Azerbaijani singer and Eurovision 2011 winner Nigar Jamal knows what it takes to succeed on a major international stage. These days, however, it is her daughter Jasmine Kane who is giving her another reason to be proud as she pursues a football career in England.
The young Luton Town player recently attracted attention with a spectacular goal, with footage of the strike generating considerable interest on social media.
But football is far from a new passion for Jasmine. She has been playing since the age of eight and has continued to combine the sport with her education despite facing competition, injuries and challenges with self-confidence along the way.
In an interview with İdman.Biz, Nigar Jamal spoke about how her daughter started playing football, the difficulties she has faced, her prospects of turning professional and whether she would like to see Jasmine represent Azerbaijan in the future.
- Jasmine recently scored an impressive goal. How did you feel?
- It wasn't her first goal. Of course, I felt extremely proud. It is always a great pleasure for me to see her succeed, especially because I know how much Jasmine loves football and how important the sport is to her.
- How old was Jasmine when she became interested in football? How did you react to her choice? Did you ever try to discourage her?
- Jasmine has been playing football since she was eight. Football is extremely popular in England, so many children start playing from an early age. There are school and university teams as well as competitions between different districts. Football is integrated very naturally into the lives of children and young people there.
I never tried to discourage her. On the contrary, I have always supported her. She was also able to combine football with her studies very well, which was particularly important to me. If a child can do something they love while also studying well, I can only support that choice.
- How long did it take her to establish herself in the team?
- She works very hard, listens to her coach and gradually gains experience. I like the fact that she isn't afraid of competition and understands that she has to earn her place in the team through hard work.
- What have been the main difficulties Jasmine has faced in football?
- She has had several knee injuries. Another challenge was probably a lack of confidence in herself.
- Do her teammates know that Jasmine is the daughter of a Eurovision winner?
- We try not to draw too much attention to that. On the football pitch, she is simply one of the players on the team. That's exactly what I like about it.
- Is Jasmine considering becoming a professional footballer?
- Her university education comes first for us. As for football, I want her to enjoy it, develop and become a better player. If an opportunity to move into a professional league comes along and she wants to take it, then of course I will support her.
- Does she follow Azerbaijani football? Has she watched Qarabağ's matches against English clubs?
- Yes. Most recently, she attended Qarabağ's UEFA Europa League match against Tottenham in London, which Qarabağ lost 3-0.
- Who is her favourite footballer?
- There are players she admires, particularly those who stand out for their technique, speed and individual skill. I think that's natural because a young footballer always looks for role models and sources of inspiration. Her favourite player is Son Heung-min.
- Which club does she support?
- Definitely Tottenham.
- Would you like to see your daughter play for the Azerbaijan national team one day?
- Of course. As a mother, I would be incredibly happy to see Jasmine wearing the Azerbaijan national team shirt. But I don't want to put pressure on her because of what I want. If one day she receives a call-up and she herself wants to represent Azerbaijan, it would be a source of great pride for our family. The most important thing for me is that she earns it through her own hard work.
Jasmine's journey in English football is still developing, with education remaining a priority alongside her sporting ambitions. But for Nigar Jamal, the possibility of one day watching her daughter step onto the pitch in an Azerbaijan shirt would carry a special significance.
Yegana Tushiyeva
