Nouhaila Benzina: EA Sports set to introduce hijab option for players on FIFA 23 and FC 24

EA Sports are reportedly set to roll out a new update which will include Moroccan footballer Nouhaila Benzina wearing a hijab.

The 25-year-old defender became the first player to wear the hijab (a women's head garment mandated by the Islamic religion) at the Women's World Cup, and her avatar will now be available with a hijab in the game.

As their men's national team did at Qatar 2022, the Atlas Lionesses broke new ground at the ongoing FIFA Women's World Cup in New Zealand/Australia. 

The Reynalf Pedros-led side are World Cup debutants, and for the first time of asking, they made the knockout stage winning two games in the group stage, although they were eventually beaten soundly by France in the Round of 16. 

Despite their incredible achievement, the headlines belonged to Nouhaila Benzina who debuted in Morocco's 1-0 win over South Korea in their second group stage game, as she played with a hijab, the first of such at that stage. 

Although her appearance split opinions, as many thought religion should have no place in football, she was viewed by Muslims around the world as a role model.

According to FUTBIN, EA Sports are bringing updates to FIFA 23 and the FC 24 games. 

The update that stands out the most is a new skin for the ASFAR defender, which sees her wearing a hijab. 

This is expected to take effect on the next update of the FIFA 23 game and continue in further editions of the video game.  

As reported in detail by Pulse Sports here, Super Falcons of Nigeria star Asisat Oshoala will feature in the forthcoming soccer video game series EA Sports FC 24.

The 28-year-old has been absent from the game since the introduction of women’s club football in the now-defunct FIFA 23 franchise.

Following Electronic Arts’ end to their 30-year relationship with FIFA, the gaming publishers have gone ahead to acquire a number of licenses for various leagues including the Premier League, LaLiga, Serie A, and Liga Femeni.