Morocco star Nouhaila Benzina shares the love on social media as she makes history at Women’s World Cup
MOROCCO footballer Nouhaila Benzina was inundated with love and support after making World Cup history.
The defender appeared for her national side in the shock 1-0 win over South Korea in Adelaide on Sunday.
And she did so wearing a hijab – the first player to wear one in a World Cup match.
The Islamic headscarf was authorised to be worn during matches for religious reasons by Fifa in 2014.
And the 25-year-old star took to the field to etch her name into the history books at a senior women’s international tournament.
Trailblazer Benzina, who has played for a Moroccan club since 2016, was an unused sub for her country’s opening match at the World Cup – a 6-0 thrashing by Germany.
But she played the full 90 minutes as the Lionesses of Atlas recorded their first World Cup win ever.
And that prompted a huge outpouring of messages and social media posts for Benzina, who will surely inspire millions of young Muslim girls dreaming of becoming professional footballers.
The centre-back shared dozens of them on her Instagram stories.
Others on Twitter also shared their positive reactions.
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One said: “Role model, game changer.”
Another wrote: “Love this.”
A third added: “This is wonderful to see and a brilliant example to everyone!”
And a final user replied: “Nothing but respect for this beautiful lady.”