Women’s World Cup 2023: Morocco icon Ghizlane Chebbak on legendary father Larbi

“The first thing I learned from my dad was the love of football, and the first gift I got from him was a ball,” remembers Ghizlane Chebbak.

During his distinguished playing days, Larbi Chebbak was a key part of Morocco’s only Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) triumph – but the midfielder in the 1976 final could have only dreamed of the bond football would help him form with his daughter, let alone the profoundly influential career it would inspire.

“I kicked everything I could find,” says Chebbak, Morocco’s captain at the Women’s World Cup, talking to BBC Sport Africa.

“Dad noticed that I loved to play football, so he decided to bring me a ball. I kept the ball with me all the time – to the point that I slept with it.

“He started playing with me and teaching me how to hit a ball, give a pass or juggle.”

More than 20 years on from those formative skill-building sessions, Chebbak is a set-piece magician who was named the tournament’s best player as Morocco reached the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) final on home soil in 2022, losing 2-1 to South Africa.

Her individual brilliance on the pitch is matched by a far wider impact. BBC Sport Africa takes a look at how the 32-year-old has become an icon and helped to break down barriers along the way.