Maryam Shojaei's brother, Masoud, isone of Iran's most famous soccer players and the captain of three World Cup teams. But Maryam and her mother and sister never saw him play in Tehran's famous Azadi Stadium. For forty years no woman – not one of the over 40 million women and girls in that country – has been allowed in any stadium, except for those brave enough to sneak in disguised as men and run the risk of being arrested, beaten, and imprisoned.

"Azadi" means freedom inIran's Persian language.

Here is Maryam's story of taking on her own government and a global sports organisation to fight for girls' and women's rights. Azadi Means Freedom is both a fascinating look into life in modern Iran for young women today, and also a personal story filled with intrigue and danger. Maryam travels theglobe to battle the stadium ban, is arrested and beaten, but her story is also covered in international news. With the support of activist friends andher beloved family – and the stories of other protesters like the Blue Girl and the White Scarves movement – she reaches the powerful halls of FIFA and the United Nations to plead her case. Masoud's final gesture on the turf at Azadi Stadium is an extraordinary act of love and support.

Here is an inspiring, nail-biter of a story for every activist, sports fan, soccer player, and fighter for women's rights around the world.

“A moving tale about the importance of one’s voice to make a change. Maryam’s story is an inspirational reminder of the power of perseverance. This story and its message will stay with me.”​ —Aisha Saeed​, New York Times bestselling author of Amal Unbound ‍

"Maryam Shojaei’s book Azadi Means Freedom: Fighting for gender equity through the world's most popular game, is a truly passionate and informative account of her activism and perseverance in the fight to lift the Iranian Stadium ban on Women. But Maryam’s story is not just about a stadium ban, it is about love of family, about the power of sports as a tool for diplomacy, about friendships and a shared humanity, and it is about the constant need to keep fighting for the basic human rights of women everywhere. Wonderful read!" —Kely Nascimento, co-founder of HADAF Global and daughter of soccer legend Pelé  

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