Jaiyah Saelua – Bringing Transgender Women to the FIFA Forefront
Jaiyah Saelua is a trailblazer in every sense of the word. She hails from the U.S. territory of American Samoa. She made history as the first openly transgender woman and the first fa’afafine athlete to compete in a FIFA World Cup qualifier.
Most of the world was only beginning to talk about gender diversity in sports. She was already out on the pitch, proudly representing her culture and identity. Her journey captured global attention through the documentary Next Goal Wins. It is about more than just soccer. It is about showing the world that being true to yourself can be your biggest strength.
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Early Life and Identity
Her early years were shaped by both her birthplace and her culture. Born in 1988 in American Samoa, she grew up on an island rich in tradition and community values.
While American Samoa is a U.S. territory, it maintains a distinct cultural identity rooted in Samoan customs, which played a major role in Jaiyah’s upbringing.
Cultural Identity as Fa’afafine
From an early age, Jaiyah identified as fa’afafine, a gender identity unique to Samoa that blends both masculine and feminine traits. In contrast to how gender nonconformity is often viewed in other parts of the world, fa’afafine have historically been accepted and even valued in Samoan society.
She understood early on that she didn’t fit the mold of a traditional boy, but she didn’t feel pressured to hide it. Her identity wasn’t something she had to fight for at home, but it was simply part of who she was.
Family Support and Fa’afafine Role
Her family played a big role in her confidence and well-being. With their support, she was able to live authentically in a way that many LGBTQ+ youth elsewhere still struggle to do. Fa’afafine are often embraced in their communities and take on meaningful roles in both family and cultural life, and Jaiyah was no exception.
Her early experiences helped shape her worldview and gave her the strength to eventually bring that identity to a global stage through the soccer field.
Journey in Football
Jaiyah Saelua’s path into football was shaped by a love for the sport and a deep connection to her roots. In American Samoa, where family and team spirit go hand in hand, sports are a common way to bond and stand out.
She gravitated toward soccer at a young age and quickly developed a reputation for her skills and competitive spirit.
Early Interest in Soccer
From the schoolyard to local teams, she was always on the move with a ball at her feet. Soccer wasn’t just a pastime. It became a passion. Even while navigating her identity as fa’afafine, she found comfort and purpose in the sport. Her coaches and peers recognized her talent early on, and she stayed committed, practicing and improving with each game.
Joining the National Team
In her teens, she earned a spot on the American Samoa national men’s team, a groundbreaking moment not just for her but for the world of international football. Her inclusion marked the first time an openly trans feminine fa’afafine athlete played in a FIFA World Cup qualifier.
This wasn’t just historic. It was also brave, especially considering the limited visibility and understanding of gender diversity in global sports at the time.
Challenges as a Trans Athlete
Being part of a men’s team as a trans feminine athlete came with unique pressures. She often had to deal with confusion, judgment, or even misunderstanding from both inside and outside her team.
Still, she faced these moments with quiet strength, choosing to focus on her love for the game. Her presence on the field proved that talent and dedication can transcend gender expectations, and her visibility opened the door for future athletes who don’t fit into the usual boxes.
FIFA World Cup Qualifier
Jaiyah’s place in football history was cemented during one unforgettable match that changed the global perception of American Samoa and of her.
It wasn’t just about winning a game. It was about representation, perseverance, and the quiet power of showing up exactly as you are.
2011 World Cup Qualifier
In 2011, Jaiyah took the field for the American Samoa national team during a FIFA World Cup qualifier. It was a chance for redemption after the team’s infamous 31-0 loss to Australia a decade prior. This time, with a renewed lineup and stronger spirit, she stood as a key player on the team, helping rewrite the narrative of their football legacy.
First-Ever International Win
That qualifier became a turning point when American Samoa clinched their first-ever international victory, defeating Tonga 2-1. Her presence made the milestone even more meaningful, as she became the first openly trans feminine athlete to compete in a World Cup qualifier.
Featured in Next Goal Wins
Her journey caught the attention of filmmakers, and her story became a central part of the 2014 documentary Next Goal Wins. The film highlighted the team’s growth and resilience, with Jaiyah emerging as one of its most compelling voices.
Her openness and humor drew in audiences around the world, turning her into an unlikely yet powerful sports icon.
Media and Cultural Impact
Her influence reached far beyond the soccer pitch. Her story resonated across continents, not just as an athletic feat, but as a breakthrough for trans visibility and fa’afafine representation in mainstream media.
Her presence continues to challenge stereotypes and expand what it means to be a global athlete.
International attention
After the release of Next Goal Wins in 2014, Jaiyah became known around the world. The documentary introduced her story to global audiences, and her authenticity stood out just as much as her talent.
In 2023, Oscar-winning director Taika Waititi adapted the story into a feature film, further amplifying Jaiyah’s voice and bringing her experience to moviegoers everywhere.
visibility for trans athletes
Jaiyah became a touchpoint in conversations about gender inclusion in sports. Her interviews, panel appearances, and social media presence have helped spotlight the challenges and triumphs of trans athletes.
She continues to encourage open dialogue, showing that there’s space for everyone in competitive sports when respect and understanding lead the way.
Representing Fa’afafine Identity
Through her platform, she also introduced many viewers to the fa’afafine identity, an important and longstanding part of Samoan culture. Instead of flattening her into a singular label, she embraced the nuance of being fa’afafine, educating others about the role and dignity it holds within her community. Her cultural pride remains a core part of her public presence.
Advocacy and Public Speaking
Her work off the field is just as meaningful as her achievements on it.
With a natural ability to connect and a commitment to change, she has become a respected voice in global conversations around sports, gender, and identity.
Speaking on inclusion & equality
She regularly uses her voice to highlight the importance of inclusion in athletics. Drawing from her own experiences, she shares the challenges that trans and nonbinary athletes often face, such as discrimination and the lack of access. She also often advocates for sports environments where everyone feels safe and valued.
Engaging FIFA on Inclusion
Her impact reached the highest levels of the sport. She has worked alongside FIFA and other governing bodies to encourage more inclusive policies in international football.
Through meetings, forums, and campaigns, she continues to challenge outdated norms and push for more gender-aware rules in the sport she loves.
Inspiring Pacific Islander Youth
As a proud fa’afafine from American Samoa, her visibility is especially meaningful for young LGBTQ+ people in Pacific Island nations. She often speaks to students and community groups, encouraging them to dream big and stand in their truth. Her message is simple but powerful:
You belong, just as you are.
Je viens de rejoindre ce groupe Interessant d'apporter son témoignage,
J'ai toujours été attiré par les transexuelles à cause de leur féminité voulue et souvent réussie au point de vous faire douter de leur identité .
Devant ce paradoxe délicieux , j'ai longtemps gardé le désir d'en connaitre pour entrer dans leur intimite.
Comme la majorité des trans oriented je ne suis pas du tout attiré par les hommes et suis hétéro avec des partenaires chez qui je recherche toujours un degré de sophistication élevé .
Qu'elles soient trans ou non , je recherche le même type dd femmes.
Un probléme que je me posais était de savoir si le fait d'être pré ou post opérée était un critére fondamental pour établir une relation amoureuse.
Définitivement non.
Cela dépend de la personne, de sa féminité .
C'est vrai que socialement c'est un vrai probleme de faire son coming out sur ce sujet mais ça vaut la peine quand l'amour est vraiment au rendezvous.