Moroccan captain Ghizlane Chebbak claimed the Golden Boot at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), held on home soil, after finishing the tournament as top scorer with five goals.
Despite Morocco’s 3–2 loss to Nigeria in a dramatic final, the 35-year-old striker delivered a standout individual campaign—scoring a crucial late equalizer against Zambia, netting a stunning hat-trick against DR Congo, and contributing to Morocco’s run to their second consecutive WAFCON final.
Chebbak becomes the first Moroccan player in history to win the Golden Boot twice, having previously topped the scoring charts in 2022. Her consistency, leadership, and technical brilliance earned widespread praise throughout the tournament, further solidifying her status as one of Africa’s all-time greats.
Ghizlane Chebbak: The Indomitable Leader of Moroccan Women’s Football
A Career Still in Motion
At an age when most players consider retirement, Ghizlane Chebbak continues to lead by example. Captain of the Moroccan women’s national team and a symbol of ambition and resilience, she remains a key figure in the country’s footballing ascent. Her Golden Boot in 2024 is a testament to both her longevity and elite performance under pressure.
From Casablanca to Continental Stardom
Born on February 22, 1990, in Casablanca, Chebbak was immersed in football from an early age. Her father, Larbi Chebbak, was a member of Morocco’s 1976 AFCON-winning team. Inspired by his path, she carved her own in a far less developed women’s football scene.
Chebbak’s club career began at Rachad Bernoussi and included stints at Wydad and Raja Casablanca. But it was her 2012 move to ASFAR (the Royal Army Club) that transformed her trajectory. With ASFAR, she won 10 Moroccan league titles, 10 Throne Cups, and a CAF Women’s Champions League title in 2022—a rare feat in African women’s football.
National Team Milestones
Chebbak debuted for the national team in 2008 and soon became a linchpin of Morocco’s transformation into a continental powerhouse. She led the team to its historic runner-up finish at WAFCON 2022, securing Morocco’s first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification.
In 2022, she won both the CAF Player of the Tournament and Golden Boot. Her 2024 Golden Boot makes her the only Moroccan—male or female—to win the top scorer title at two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
Game Intelligence and Style
Known for her football IQ and technical precision, Chebbak combines elegance and decisiveness. Her trademark chipped finishes and left-footed curlers are feared across the continent. Coaches and pundits alike highlight her ability to find space, execute under pressure, and raise the performance of those around her.
ASFAR coach Abdallah Haidamo once said,
“In tight scoring situations, Ghizlane executes finishes that many male strikers would struggle to replicate. She has the instincts of a world-class forward.”
European Experience
In 2023, Chebbak signed with Levante Las Planas in Spain’s top-flight Liga F. Her move marked a significant step, proving that Moroccan talent could compete in Europe’s most demanding environments. Her professionalism, discipline, and game-reading ability quickly earned respect in the Spanish league.
More Than an Athlete
Beyond the pitch, Chebbak is an outspoken advocate for women in sport. She frequently emphasizes the importance of structured youth development and the need for family and institutional support.
“If my parents hadn’t believed in me, I would have never made it. Too many girls still give up—not because of ability, but because of the barriers around them.”
Her message resonates across Morocco and the Arab world, where societal expectations often limit opportunities for female athletes.
Inspiration for a Generation
With over 90 international caps, dozens of domestic titles, and now two WAFCON Golden Boots, Ghizlane Chebbak stands as one of the most decorated and respected figures in African women’s football.
Her impact is not just counted in goals but measured in influence. Chebbak represents the rise of Moroccan women’s football—on the pitch, in the locker room, and in the dreams of every girl watching her lift a trophy, lead a team, or fight for progress.
