Hanane Ait El Haj completes Deportivo Alaves switch days before 2026 Women’s AFCON kick-off

Deportivo Alaves Gloriosas have announced the signing of Morocco defender Hanane Ait El Haj from AS FAR, just two days before the start of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Ait El Haj, a regular for the Lionnes de l’Atlas and a key figure in the national set-up, joins the Spanish club with extensive experience at both domestic and international level. The move also marks a return to Spain for the full-back, who has already featured in the women’s top flight.

Alaves confirmed the deal on Friday, 24 July, securing the services of the Morocco international from AS FAR, one of the most prominent women’s clubs in African football. The defender has played a central role in the Rabat-based side’s rise, both domestically and on the continent.

Return to familiar territory in Spain

This transfer will see Ait El Haj rejoin a league she knows well. She first played in Spain with Zaragoza CFF in 2020 before later signing for Valencia CF Femenino in 2022, gaining valuable experience in one of Europe’s most competitive women’s competitions.

At Alaves, she will find a familiar cultural connection through another Moroccan presence at the club. Youssef Lekhedim, a 20-year-old product of the Real Madrid academy, is currently part of the men’s team at the Basque side, known as the Babazorros.

Ait El Haj’s immediate focus, however, will not be on club football.

AFCON priority before club integration

The defender will delay linking up with her new team-mates as she is one of 26 players called up by head coach Jorge Vilda for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. The tournament, which runs from 26 July to 16 August, will be staged in Morocco.

The North African nation is hosting the competition for the third consecutive edition and will face a demanding group in the opening phase. Morocco have been drawn alongside Algeria, Senegal and Kenya in what is expected to be a tightly contested section.

The Lionnes de l’Atlas will aim to reclaim a title they narrowly missed out on last time, after Nigeria were crowned champions at the previous tournament. For Ait El Haj, arriving at the competition with her club future settled removes a significant distraction as she prepares for another major international campaign.

Once her AFCON commitments are completed, the full-back will turn her attention to establishing herself at Alaves. The Spanish club will look to benefit from her continental pedigree and prior Liga F experience as she bids to secure a long-term role in Spain’s top tier.