As the world embraces the inclusion of hijabi athletes in sports, a young French soccer player finds her dream of wearing her hijab on the field crushed by her country’s soccer federation.
Banished from France, Lina Boussaha leads Saudi team to victory with her Hijab
Lina Boussaha, a professional soccer player from France, faced a significant challenge when she decided to wear a hijab regularly, including during games. Despite FIFA allowing hijabs since 2014, France’s soccer federation bans conspicuous religious symbols during matches, which disrupted her career. Boussaha, who turned pro at 17 and played for Paris St.-Germain (P.S.G.), moved back in with her parents after a severe injury and reconnected with her spirituality. Inspired by other athletes like fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad, she chose to wear a hijab and eventually found a new opportunity with Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, where she now plays successfully, balancing her religious and athletic commitments.
