Morocco’s Hanan Ait El Haj Joins Spain’s Deportivo Alavés

Rabat – Moroccan international defender Hanan Ait El Haj has completed a move to Spanish side Deportivo Alavés Femenino, marking the first overseas transfer of her career after years of success with AS FAR.

The Spanish club announced on Friday that the 31-year-old left-back has signed with the team to strengthen its squad for the 2026/27 season.

Ait El Haj arrives after an illustrious spell with AS FAR, where she established herself as one of Morocco’s most decorated defenders. During her time with the Rabat-based club, she helped secure seven Moroccan Women’s League titles, seven Throne Cup trophies, and one CAF Women’s Champions League crown.

In its official statement, Deportivo Alavés praised the Moroccan defender’s experience, leadership qualities, and attacking style of play from the left flank.

The club described Ait El Haj as a modern full-back known for her energy and constant movement along the left side, highlighting her ability to support attacks while remaining defensively reliable.

Alavés also emphasized her confidence on the ball, dribbling ability, and willingness to carry possession forward, noting that she consistently contributes to build-up play and creates dangerous opportunities in the final third.

The move represents a significant milestone in Ait El Haj’s career, offering the veteran defender her first opportunity to compete in European club football after years of domestic success in Morocco.

Her transfer comes just before the start of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), where she has been named in Morocco’s final squad. The tournament will take place from July 25 to August 16, 2026, with the Atlas Lionesses aiming to build on their recent rise in African women’s football.