By Catarina Demony

LISBON (Reuters) – Leaving her homeland Afghanistan was painful, says 15-year-old Sarah. She is now safe in Portugal and hopes to fulfill her dream of playing professional soccer – as well as meeting Cristiano Ronaldo, her idol.

Sarah was among several Afghan youth soccer team members who fled Afghanistan after the Taliban’s Islamist hardline government took control in August.

Portugal granted asylum to these young footballers.

She said “I’m free,” smiling from ear to ear while she visited Lisbon’s iconic Belem Tower, on the River Tagus.

She said, “My dream was to become a great player like Ronaldo” and that she wanted to become a successful businesswoman in Portugal.

It was her dream to one day return home, but she only wants to be able live free.

Her mother requested that Reuters do not use their name. She had lived through the Taliban’s rule in Afghanistan from 1996-2001. They will never be allowed to return, she is less hopeful.

Taliban leaders promise to protect women’s rights. However, under the first Taliban government women couldn’t work and were forbidden from attending school. When leaving home, women had to cover up their faces and go with a male relative.

One senior Taliban official told reporters that the Taliban would not allow women to engage in any sport after the takeover on Aug. 15.

Farkhunda Mughtaj (captain of Afghanistan’s women’s national soccer team), said that the mission was “to ensure they can aspire and play the sport their love.” She flew from Canada on Wednesday to meet with the youth players.

Muhtaj was able to stay in contact with the girls through the entire evacuation operation, codenamed Operation Soccer Balls, from her Canadian home. The rescue team was able to save 80 people, which included the women’s youth group and their families.

On Sept. 19, they landed in Portugal.

They were thrilled to see Muhtaj on Wednesday night. They hugged. Many could not keep their eyes from bursting with tears.

Muhtaj stated, “They have been through so many, so many difficulties.” They were resilient, and were able make it all happen.

Zaki Rasa (25) recalled his experience at Kabul Airport, which was chaotic and where he endured three painful days. He now enjoys being in Portugal, and hopes to carry on his education.

“There’s some uncertainty regarding the future,” he stated. The important thing is we’re safe.