Mayssa Baha, a young Moroccan international at FC Barcelona, is attracting growing attention for both her performances and her potential. Her international future has fueled speculation, particularly over reports that Spain had tried to persuade her to join its national team.
But for the young player, her connection to Morocco holds a special place. Wearing the Lionesses of the Atlas shirt means far more than a sporting choice.
“It is an immense source of pride and honor to be able to wear this shirt. When I scored the two goals, I was extremely happy to help my national team and make the supporters proud,” she told the website of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF).
It is a sense of pride she shares with her family, particularly her father, a former Moroccan international, and her brother, who is also a footballer.
Football runs in the family
In the Baha family, football is a way of life. Mayssa grew up with a ball at her feet, watching her father’s matches and trying to imitate her brother.
“It is the only sport we talk about at home,” she said.
She particularly remembers her first steps on a football pitch, when she accompanied her brother after he had joined a club.
“The first time my brother signed up to play football, I tried to do the same as him. I liked it. I really loved the first time I touched the ball and started kicking it.”
That family environment played a major role in shaping her path. Today, representing Morocco also allows her to continue a footballing story that began long before her.
Learning at the highest level at FC Barcelona
At club level, Baha continues to develop at FC Barcelona, where she has the opportunity to train alongside players from the women’s first team. She relishes the experience while remaining focused on the work she still has to do.
“I am very happy to be there with them, at the best club in the world. I try to learn as much as possible every day and make the most of the experience,” she said.
The growing media attention surrounding her name does not appear to have distracted her from her goals. Instead, she is enjoying each milestone, including hearing her name mentioned for the first time in the first-team environment.
“It is a source of pride, and I am very happy to hear my name there for the first time,” the young Moroccan said.
Keeping a close eye on the Lionesses of the Atlas
Baha is also following the progress of Morocco’s U-17 women’s team, who are competing in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup currently being held in Morocco.
The Lionesses’ 4-0 win over New Zealand on Saturday, October 17, caught her attention.
“I am very happy they were able to win 4-0. I hope they go as far as possible in this competition and do very well,” she said.
Beyond the result, the young international is pleased to see the progress made by Moroccan women’s football.
“I thought they played very well. We are improving day by day,” she said.
She also had a simple message for young Moroccan girls who dream of following the same path.
“They should pursue their dreams, believe in themselves and work very hard to reach their goals.”
Baha also thanked Moroccan supporters for their backing and praised the welcome she had received from the FRMF.
“A big thank you to them for their support. I will try to do my best to make them proud. I thank the president for the welcome he gave me and for everything he does for women’s football,” she said, before concluding with an emphatic: “Dima Maghrib!”
