Selma Bacha is one of the most exciting and versatile players in women’s football, celebrated for her explosive pace, technical skill, and relentless energy. A homegrown talent at Olympique Lyonnais, she has become a mainstay for both club and country, excelling as a left-back and left winger.
Early Life and Background
Born on November 9, 2000, in Lyon, France, to an Algerian father and Tunisian mother, Bacha was introduced to football by her older brother at age four. She joined FC Gerland’s youth setup before moving to Lyon’s academy at just eight, setting the foundation for her rapid rise in the sport.
Club Career
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Lyon Academy: Progressed through the youth ranks, catching the eye of Sonia Bompastor and signing her first professional contract at 16 during the 2017–18 season.
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Senior Debut and Success: Made her senior debut for Lyon in 2017. She started in the Champions League final that season, helping Lyon secure the title, and featured in subsequent finals, contributing to the club’s continued dominance in France and Europe.
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Achievements: By April 2025, Bacha had made over 100 league appearances for Lyon, winning multiple Division 1 Féminine and UEFA Women’s Champions League titles. She extended her contract with Lyon until 2029, reinforcing her importance to the squad.
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Playing Role: Known for her ability to play anywhere down the left flank, Bacha is valued for her versatility, providing width, creativity, and defensive solidity.
International Career
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Youth Levels: Represented France at every youth level, including U16, U17, U19, U20, and U23, amassing dozens of caps and goals.
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Senior Team: Debuted for the France senior team in 2021 and quickly became a regular. Scored her first international goal in November 2021 against Wales during World Cup qualifiers.
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Major Tournaments: Selected for the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022, the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and the 2024 Olympics, reflecting her status as a key player for Les Bleues.
Playing Style and Strengths
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Explosive Pace & Dribbling: Among the fastest players in women’s football, Bacha uses her speed and dribbling to beat defenders and create attacking opportunities.
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Crossing & Passing: Renowned for her dangerous left-footed crosses and accurate long balls, she is a major creative force from wide areas and set pieces.
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Defensive Tenacity: Combines aggressive tackling and quick recovery runs with attacking intent, making her a complete modern full-back.
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Set-Piece Specialist: Regularly takes free kicks and corners for both Lyon and France, delivering dangerous balls into the box.
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Mentality: Plays with passion, intensity, and a fierce will to win, earning respect for her leadership and work rate.
Career Stats (as of April 2025)
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Date of Birth: November 9, 2000
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Age: 24
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Height: 1.61 m
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Position: Left-back / Left winger
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Current Club: Olympique Lyonnais (No. 4)
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Lyon Appearances: 101 (5 goals)
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France Senior Caps: 42 (3 goals)
Achievements and Honors
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With Lyon:
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Multiple Division 1 Féminine titles
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Four UEFA Women’s Champions League titles (2018, 2019, 2020, 2022)
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Numerous domestic cups
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With France:
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Regular call-ups for major tournaments (Euro 2022, World Cup 2023, Olympics 2024)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Selma Bacha
How old is Selma Bacha?
She is 24 years old, born on November 9, 2000.
What position does Selma Bacha play?
She plays as a left-back and left winger for Lyon and the France national team.
What are Selma Bacha’s major achievements?
She has won multiple French league and Champions League titles with Lyon and is a regular for the France national team at major tournaments.
What makes Selma Bacha stand out?
Her explosive pace, technical skill, set-piece delivery, and ability to impact both ends of the pitch.
Conclusion
Selma Bacha’s journey from Lyon’s youth academy to stardom with club and country highlights her exceptional talent and determination. With her unique blend of speed, skill, and mentality, she remains a driving force for Lyon and France, and one of the brightest stars in women’s football.
