Ibtissam Jraidi: Morocco's goal-getter seals big money move to Saudi Arabia
Morocco senior women's national team striker Ibtissam Jraidi has completed a transfer move to Saudi Women's Premier League side Al-Ahli, on a two-year deal.
The 30-year-old, who has represented the Atlas Lionesses country at U17 and U20 levels, joined the Saudi Arabian from reigning Moroccan Women's Championship winners, ASFAR, that she powered to a 2022 CAF Women's Champions League success.
In the colours of ASFAR, Jraidi broke several records in November, helping the club become the first North African side to clinch the men's and women's continental crown, where she won the Golden Boot with six goals on home soil.
The Morrocan Army forward won the Woman of the Match thrice in five games, including in the final win following a remarkable hat-trick against former holders Mamelodi Sundowns.
She also became the all-time top scorer in a Champions League tournament with a goal above 2021 winner Evelyn Badu.
Confirming the signing of the lethal forward, the Saudi outfit announced on Monday, saying: "Al-Ahli signs Moroccan international Ebtisam Jaraidi to bolster women's first football team."
Her move to the Jeddah-based outfit brought to an end her almost 10-year journey with the Morrocan giants after winning nine Women's Championship titles, eight Throne Cups, a North African zonal title and a 2021 Caf Champions League bronze.
She also leaves the Moroccan top flight on a high after she won her fourth golden boot in the 2022 title triumph with 32 goals.
On international scene, the goal poacher shone in the colours of the Atlas Lionesses as Morocco finished as Women's Africa Cup of Nations runners-up and also booked their first ever ticket to the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia/New Zealand.
Her goalscoring feat at the Women's Champions League will see the red-hot finisher an instant impact for the Saudi outfit, having picked just six points from seven games this current season.
🔥 𝐋𝐄𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐋 🔥
Ibtissam Jraidi took the 2022 #CAFWCL by a storm! 🔝#EmpoweringOurGame pic.twitter.com/GZ3k49bzWY