History was made at Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide during Morocco’s clash with South Korea when Nouhaila Benzina entered the field.
When the 25-year-old defender made her first ever appearance at the Women’s World Cup, she also became the first ever player to play minutes at the tournament whilst wearing a hijab.
It is a landmark moment for the competition and for football, as such an occurrence was not possible even a decade ago, whilst it also highlights the rise in popularity of football in Muslim countries.
The Sporting News looks at Benzina’s story and her groundbreaking moment in Australia.
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History maker 🙌
Morocco defender Nouhaila Benzina is the first player to wear a hijab while competing at a senior-level Women’s World Cup.#FIFAWWC #MAR pic.twitter.com/CgUKcWHVtU
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) July 30, 2023
Who is Nouhaila Benzina?
Nouhaila Benzina is a defender for the Moroccan national team, as well as for highly successful Moroccan club side AS FAR.
She was involved in the Morocco national set-up at Under-20s level before being promoted to the senior side and playing a role in their first ever qualification for the World Cup.
She was named in the final 23-player squad for the tournament in Australia and New…
