A look at Leila Ouahabi – the WSL and Manchester City left back nominated for the FIFA World XI.

PHOTO: RFEF OFFICIAL SOCIAL MEDIA

Leila Ouahabi is a player who has arguably been one of the most consistent left backs in the Women’s Super League over the last few seasons. 

Following her performances for both club and country over the last year, she’s been one of the defenders nominated for a place in “The Best” FIFA World XI. 

In the 24/25 season, Leila made 35 appearances for Manchester City in all competitions, including the WSL, Adobe Women’s FA Cup, UEFA Women’s Champions League and Subway Women’s League Cup, before an injury ruled her out of the tail end of the season. 

During this season, her calm presence helped City to reach the quarter-finals of the Women’s Champions League, the final of the Subway Women’s League Cup and the semi-finals of the FA Cup. 

In those 35 appearances she racked up 2 assists and a goal, that came in the FA cup, against Leicester City. Her consistent performances earned her the rightful recognition which saw her called up to the Spanish national team under Montse Tome. During the Euros she made 4 appearances and was key to the side in their run to the final as Spain finished runners-up in the competition.

A standout performer in the Spain vs Italy game, Ouahabi was rated one of the best players in the game after a stellar defensive performance. Across that game she made sixty-six successful passes, two tackles, and three recoveries and had a 100% successful dribble rate, instrumental in her side winning 3-1 in the group stage of the competition. 

 Her nomination comes after an impressive start to the season with Manchester City. They currently sit just one point behind leaders Chelsea. So far this campaign, Ouahabi has made six starts out of seven games, already racking up an assist for herself in a 2-1 win against Brighton, where she teed up Bunny Shaw for the equaliser back in September. 

Her consistent performances in recent months have earned her a rightful nomination for the prestigious award, joining fellow City players Ayaka Yamashita and Yui Hasegawa, who are also shortlisted for recognition.