Moroccan women’s football talent makes growing mark on European leagues

Monday 07 September 2026 - 16:16

By: Azzat Manal

Moroccan women’s football talent makes growing mark on European leagues

The summer 2026 transfer window has highlighted the growing presence of Moroccan women’s footballers in European competitions, with several members of the national team and emerging talents moving abroad in search of new professional challenges. The wave of transfers reflects the steady rise of Moroccan women’s football and the increasing attention its players are receiving from clubs across Europe.

AS FAR has been one of the main sources of Moroccan talent heading overseas this summer. Sanaa Mssoudy joined French club Fleury 91 on a two-year deal, beginning her first professional experience outside Morocco after spending several seasons with the Rabat-based side. Defender Hajar Said also moved to France, signing with Paris FC through 2029, while midfielder Zineb Redouani completed a move to Auxerre for her first experience abroad.

The movement has also involved younger players. Inès Aboucharif, a member of Morocco’s under-20 national team, joined French club Thonon Évian Grand Genève as she continues her development within the French football system. In the Netherlands, Samia Hassni left Telstar to join De Graafschap, taking on a new challenge in the Dutch league and bringing with her experience of playing in multiple positions.

Spain has also become an important destination for Moroccan players. Hanan Ait El Haj joined Deportivo Alavés after leaving AS FAR, while Morocco international Sakina Ouzraoui moved to Madrid CFF following two seasons with Costa Adeje Tenerife. During her time in Spain’s top division, she made 53 appearances and scored four goals.

Another notable move saw 22-year-old Yasmine Zouhir leave Real Betis for Real Madrid, marking an important step in her career and giving her the opportunity to develop within one of Europe’s most prominent football institutions.

Alongside the transfer activity, the emergence of 15-year-old Maysa Baha has attracted particular attention. The daughter of former Moroccan international Nabil Baha, she made her first appearance for Barcelona’s senior women’s team and scored during a pre-season friendly against French side Montpellier. Her breakthrough follows a strong development path within Barcelona’s youth system and underlines the club’s confidence in her potential.

The growing number of Moroccan players joining European clubs reflects the progress of women’s football in Morocco and the increasing visibility of the Atlas Lionesses on the international stage. Playing in competitive European leagues can provide Moroccan players with valuable experience, exposure to different tactical approaches and opportunities to compete at a higher level.

For the Moroccan national team, the expansion of its players across Europe could also strengthen the squad ahead of major international competitions. With the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil approaching, the experience gained by Moroccan footballers abroad could become an important asset as the Atlas Lionesses seek to consolidate their position among Africa’s leading women’s teams.