Nouhaila Benzina facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Nouhaila Benzina
نهيلة بنزينة

Personal information
Date of birth	(1998-05-11) 11 May 1998 (age 27)
Place of birth	Kenitra, Morocco
Height	1.73m
Playing position	Defender
Club information
Current club	ASFAR
Number	5
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
2016–	ASFAR
National team
2017–	Morocco U20	4	(0)
2017–	Morocco	17	(0)
Honours Representing  Morocco UNAF Women's Tournament Winner 2020 Tunisia Women's Africa Cup of Nations Second 2022 Morocco
Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. † Appearances (Goals).

Nouhaila Benzina (Arabic: نهيلة بنزينة) is a professional football player from Morocco. She was born on May 11, 1998. Nouhaila plays as a defender for the club AS FAR. She also plays for the Morocco women's national team.

In July 2023, Nouhaila made history. She became the first female player to wear an Islamic headscarf, called a hijab, at the senior-level FIFA Women's World Cup. She is seen as a great role model for young Muslim female footballers around the world.

Playing for Clubs

Nouhaila Benzina has played for the AS FAR team in Morocco. She is a key player for her club.

Playing for Her Country

Nouhaila has played for Morocco's national teams. She played for the under-20 team and now plays for the senior national team.

World Cup Debut

Nouhaila was part of the Moroccan team for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. This was a big moment because it was the first time Morocco had ever been in a Women's World Cup!

Morocco's first match was on July 24 against Germany. Nouhaila made headlines worldwide. She was the first player on a team roster to wear a hijab at a World Cup match. Even though she didn't play in that first game, it was a historic moment.

Then, on July 30, she played in a World Cup match. This made her the first player ever to play in a World Cup game while wearing a hijab. Her team won that match 1–0 against South Korea. This was a huge step for inclusion in sports.

Achievements and Awards

Nouhaila Benzina has won many awards with her club and national team.

With AS FAR

• Moroccan Women's Championship: She has won this championship many times, including in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024.
• Moroccan Women Throne Cup: She has also won this cup several times: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023.
• UNAF Women's Champions League: Won in 2021 and 2024.
• CAF Women's Champions League: Won in 2022. Her team also got third place in 2021.

With Morocco National Team

• Africa Cup of Nations: Her team was the runner-up in 2022.
• UNAF Women's Tournament: Won in 2020.