Moroccan footballer Nouhaila Benzina as first hijab-wearing player in women’s world cup
Moroccan defender Nouhaila Benzina has become the first player to wear a hijab during a Women’s World Cup match.
Despite previous bans imposed by FIFA on head covers for religious purposes, Benzina’s appearance in a headscarf symbolizes a breakthrough in inclusivity and diversity within the sport.
FIFA’s ban on hijabs was lifted in 2014 due to concerns about player safety, marking a significant turning point. Now, nearly a decade later, Benzina made her much-anticipated debut wearing a hijab, aiding her team’s triumph over South Korea in a hard-fought 1-0 victory.
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Initially named as an unused substitute in Morocco’s first World Cup match, a 6-0 defeat against Germany, the 25-year-old defender stepped onto the field determined to make an impact. Despite South Korea’s dominance, with 16 attempted shots on goal and 63% ball possession, Benzina’s presence in the back-line helped secure a clean sheet for her team.
Nouhaila Benzina’s groundbreaking moment not only highlights her individual achievement but also showcases the unity and progress within the sport. Ranked 55 places below South Korea in FIFA’s world rankings, Morocco’s victory stands as one of the tournament’s biggest surprises.
While Benzina has shared posts on social media expressing her pride in wearing a hijab, she has not yet spoken publicly about her experience since arriving in Australia.
However, in an interview with Al Jazeera prior to the tournament, she expressed gratitude for the positive outcome resulting from years of dedicated work.
It is worth noting that, despite FIFA’s ruling, the ban on hijabs still exists in France, where six of the Moroccan squad members currently play their football. Additionally, the team is managed by Frenchman Reynald Pedros, emphasizing the diverse backgrounds and challenges faced by the players.
FIFA’s decision to lift the ban on head covers demonstrated their commitment to inclusion and allowed players of all backgrounds to express their religious beliefs while playing the sport they love. The two-year testing period leading to the rule change highlighted the necessity of revisiting the ban, ultimately paving the way for Nouhaila Benzina to make history on the global stage.
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