When Pakistan’s women’s football team stepped onto the pitch for their AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers in June 2025, there was a quiet buzz of anticipation. Amid the mix of rising talents and seasoned campaigners, one name began to emerge with every crisp pass and calculated move: Layla Aliya Banaras.
Born on February 11, 2006, in the UK, Layla Banaras is a British-Pakistani footballer making waves both in England and now, proudly, in Pakistan’s green. Currently playing as a defender or midfielder for Birmingham City W.F.C. and Wolverhampton Wanderers W.F.C., she has already broken ground as one of the few British South Asian women playing senior-level football in England. But her journey took a landmark turn when she made her international debut for Pakistan in the high-stakes AFC qualifier against Indonesia.
A Performance to Remember
In Pakistan’s thrilling 2–1 victory over Kyrgyzstan, it didn’t take long for Layla to make her mark. Displaying composure far beyond her 19 years, she orchestrated Pakistan’s opening goal with a well-timed, incisive pass that led to a goal by Mariam Mehmood, after a fumble by the Kyrgyz goalkeeper. It was a move that highlighted Banaras’s intelligence, her vision, and her technical quality — and it lit up social media. Just days earlier, in the second qualifier against Indonesia, Layla had also contributed an assist for Nadia Khan in Pakistan’s 2–0 win, proving her growing influence in the side.
Fans and pundits alike couldn’t help but celebrate a performance that many described as midfield mastery. Layla controlled the tempo, dictated play, and threaded passes through tight lines — a skillset rarely seen in the national setup in recent years. Whether it was a short ball to retain possession or a long diagonal to stretch the defense, her passing range was on full display.
More Than Just a Debutant
Layla wasn’t just another name on the team sheet; she became the heartbeat of the midfield. Her performances across the qualifiers were consistent, mature, and commanding. For a player stepping onto the international stage for the first time, her confidence was remarkable. She didn’t play like a newcomer; she played like a leader.
In a message shared through the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) social media platforms, Layla expressed her excitement and pride about representing Pakistan:
“The future for Pakistan women’s football is bright.”
She also made it a point to thank her teammates, emphasizing that their unity and support were crucial to the team’s success. “Without that collective spirit,” she said, “these wins would not have been possible.”
A Future Star in the Making
Layla Banaras is more than just a promising player; she represents a turning point. Her presence is a statement of intent for a national team trying to find its footing on the Asian stage. She has already been dubbed by fans as an “assist queen”, but those who’ve watched her closely know she offers so much more: game intelligence, defensive awareness, and tactical discipline.
At just 19, Layla embodies a blend of technical elegance and fearless ambition. For a country still laying the foundations of a strong women’s football program, players like Layla aren’t just contributors, they are game changers.
Whats Ahead
As Pakistan looks ahead to the next rounds of qualifiers and regional competitions, Layla Banaras will undoubtedly be at the center of their plans. She has become a symbol of progress and a powerful reminder that Pakistani talent can thrive, shine, and inspire the world. For now, fans can only watch, cheer, and wait, because this is only the beginning of what promises to be a remarkable career.
Quick Facts:
- Name: Layla Banaras
- Date of Birth: 11 February 2006
- Clubs: Birmingham City W.F.C., Wolverhampton Wanderers W.F.C.
- Position: Defender / Midfielder
- International Debut: AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers, June/July 2025
- Notable Moment: Assist in debut match vs Indonesia (Pakistan won 2-0). Assist in second match vs Kyrgyzstan (Pakistan won 2–1)
About the Author
Mohsin Rasheed is the Chief Editor of Footballer.pk. He oversees editorial content and regularly contributes match reports, player profiles, and tactical features. You can reach him at [email protected] & [email protected]