10 Female Muslim Football Players You Should Know

Want to know some incredible Muslim female football players? I’ve got you covered! Read this article to the end to uncover some of the Muslim female football players that have left their mark on the sport.

Islam, a monotheistic faith founded in the 7th century by Prophet Muhammad, centers on the belief in one God, Allah. Its core principles are summarized in the Qur’an, the holy book, and the Hadith, Prophet Muhammad’s teachings.

From research, Islam is seen to be the fastest-rising and the world’s second-largest religion (Christianity is the largest) in the world. Surprising as it may seem, there are few among them, the Muslims, who have been recognized in the realm of sports.

While, however, your thought may be directed to male Muslim players, some female Muslim athletes also indulge in sports activities.

Together with male Muslim athletes, Muslim female athletes have excelled across various sports like football, volleyball, tennis, soccer, fencing, basketball, and more.

Despite these achievements, Muslim women remain notably underrepresented in sports, spanning from local and amateur levels to global competitions.

Nevertheless, in this article, we will be unveiling 10 of the most incredible Muslim female football players who’ve left their mark on the sport. So, buckle up, and get ready to meet these incredible stars who’ve left an indelible mark on football!

READ ALSO: 11 Players that went from Arsenal to Manchester City

Female Muslim Football Players

Here are the 10 Muslim female football players who have made notable contributions to the sport:

1. Nouhaila Benzina:

• Full Name: Nouhaila Benzina
• Date of Birth/Age: 11 May 1998 (25 years as of 2023)
• Nationality: Morocco
• Religion: Muslim
• Current Club: AS FAR
• Position: Defender

At the top of our list is Nouhaila Benzina, a Moroccan professional and one of the finest defenders, born on May 11, 1998, who plays for AS FAR and the Morocco national team.

She etched her name in history at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, becoming the first female player to wear an Islamic headscarf (hijab) at a senior-level FIFA World Cup match.

Before her pivotal match, Benzina and her teammates made history by representing Morocco, the first Arab or North African nation on the global stage.

Additionally, Benzina’s presence on the pitch extends beyond her remarkable sporting abilities. She became a beacon of inspiration for Muslim female athletes globally.

Her journey isn’t solely about making history but also about promoting representation and empowerment through sport.

Her contribution to Morocco’s national team is a testament to her commitment to the game and her role as a symbol of change and progress in the world of women’s football.

2. Asisat Oshoala:

• Full Name: Asisat Lamina Oshoala
• Date of Birth/Age: 9 October 1994 (29 years as of 2023)
• Nationality: Nigeria
• Religion: Muslim
• Current Club: Barcelona
• Position: Striker

Coming next on our list of female Muslim football players is Asisat Oshoala, born on October 9, 1994, who hails from Nigeria and has established herself as a prominent figure in professional football.

Renowned as a striker for Barcelona in the Spanish Liga F and a key player for the Nigeria women’s national team, Oshoala is widely acclaimed as one of Africa’s greatest female footballers and a standout talent globally.

Additionally, she’s a devout Muslim who embraces her religious identity. Her dedication to football and advocacy has made her a role model for aspiring athletes while also contributing significantly to the advancement of women’s football globally.

3. Nadia Nadim:

• Full Name: Nadia Nadim
• Date of Birth/Age: 2 January 1988 (33 years as of 2023)
• Nationality: Afghanistan
• Religion: Muslim
• Current Club: Racing Louisville FC
• Position: Striker

Originally from Afghanistan, Nadia Nadim is a Danish footballer known for her time with Paris Saint-Germain Féminines (2019-21). She’s also known for her advocacy for women’s rights and education.

Born on January 2, 1988, Nadia Nadim is an extraordinary professional footballer who has openly identified herself as a follower of Islam.

Her faith has been a significant aspect of her identity and upbringing in both professional football and academia as she pursued her medical education, showcasing her dedication to her sport and studies.

READ ALSO: 10 Best Norwegian Soccer Players In 2024

4. Karima Benameur:

• Full Name: Karima Benameur Taieb
• Date of Birth/Age: 13 April 1989, (32 years as of 2023)
• Nationality: France
• Religion: Muslim
• Current Club: Racing Louisville FC
• Position: Goalkeeper

Next is Karima Benameur and yes, she is a Muslim. She is a prominent talented French professional footballer renowned for her role as a goalkeeper in both club and international football, notably representing the France national team.

Born on April 13, 1989, Karima Benameur Taieb has earned numerous accolades in her career. Her journey to success in club football began with notable stints at Toulouse FC and Rodez AF before her pivotal move to Paris Saint-Germain F.C. in 2012, where she found inspiration under the guidance of her coach, Franck Raviot.

Later, she joined French club FCF Juvisy, which was later renamed Paris FC, competing in the Division 1 Féminine. In a landmark move in 2019, she ventured into international football, signing a noteworthy one-year contract with the English FA WSL side Manchester City. Beyond all these accomplishments, Karima Benameur Taieb embraces her religious beliefs.

5. Yewande Balogun

• Full Name: Zainab Yewande Omoyila Balogun
• Date of Birth/Age: September 28, 1989 (34 years as of 2023)
• Nationality: Nigeria
• Religion: Muslim
• Current Club: AS Saint-Étienne
• Position: Goalkeeper

Born on September 28, 1989, into a Muslim family, Zainab Yewande Omoyila Balogun is a football player who boasts an impressive career as a goalkeeper for the French Division 2 Féminine team, AS Saint-Étienne, and also plays as a key member of Nigeria’s women national team.

Balogun’s dual heritage – Nigerian roots and an American upbringing – adds a unique dimension to her journey as a skilled and dedicated goalkeeper, contributing significantly to both club and country.

In the realm of women’s football. Despite being raised in the United States, she proudly embraces her religious beliefs hence inspiring women’s football.

6. Khalida Popal:

• Full Name: Khalida Popal
• Date of Birth/Age: 13 April 1989, (32 years as of 2023)
• Nationality: France
• Religion: Muslim
• Current Club: Racing Louisville FC
• Position: Goalkeeper

Next is Khalida Popal, born and raised in Afghanistan, and she hails from a predominantly Muslim background. Khalida Popal may not be known for playing on the field, but she is a former captain of the Afghanistan women’s national football team.

She stopped playing football after she developed a serious knee injury that rendered her unable to play football again. Regardless, she’s been an influential figure in advocating for women’s rights in Afghanistan and promoting women’s football.

READ ALSO: Best Female Referees In The World (Top 10)

7. Ghizlane Chebbak:

• Full Name: Ghizlane Chebbak
• Date of Birth/Age: 19 February 1991, (32 years as of 2023)
• Nationality: Morocco
• Religion: Muslim
• Current Club: AS FAR
• Position: Striker

Ghizlane Chebbak, born on February 19, 1991, is a revered figure in Moroccan professional football. As a forward for AS FAR and the Morocco women’s national team, her career has been marked by exceptional achievements and dedication to the sport.

Notably, she was honored as the player of the tournament during the 2022 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations, showcasing her outstanding talent and contribution to the game.

Beyond her skills on the field, Chebbak is a devout Muslim whose faith is integral to her life and career. Her journey in football was influenced by her father, Larbi Chebbak, a former international footballer, who instilled in her a love for the game from an early age.

Despite facing challenges, Chebbak’s unwavering faith has been a source of inspiration, making her an emblem of perseverance, dedication to sport, and a role model for aspiring athletes.

8. Rasheedat Ajibade

• Full Name: Rasheedat Busayo Ajibade
• Date of Birth/Age: 8 Dec 1999 (24 years as of 2023)
• Nationality: Nigeria
• Religion: Muslim
• Current Club: Atlético Madrid
• Position: Striker

Next on our list of female Muslim football players is Rasheedat Busayo Ajibade, a talented Nigerian forward known as “RASH” or “The Girl With The Blue Hair,”

who showcases her skills for Atlético Madrid and the Nigerian women’s national team. Her breakthrough came at the 2018 WAFU Cup in Côte d’Ivoire, following a stellar reputation as the top young African footballer in 2017.

READ ALSO: 5 Best Young Players From South America FIFA 23

9. Halimatu Ayinde

• Full Name: Halimatu Ibrahim Ayindee
• Date of Birth/Age: 16 May 1995 (28 years as of 2023)
• Nationality: Nigeria
• Religion: Muslim
• Current Club: FC Rosengård
• Position: Striker

Halimatu Ibrahim Ayinde is a Muslim Nigerian midfielder for FC Rosengård and the national team, boasting an intriguing football journey.

Transitioning from Delta Queens in Nigeria to Western New York Flash in the US, her stint included a challenging debut marked by determination.

Despite underperformance initially, she embraced improvement, showcasing her skills in Belarusian Premier League’s FC Minsk, leaving a notable impact on society.

10. Meriem Bouhid:

• Full Name: Meriem Bouhid
• Age: 29 years as of 2023
• Nationality: Morocco
• Religion: Muslim
• Current Club: Nil
• Position: Midfielder

Meriem Bouhid is a Muslim skilled Moroccan footballer, who formerly played as a midfielder for various clubs in France and has represented Morocco in international competitions during her career.

She gained attention after vanishing during a tour in Spain in 2018. Well, her reason for vanishing isn’t the talk of the day. Nevertheless, if you are interested in getting more information on that check out this link.

In Conclusion

While there are more Female Muslim football players in real sports, it’s worth noting that many players’ religious beliefs are not disclosed publicly.

However, we were able to compile a list of 10 female Muslim players who have contributed significantly to the world of football and have been role models for aspiring female players within their communities and beyond.