Just 16 years old, Lea El Hajj Ali is already leaving her footprint on Lebanese women’s football. With a keen eye for goal and impressive composure, she is becoming a standout figure at Beirut Football Academy (BFA) and has earned early recognition in Lebanon’s international setup.
Early Beginnings and Youth Success
Born on June 4, 2008, in Beirut, Lea rose rapidly through the youth system of BFA, where she showcased rare talent even in her mid-teens. She consistently impressed in the U‑17 and U‑19 leagues with her goal-scoring and understanding of forward play .
Club Career: Leading the Line at BFA
Lea’s transition to BFA’s senior team took place in 2022–23. Despite the challenges of moving up, she seized the opportunity—registering 2 goals in just 2 appearances during her debut season, showing promise as a direct and impactful forward .
In the following season (2023–24), her role expanded significantly: she made 14 senior appearances, scoring 3 goals and contributing one assist. Her development continued into 2024–25, with 9 appearances, tallying another 3 goals—demonstrating growing trust from coaches and deeper involvement in team play .
Her overall senior stats at BFA stand at 32 appearances, 7 goals, and 6 assists, across franchise-level domestic competitions .
International Career & Debut
Lea earned her first senior cap for Lebanon in early 2024 during a series of friendlies in Nepal, entering the field at just 15 years old. She played two matches (180 minutes) against teams like Syria—gaining valuable experience in international football’s physical context .
She also featured in the 2025 Four Nations International Championship, logging three appearances and nearly 130 minutes on the field, continuing her steady integration with the national team setup .
Playing Style & Strengths
Lea brings natural confidence and awareness to her role as a forward:
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Smart runs and positioning: Always looking to find space in the box.
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Composure on the ball: Handles pressure situations without panic.
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Eyes for goal: Converts chances in tight finishes, even early in her career.
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Vision and link-up play: Assists and helps build attacking patterns.
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Maturity beyond her years: Trusted with significant minutes at both club and country.
These traits position her as a forward with real potential to lead the line for both BFA and Lebanon.
Milestones & Achievements
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Debuted for BFA’s senior team at just 14‑15 years old, scoring early in her debut season.
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Accumulated 32 senior appearances with 7 goals and 6 assists by mid‑2025.
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Earned senior international debut for Lebanon at 15 during competitive friendlies.
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Gained substantial playing time in both club and international fixtures, signaling coach confidence and growth opportunities.
Future Outlook
At only 16, Lea stands on the threshold of a long and productive career. In the near future, she aims to:
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Increase her scoring tally and assist statistics in Lebanon’s Women’s League.
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Solidify her position within Lebanon’s starting lineup in WAFF and AFC tournaments.
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Embrace mentorship and continued growth as she matures physically and tactically.
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Become a model figure for Lebanon’s next generation of attackers.
Conclusion
Lea El Hajj Ali is swiftly transforming from a promising youth talent into a reliable forward in Lebanon’s football fabric. Her early international experience, combined with her club consistency at BFA, sets her apart as a rising star. With maturity, ambition, and natural goal-scoring ability, she’s a player to watch as Lebanese women’s football builds toward a competitive future.
