When she joined the Moroccan U-17 women’s team in July 2024, playing in the ninth FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup™ was a far-flung dream for Maissane Ferkous. After all, when the Paris-born youngster began her adventure with the Atlas Lionesses at just 15 years of age, the 2024 tournament in the Dominican Republic, in which Morocco failed to qualify, had not even been staged yet. Therefore, even thinking about any participation in the 2025 edition was quite simply unimaginable.
Fast forward to the present and the Le Mans FC player is no doubt aware of how quickly time can fly, as she is on the verge of making her debut in the opening match of the U-17 Women’s World Cup 2025, which is being held on home soil. “You don’t get to play in the World Cup every day, especially when it’s in your own country,” said the 16-year-old defender. “We’re going to give it our all so that we leave with no regrets.”
Anwar Mghinia’s squad have been handed a mouth-watering draw for the first African-based edition of the tournament. In fact, it is none other than Evelin and Giovanna Waksman’s Brazil that will stand before them at the Rabat Olympic Stadium. Ferkous could not be happier. “We know that Brazil is a major footballing nation,” she gushed. “But we’ve prepared and are still working to get ready for this match. Every day, we train hard on how to counter their system. We need a bit more practice and we’ll see what happens.”
Ferkous has dreamed of competing in this type of event, as far back as she can remember. The young Moroccan grew up surrounded by football, after being encouraged to take up the sport by her older brothers from a very young age.
“At first I was just playing for fun with my mates, which was a good laugh,” she admitted. “But then as I started moving up through the age groups and saw that I had a bit of potential, it soon turned into a passion.”
The “bit” of potential referred to by the young woman raised in Rueil-Malmaison, who played for Athletic Club Boulogne-Billancourt (ACBB) and AS Sarcelles, was far from insignificant, as her skills and talent eventually led her to join the elite list of Moroccan players.
Standing at 1.78 metres tall, it is obvious that Ferkous must be a formidable opponent for any striker trying to challenge her on the pitch. She could follow in the footsteps of another top defender whom she particularly admires, French legend Wendie Renard.
“She’s an aggressive defender who’s proved that women’s football has come a long way over the years,” said the promising Moroccan player, who also holds Presnel Kimpembe, now a former Paris Saint-Germain player, in high regard. “I really look up to him for the way he plays, his vision of the game, and his fighting spirit in every match. He never gives up, despite all his injuries. He’s a true role model for me.”
Ferkous does not hide her ultimate ambition, which is “to sign a professional contract one day”. However, in the short term, she is obviously aiming to “win the World Cup with the national team.” If Morocco’s young hopefuls are to see this final wish come true, they will have to defy the odds and go above and beyond. No host nation has ever made it past the group stage in the history of the U-17 Women’s World Cup. However, with local support and the spirit of the Atlas Lionesses, the tide could finally turn in this ninth edition.
“We have an excellent group, which is fairly young, with players born in 2011, 2009 and 2008,” said Ferkous. “But we’re a very positive bunch, who are all delighted to be here. Plus, we’re really proud to be flying the flag for Morocco at this World Cup. Everyone is behind us, including our entire nation and our families. That’s why we’re going to give it our all and hopefully come away with a result.”
While she admits feeling “slightly stressed” ahead of the opening match, Ferkous is nevertheless delighted at the prospect. If she can perform as convincingly on the pitch as she did in what was likely her first-ever interview, then her team can be confident going into the group stage, where they will face Brazil, Costa Rica, and Italy.
Photos: Fédération royale marocaine de football
