Sakina Karchaoui is a French professional footballer celebrated for her pace, dribbling, and defensive intelligence. She plays as a left-back for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in Division 1 Féminine and is a regular for the France national team.
Early Life and Background
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Date of Birth: 26 January 1996
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Place of Birth: Salon-de-Provence, France
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Heritage: Moroccan descent
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Height: 1.60 m
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Position: Left-back
Raised in Miramas, Karchaoui began her football journey playing with boys in her neighborhood before joining US Miramas and then the Montpellier academy.
Club Career
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Montpellier (2012–2020):
Debuted in 2012 and became a mainstay, making 144 appearances and scoring 8 goals. Helped the club consistently finish near the top of Division 1 Féminine and gain Champions League experience -
Lyon (2020–2021):
Moved to Olympique Lyonnais, winning the UEFA Women’s Champions League, Division 1 Féminine, and Coupe de France Féminine in a single season. -
Paris Saint-Germain (2021–present):
Joined PSG in July 2021 and quickly became a leader. Extended her contract until June 2028. Has won two Coupe de France Féminine titles and remains a key figure in PSG’s domestic and European campaigns. As of May 2025, she has made 119 appearances and scored 12 goals for PSG.
International Career
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France National Team (2016–present):
Debuted in April 2016 and has earned 85 caps with 2 goals as of April 2025. Represented France at the 2016 Olympics, UEFA Women’s Euros (2017, 2022), and FIFA Women’s World Cups (2019, 2023). Scored her first international goal in February 2024 against Germany and her second in July 2024 against Sweden. Named in France’s squad for the 2024 Olympics.
Playing Profile
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Strengths: Speed, dribbling, attacking runs, pinpoint crosses, and aggressive defending
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Style: Modern full-back, equally effective in attack and defense, known for consistency and leadership.
Honours & Awards
Montpellier:
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Coupe de France Féminine runner-up: 2014–15, 2015–16
Lyon:
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UEFA Women’s Champions League: 2019–20
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Division 1 Féminine: 2019–20
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Coupe de France Féminine: 2020
Paris Saint-Germain:
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Coupe de France Féminine: 2021–22, 2023–24
France:
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UEFA Women’s Nations League runner-up: 2023–24
Individual:
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UEFA Women’s Euro Team of the Tournament: 2022
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IFFHS World Team: 2020
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UNFP Première Ligue Team of the Year: 2020–21, 2021–22, 2022–23, 2023–24
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LFFP Première Ligue Team of the Season: 2016–17, 2017–18, 2020–21, 2021–22, 2022–23, 2023–24, 2024–25
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Première Ligue Player of the Month: December 2021, February 2025
FAQs About Sakina Karchaoui
What position does Sakina Karchaoui play?
Left-back.
Which club does she play for?
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
How old is Sakina Karchaoui?
29 (born January 26, 1996).
What are her main achievements?
Champions League and league titles with Lyon, multiple domestic cups, over 85 France caps, and numerous individual honors.
What is her playing style?
Fast, technically gifted, and a leader both defensively and going forward.
Conclusion
Sakina Karchaoui’s rise from Miramas to PSG and the France national team highlights her as one of the world’s premier left-backs. Her speed, technical quality, and leadership make her a cornerstone for club and country.
