Early Steps in Amman

Maysa Jbarah was born in Amman, Jordan, in 1989. From the beginning, she was drawn to football. While many young girls in Jordan looked elsewhere, Maysa dreamed of the pitch.

At age 13, she joined the Amman Club youth academy. That’s where her skills began to shine. She was fast, fearless, and clinical in front of goal.

Not long after, national team scouts noticed her. By 2005, she was playing for Jordan’s senior women’s team at just 16. That was only the beginning.

Becoming Jordan’s Star Forward

Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, Jbarah became Jordan’s go-to striker. She scored goals in nearly every major tournament the team entered.

Her movement off the ball often confused defenders. She could run behind the back line or hold up play when needed. Either way, she always found space.

But more importantly, she delivered when it mattered. Whether in qualifiers, friendlies, or regional championships, Jbarah stood tall. And the numbers followed her success.

She is Jordan’s all-time top scorer—male or female. That statistic alone makes her a legend in her country.

Playing Abroad: From the Gulf to France

Unlike many of her regional peers, Jbarah didn’t settle for domestic football. She ventured abroad, chasing new challenges.

Her first big move came in 2014. She joined Abu Dhabi Ladies Club, then moved to Lebanon’s Stars Academy. Soon after, she played for Zouk Mosbeh SC. Every step helped her grow.

But her most important transfer happened in 2018. Jbarah signed with Grenoble Foot 38 in France’s Division 2 Féminine. Suddenly, she faced faster defenders and tighter spaces.

The adjustment was tough. Yet, she stayed composed. Her experience and determination helped her compete at a high level.

After France, she also played in Turkey and Kuwait. Each stop added depth to her game—and to her story.

Hero of the Arab Women’s Cup

In 2021, the Arab Women’s Cup returned. Jbarah was ready.

Wearing the captain’s armband, she led Jordan to the final. Along the way, she scored goals and inspired teammates. Her leadership was clear, her performances sharp.

Though Jordan lost to Tunisia in the final, Jbarah left her mark. She finished as one of the top scorers and received praise from coaches and fans alike.

She wasn’t just playing—she was setting the standard.

Style of Play: Sharp, Direct, and Deadly

Jbarah plays as a classic No. 9. But she also drifts wide or drops deep. Her versatility makes her hard to mark.

She doesn’t waste touches. Instead, she turns quickly, accelerates, and attacks space. She reads defenders well and capitalizes on mistakes.

When the ball comes her way in the box, she rarely hesitates. Right foot, left foot, or header—she’s clinical.

But what separates her is confidence. Even under pressure, she keeps her head. That’s why so many of her goals come in big moments.

Off the Pitch: Role Model and Advocate

Maysa Jbarah represents more than just goals. She stands for opportunity—for all Arab girls who love the game.

In interviews, she talks openly about the challenges she faced. Cultural norms, limited facilities, and lack of support were always obstacles. Still, she pushed forward.

She often visits youth programs in Jordan. There, she speaks to girls about hard work and belief. She tells them football belongs to them too.

Her impact isn’t just national. Across the Middle East, she’s a role model. Arab women in sports look to her as proof that success is possible.

Challenges Along the Way

Jbarah’s journey wasn’t smooth. Injuries sidelined her more than once. Moving between countries tested her emotionally. And being a woman in a male-dominated sport added pressure.

In the early days, Jordan had limited resources for women’s football. Travel was difficult. Equipment was scarce. But Jbarah never complained. She adapted.

She stayed hungry and professional. That mindset helped her overcome each challenge. And each setback only sharpened her game.

Achievements That Inspire

Here’s what makes her career remarkable:

• Jordan’s all-time leading scorer

• Over 100 international appearances

• Scored in AFC, WAFF, and Arab regional tournaments

• Played professionally in France, Turkey, Kuwait, UAE, and Lebanon

• Captain of the national team for several years

Each line tells a story of resilience and growth. More than that, each milestone opened doors for the next generation.

Legacy Still in the Making

Although Maysa Jbarah is in the later stages of her career, she hasn’t slowed down.

She remains central to Jordan’s national team plans. Younger players seek her advice. Coaches value her voice. And fans still cheer when she’s on the ball.

Retirement isn’t far off. Yet, Jbarah has hinted at coaching and youth development. She wants to stay involved, shaping the future of women’s soccer in the region.

And that’s fitting. After all, she has already shaped the present.

Conclusion: Maysa’s Enduring Impact

Maysa Jbarah did more than score goals. She changed how people see women in Arab football.

Maysa carried Jordan to historic wins. She played across continents. She faced doubts and turned them into motivation.

Her story proves that talent, when paired with courage, can overcome any barrier. She didn’t just make it—she made it easier for others to follow.

In the world of football, where few Arab women have made global headlines, Jbarah stands tall. And her influence will last long after the final whistle.

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