With light touches and a small, agile body, a young girl plays with a small ball that seems glued to her feet, evoking the famous warm-up scenes of Maradona during the UEFA Cup semifinals in 1989. The video of the Algerian girl, who is no more than 14 years old, showcases her skills in playing football, from dribbling to playing and even shooting, all while she practices alone in the street.
The video, shot by an amateur, has gone viral on social media due to the great admiration shown by viewers for the girl's talent. Adding to the astonishment of the audience was the spontaneous nature of the video, filmed in a simple neighborhood, with the girl’s attire being modest, not giving the impression that she was part of any sports club. This is especially noteworthy as women's football is relatively new and not widely followed in Algeria, often considered a male-dominated sport, which spurred more curiosity among viewers to see a girl with such talent.
Many people commented on the video, shared by dozens of pages, including those specialized in sports and others with general interests. One person remarked, "It's unacceptable to let such talent go unnoticed; this is a crime," while another stated, "She and other talents are wasted in poor neighborhoods, while we see players donning professional jerseys being paid astronomical amounts by state-funded institutions, and they don't do half of what she does." Others went further, saying, "This happens in all fields, where talents are buried, and opportunities are given to those who don't deserve them."
Football is considered the most popular sport in Algeria, typically played in the streets of lower-income neighborhoods before some opt for professional careers in clubs. However, the training system in Algeria faces much criticism.
