Emily Ibrahim (born July 30, 2003) is a Palestinian-American midfielder who has emerged as a key player for the Palestine women’s national football team, while excelling as a student-athlete at Loyola University Chicago with strong social advocacy credentials.
Early Life & Roots in Football
Born and raised in Orland Park, Illinois, Emily started playing soccer at age three. She honed her talents at Carl Sandburg High School and Chicago International club. By age 16, she had already caught the attention of the Palestinian American Athletic Organization, opening doors to international play.
College & Club Soccer
Emily is a standout for Loyola University Chicago Women’s Club Soccer, where she serves as co-vice president and balances studies in political science, economics, and global studies. She has earned regional playoff appearances with Loyola and maintains high academic performance.
Palestine National Team Breakthrough
Youth & U18 Involvement
In late 2019, Emily represented Palestine’s U18 side at the West Asian Cup in Bahrain, earning MVP honors (Ballon d’Or)—the first Palestinian to receive such an accolade at a FIFA-organized youth event.
Senior National Team
Called up to the senior squad in 2021, Emily debuted in AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualification fixtures and has since earned several caps, including participation in a historic friendly against Bohemian FC in Dublin in May 2024—a landmark as Palestine’s first women’s team match in Europe.
Playing Style & Contributions
Emily operates as a dynamic midfielder:
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Technically adept in possession and passing under pressure
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Intelligent positioning, bridging defense and attack
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Mature temperament, displaying maturity in high-stakes international fixtures
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Influential energy, bringing expressive leadership to both club and country teams
Academic and Advocacy Leadership
Beyond the pitch, Emily is a certificate-holder in global studies and co-president of the Refugee Coalition at Loyola. She interns with CAIR-Chicago, advocating for refugee rights and amplifying Palestinian issues. Her focus on both sport and service speaks to a commitment deeper than athletic ambition.
Key Milestones at a Glance
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2003 | Born July 30 in Illinois |
| 2019 | U18 West Asian Cup; named MVP |
| 2021 | Senior team debut in AFC qualifiers |
| 2024 | Featured in historic Dublin friendly |
| Ongoing | Club leadership & advocacy in Chicago |
Future Outlook & Goals
Emily plans to:
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Continue balancing national team duties with college commitments
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Feature in upcoming WAFF and AFC competitions
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Extend her advocacy, using her platform to elevate Palestinian and refugee causes
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Leverage her education, aiming for graduate studies and humanitarian work
Conclusion
Emily Ibrahim exemplifies more than athletic talent—she is a thoughtful midfielder, an academic achiever, and an outspoken advocate. From Chicago youth leagues to international arenas and community leadership, she bridges dual identities with commitment, resilience, and vision. As her career progresses, she stands to become a powerful voice in both sports and social justice realms.
