Morocco’s Nouhaila Benzina will make history at the Women’s World Cup as the tournament’s first-ever hijabi athlete.

Benzina will be the first hijab-wearing woman to compete at a Women’s World Cup when Morocco kick off their campaign against Germany on July 24.

There have been other hijabi players to wear the head covering at junior level but Benzina is paving the way for other senior athletes to follow suit.

The 25-year-old will represent the Atlas Lionesses on the world’s biggest stage during their upcoming maiden World Cup campaign.

Morocco made history last year when they became the first North African and Arab country to participate in the final of a continental tournament, WAFCON, by beating African powerhouse and 11-time defending champions Nigeria in the semi-final. A win that secured them the title of the first MENA region to qualify for the Women’s World Cup.

Back in 2007, FIFA banned all headdresses deeming the garment ‘a safety risk’. Seven years later, the governing body lifted the ban, but numerous countries and federations – most notably France and the FFF – still exclude hijabi players from participating in the sport.

Just two weeks ago, France’s top administrative court upheld the FFF’s ban on players wearing hijabs during football matches, deeming the regulation “suitable and appropriate”.

Out of 736 players, Benzina will be the only one wearing a hijab, but the impact she will have off the pitch will be felt by millions across the world.

Respect to Benzina for showing devotion to her faith, identity and love for football. The three aren’t mutually exclusive. We need more players to live their truths, just like Benzina.