From Jordan International to Football Coach: Shahnaz Jebreen Journey After 17 Years as a Player

This week's podcast guest is Shahnaz Jebreen, known as Shari, a former professional footballer who represented Jordan 133 times and played for 17 years. After moving from Jordan's Orthodox Club to Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, she transitioned from playing into coaching. She now leads an under-15 team, having helped guide the team to a Saudi girls' under-15 tournament win.

In this conversation, Shari reflects on her journey from being scouted at school in Jordan to representing her country, and on finding a new purpose in coaching. She shares how discipline, patience, empathy, and a focus on helping young players understand the game have shaped her approach.

During the podcast, we discuss:

• From school football to the Jordan national team – How Shari was discovered in five-a-side competitions and supported by her family as she began playing for a club
• A 17-year playing career – What it meant to earn 133 caps for Jordan and the discipline that helped her stay committed
• Learning to read the game – Why football development goes beyond fitness and technique to include awareness, finding space, and understanding the "why"
• Leadership through empathy – Lessons Shari learned from coach Kelly Lindsay about communication, managing emotions, and staying true to herself
• Preparing for what comes next – How working as a PE teacher, gym instructor, and physical coach helped Shari think beyond her playing career
• Taking the step into coaching – How mentors and early assistant-coaching experience helped her move into a head-coach role
• Coaching young players with patience – Why development can be uneven, and how coaches can encourage players to enjoy the game and keep improving
• Talent, hard work, and a safe environment – Shari's perspective on effort, building player confidence, and using small gestures to create connection—and much more!

How To Connect With Shahi

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shahnaz_jebreen/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shahnaz-jebreen-0184ab17b/