Pia Pierre Rafik Kassis (born 2008, in Lebanon) is a promising defender representing Palestine’s youth national team. At just 16, she stands out for her tactical calm, consistent performances in Lebanon’s youth leagues, and growing role at national team levels.
Early Life & Dual Identity
Born in Lebanon to Palestinian heritage, Pia holds Palestinian nationality and often plays within Lebanon’s youth competition frameworks. She represents a growing number of diaspora-born players bridging two nations through the game.
Club Career in Lebanon
Since August 2024, Pia has played for Beirut Football Academy across U17 and U19 teams, consistently appearing in starting lineups. She previously developed within Eleven Football Pro’s youth system from 2021 to 2024, covering U17 and U19 levels. Her current club participation in both Lebanese Women’s Football League and youth divisions reflects solid technical training and decorated youth experience .
International Development
Youth and U20 Involvement
Pia earned her spot in Palestine’s U20 women’s squad by mid–2023, competing in the AFC U‑20 Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers. She has also featured in several FIFA-listed friendlies for Palestine as recently as 2025 .
First Senior Exposure
While senior caps have yet to be documented, Pia’s inclusion in youth and U‑20 camp structures places her firmly on the path toward future senior national team appearances.
Playing Style & Defensive Strengths
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Disciplined positioning: Reads the flow of play and intercepts early
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Ball distribution: Composed in possession and capable of shifting play from the back
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Tactical awareness: Comfortable in structured defensive systems and in matching up against efficient attackers
At 16, she demonstrates maturity and positional reliability uncommon for her age.
Career Highlights & Milestones
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Progressed from Eleven Football Pro’s youth setup (2021–2024) to Beirut Football Academy’s U17 and U19 squads since mid‑2024
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Selected for Palestine U20 team for AFC qualifiers in 2023 and involved in friendly fixtures into 2025
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Competed across Lebanon’s top youth and women’s league structures, accumulating starting appearances and experience in youth match settings
Future Outlook & Ambitions
At this stage of development, Pia aims to:
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Earn her first senior call-up for Palestine’s women’s national team.
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Expand her club exposure by either stepping into Lebanon’s senior leagues or exploring regional league opportunities.
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Continue honing technical consistency, positional sense, and defensive communication with more match experience.
Conclusion
Pia Kassis, a young Palestinian defender based in Lebanon, is forging an important early career marked by national youth representation and foundational club experience. Balanced, composed, and tactically astute, she shows the attributes of a future defensive anchor for Palestine. With continued playing time and exposure, she remains one to follow on her path toward senior national football.
