Instagram post. “I have lost the most important person in my life and it happened so sudden and unexpected.”
Nadim was raised in Afghanistan until her father, a general in the Afghan National Army, was killed by the Taliban in 2000. After his death, Hamida Nadim smuggled Nadia and her sisters out of Afghanistan and to Denmark, where Nadia started her soccer career.
Nadim has played for the Denmark women’s national team since 2009, and she has 38 goals in 103 appearances at the international level. She has played in the NWSL since 2014 and has played the last two seasons for Racing Louisville.
The 34-year-old also earned a medical degree and qualified as a doctor in January 2022.
“She didn’t give me life once but twice, and everything I/we are is because of her,” she said on Instagram. “I have lost my home and I know nothings gonna ever feel the same.”
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dr Nadia Nadim (@nadi9nadim)
A post shared by Dr Nadia Nadim (@nadi9nadim)
Nadim concluded her post with a request, writing: “Please come and show her the love, respect and prayers she deserves.”
The soccer community delivered, sending their support via the comments of Nadim’s post.
“Sending my love and strength,” Netherlands national team player Daniëlle van de Donk wrote. Racing Louisville FC teammate Katie Lund commented as well, writing: “Praying for you my sweet friend.”
Samantha Kerr, Ella Toone, Nikita Parris, Ebony Salmon and more also sent messages to Nadim.