Charlotte Lysa is a Research Fellow at the Department of Culture, Religion, Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Oslo, Norway. Her work has appeared in the journals Middle East Critique, Journal of Arabian Studies, Third World Quarterly and Soccer and Society. She holds a PhD in Middle East Studies from the University of Oslo, Norway.

An enjoyable and accessible read for anyone interested in understanding the intersection of football and women's roles in a rapidly evolving Saudi society. The book delves into the multidimensional narratives and dynamics shaping the meanings surrounding women and football in Saudi Arabia, moving beyond a simplistic, linear outsider perspective on the topic.

• Acknowledgements. Note on transliteration and translation. 1 Introduction: Pioneer Players. 2 The Contested Field of Saudi Football 3 Women between law and norms. 4 Rejecting status quo: The inception and evolution of women's football 5 Inspiring change through norm entrepreneurship from below. 6 Pressure from above, and abroad. 7 Narrating change through invoking continuity. 8 Conclusion.Notes. Bibliography.

Charlotte Lysa is a Research Fellow at the Department of Culture, Religion, Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Oslo, Norway. Her work has appeared in the journals Middle East Critique, Journal of Arabian Studies, Third World Quarterly and Soccer and Society. She holds a PhD in Middle East Studies from the University of Oslo, Norway.

An enjoyable and accessible read for anyone interested in understanding the intersection of football and women's roles in a rapidly evolving Saudi society. The book delves into the multidimensional narratives and dynamics shaping the meanings surrounding women and football in Saudi Arabia, moving beyond a simplistic, linear outsider perspective on the topic.

• Acknowledgements. Note on transliteration and translation. 1 Introduction: Pioneer Players. 2 The Contested Field of Saudi Football 3 Women between law and norms. 4 Rejecting status quo: The inception and evolution of women's football 5 Inspiring change through norm entrepreneurship from below. 6 Pressure from above, and abroad. 7 Narrating change through invoking continuity. 8 Conclusion.Notes. Bibliography.

Charlotte Lysa is a Research Fellow at the Department of Culture, Religion, Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Oslo, Norway. Her work has appeared in the journals Middle East Critique, Journal of Arabian Studies, Third World Quarterly and Soccer and Society. She holds a PhD in Middle East Studies from the University of Oslo, Norway.

An enjoyable and accessible read for anyone interested in understanding the intersection of football and women's roles in a rapidly evolving Saudi society. The book delves into the multidimensional narratives and dynamics shaping the meanings surrounding women and football in Saudi Arabia, moving beyond a simplistic, linear outsider perspective on the topic.

• Acknowledgements. Note on transliteration and translation. 1 Introduction: Pioneer Players. 2 The Contested Field of Saudi Football 3 Women between law and norms. 4 Rejecting status quo: The inception and evolution of women's football 5 Inspiring change through norm entrepreneurship from below. 6 Pressure from above, and abroad. 7 Narrating change through invoking continuity. 8 Conclusion.Notes. Bibliography.