Jaiyah Saelua has scored another first on the international soccer scene.
Her photo graces the cover of the FIFA 1904 magazine, 1904 referring to the year when FIFA was established.
This issue features information on the inaugural FIFA Diversity Award, which Jaiyah was a jury member of.
It will include the top 3 nominations as voted on by the “11 For Diversity”.
The first FIFA Diversity Award will be presented at the 2016 Soccerex Global Convention in Manchester, UK, on September 26.
Jaiyah said, “I am so proud that the IGLFA – the American organization I was with in Portland 2 weeks ago, thanks to Nike – have made it to the top 3.”
2 nominees are “Slum Soccer” from India, and “Kick It Out” from England.
She is happy with the recognition.
Sbe said, ” In 2011, FIFA recognized me as the 1st out transgender in the world to play in an official FIFA-sanctioned tournament. To
day, they put me on the cover of the FIFA 1904 Magazine, September issue.”
The magazine will be printed in English, German, French & Spanish & will be distributed in many countries around the world.
The Leone native says, “Wow! What an honor!
“I’m so grateful for this journey.”
Jaiyah rose to international fame when she starred in a film, “Next Goal Wins,” which told the story of American Samoa’s national team, of which she was a member, winning over Tonga in an Oceania qualifying match.
Before that American Samoa was the laughing stock of soccer losing to Australia 31-0.
Jaiyah said, “None of this would’ve been possible if it weren’t for my home federation, the FFAS (Football Federation of American Samoa).
“That is where it all began, and without the FFAS.
“I wouldn’t be doing any of this. I love you FFAS.”
