Habibou Ouedraogo claims top honour after Ivory Coast’s FIFA Series triumph

Habibou Ouedraogo was named the best player of the FIFA Women’s Series 2026 after playing a leading role in Ivory Coast’s unbeaten run to the title.

The striker was recognised following the conclusion of the tournament on April 16, where Ivory Coast secured three victories from three matches to finish top of the standings.

The hosts defeated Mauritania 8-0, overcame Turks and Caicos Islands 15-1, and completed their campaign with a 2-0 win over Pakistan.

Those results confirmed Ivory Coast’s dominance throughout the competition, but individual recognition also followed, with Ouedraogo standing out as the tournament’s leading performer.

The ASEC Mimosas forward scored three goals across the three matches, underlining her influence in Ivory Coast’s successful campaign.

Her most decisive contribution came in the opening match against Mauritania, where she scored twice in an emphatic 8-0 victory.

That performance helped set the tone for the tournament, as Ivory Coast quickly established themselves as the strongest team in the competition.

Ouedraogo’s ability to contribute consistently in attack ensured that she remained central to the team’s progress from the first match to the last.

Being named the tournament’s best player adds another individual honour to an already impressive period in the striker’s career.

The award reflects both her direct impact during the competition and the high level she has maintained in recent months.

Ouedraogo had already attracted attention after being named the best player at the 2025 CAF Women’s Champions League, a distinction that reinforced her reputation as one of the standout performers in African women’s football.

Her performances at club level have mirrored that success.

Playing for ASEC Mimosas, she currently leads the scoring charts in the Ivorian Women’s National Football Championship with 38 goals in 22 matches, statistics that underline her consistency in front of goal.

That remarkable return highlights the form she carried into the FIFA Women’s Series, where she once again delivered decisive performances.

Her finishing ability and attacking presence were central to Ivory Coast’s success, helping the team dominate opponents throughout the tournament.

The recognition she received at the end of the competition therefore came as confirmation of her importance to the national side.

In a tournament where Ivory Coast outscored opponents heavily, Ouedraogo’s individual contribution stood out as a defining factor.

Her recent achievements have also earned official recognition beyond the pitch.

She has been elevated to the rank of Knight of the Ivorian Order of Sporting Merit, reflecting the significance of her performances and contributions to the sport.

That honour, combined with her current club form and latest international award, points to a player in exceptional form.

For Ivory Coast, her performances offer a major boost as the team continues to strengthen ahead of future international competitions.

Winning the FIFA Women’s Series title was an important achievement for the national team, but the emergence of players such as Ouedraogo may prove just as significant in the long term.

Individual excellence within the squad strengthens the team’s competitiveness and raises expectations for future tournaments.

As Ivory Coast celebrate their perfect campaign, Ouedraogo’s award stands as one of the defining stories of the tournament.

Her goals, influence and consistency ensured that she finished the competition not only as a winner, but as its most outstanding player.