A Kurdish football club unites diaspora communities while making waves in Germany’s competitive football scene. SV Azadi, founded in 2016 by three friends, has rapidly ascended to the Verbandsliga Germany’s sixth-tier league becoming a symbol of Kurdish identity and sporting ambition.
What began as a small dream among friends has grown into a thriving team attracting Kurdish players from across the globe. Azad Miran, the club’s founder, explained that SV Azadi was created to give Kurds in Germany a sense of belonging. “We wanted to create a home for Kurds to connect.”
The team’s name, Azadi (meaning “freedom” in Kurdish), reflects its mission. Players hail from all four parts of Kurdistan—Turkey, Iran, Syria, and Iraq—uniting under one banner. Aland Khalil, a team member, described the club as a “family” where players support each other on and off the pitch.
Despite their success, challenges persist. Coach Niwar Jasim revealed that players often face verbal harassment from opponents. His advice? “Stay strong, ignore the noise, and focus on the game.” Such resilience has fueled their rise, earning respect in Germany’s football community.
This Kurdish football club unites diaspora members beyond sports. It hosts cultural events, strengthening ties among expatriates. Miran dreams bigger: “We aim to be Germany’s top Kurdish team, with our own stadium and youth academies.” The club plans to establish junior squads, nurturing future talent.
Their five-year goal? Reaching the Oberliga (fifth tier). With determination and community backing, SV Azadi’s story inspires Kurds worldwide. As they climb Germany’s leagues, they prove sport can bridge divides and celebrate heritage.
For Kurds abroad, this football club unites diaspora pride with athletic excellence. From humble beginnings to competitive triumphs, SV Azadi’s journey embodies unity, ambition, and the power of football to bring people home—even far from home.