Khalida Popal is a former captain of the Afghanistan National Women's Football Team and played a pivotal role in establishing the team.

She is also the founder and director of the Girl Power Organisation and holds the position of Program and Event Director for the Afghanistan Women's National Football Team. She serves as a Purpose Lead for the Right to Dream Organisation, is a member of the UNHCR Sport for Refugees Coalition, a regular public speaker, and mentors at the Women Sport Leadership Academy.

Popal is a dedicated women's rights activist and is passionate about greater inclusion and integration of refugees. She has been awarded numerous awards including the Leaders in Sport U40 Class of 2019 Award, the UEFA Equal Game Award and The Lantos Human Rights Prize which was presented by the Lantos Foundation.