Nouhaila Benzina Redefined Inclusivity at the FIFA Women’s World Cup

Rabat – Morocco has achieved a historic milestone in the world of football, as Nouhaila Benzina takes center stage as the first player to compete in the FIFA Women’s World Cup while wearing a Hijab. Her groundbreaking performance has garnered global attention and acclaim, underscoring the growing diversity and inclusivity in sports.

Assmaah Helal, co-founder of the Muslim Women in Sports Network, emphasized the significance of Benzina’s achievement by stating that “girls will look at Benzina [and think], ‘that could be me.'” This sentiment reflects the inspiring message that athletes like Benzina send to young girls around the world, irrespective of their backgrounds.

However, the celebration of this historic moment has been overshadowed by the response of certain sections of the French media, revealing a troubling undercurrent of Islamophobia within French society.

French MP Julien Odoul’s recent comments following the Women’s World Cup match between France and Morocco have added to this divisive narrative. Congratulating the French team’s victory, Odoul linked it to “the rights and freedoms of all women against Islamist ideology.” This thinly veiled attempt to associate Benzina’s hijab with extremist views has sparked outrage among netizens.

Taking to social media to vent their outrage at what they described as bigoted and ignorant comments, many have both expressed their disapproval of Odoul’s remarks and their disappointment with the perceived perpetuation, even banalization of Islamophobia in French society.

In response to Odoul’s comment, the platform Maroc1deFrance tweeted: “Khadija El Mardi, Moroccan boxer, won the World Boxing Championship in the heavyweight category. She also wears the veil like Nouhaila Benzina. I would like to see you tell her to her face that she is a submissive woman, Julien Odoul.”

Journalist Radouan Bachiri criticized Odoul’s apparent narrow-mindedness, tweeting, “Mr. Odoul, sport conveys values of openness and tolerance. Your narrow-mindedness as well as your incomprehension of foreign mores leads you to the current French geopolitical situation in Africa.”

Another netizen, Abdelaziz Ananou, questioned the authenticity of French values, tweeting, “France!!! A multinational team!! Which France are you talking about? But so much the better, without these immigrants what will become of you… And you are the laughing stock of Europe.”

While Odoul’s remarks have sparked anger and disappointment, reports in the international media have praised Benzina’s wearing of a hijab on the football pitch as a symbol of inclusivity. DW, in a report, highlighted Benzina as the first woman ever to adorn a hijab at a World Cup. Other outlets have acknowledged her role in Morocco’s unexpected success at the tournament and her impact on inclusivity in sports.

Despite the hurdles she faced due to FIFA’s previous ban on the hijab, Benzina’s participation in the ongoing Women’s World Cup has brought awareness to the importance of inclusivity. Rosella Ayane, Benzina’s teammate, told DW: “It’s massive. It’s going to inspire so many girls in the world… to show them that they can be and do whatever they want.”

In a statement to FIFA, Nouhaila Benzina expressed her deep pride in representing her culture on the global stage, sending a message of encouragement to hijabi girls: “My message to hijabis is to stick to their dreams… It has nothing to do with sport, it is a personal choice.”

This Women’s World Cup has undoubtedly inspired numerous young girls in the world to dream of playing football and presenting their countries on the global stage. Yet for many commenters, Benzina’s historic appearance in a hijab will undoubtedly remain one of the tournament’s most memorable and empowering moments, transcending boundaries and showcasing the true spirit of sportsmanship and inclusivity.