KingFut had the privilege of speaking with Barvine Elkotit, a remarkable Egyptian female international football player who has been making waves both on and off the pitch.
Barvine Elkotit’s journey to becoming an international football player is a testament to her unwavering determination and adaptability.
Born in Cairo to an Egyptian father and a French-Algerian mother, Barvine’s upbringing was a blend of diverse cultures. Her foray into football, however, began unexpectedly during a tumultuous period in Egypt’s history – the 2011 revolution.
“When I was young I played kickboxing from the age of 12 to the age of 15 and was under 60 kilos French champion in 2008.
“I moved to Egypt for personal reasons, and it was during the 2011 revolution. I didn’t have the chance to pursue kickboxing there, so when a friend invited me to watch a group of girls training in the Arsenal academy at Wadi Degla Club, I decided to give football a try. It was a new experience, and I immediately fell in love with the sport.
“I loved Egypt it is an incredible country and I was surrounded by girls that helped me adapt. I learned Arabic in my school lycée français du caire and with the football team and I have a lot of friends and contacts here.”
In the midst of upheaval, Barvine’s talent on the football field caught the eye of Mohamed Kamal, who was the coach of Wadi Degla at the time and now serves as the national team coach. This recognition became a turning point in her life, as she embarked on a remarkable journey, balancing her passion for football with her studies in dental prosthetics.
“The coach, Mohamed Kamal, invited me to join Wadi Degla’s youth team. It was an incredible opportunity for me, and I’m grateful for his belief in my abilities.
“I returned to France later to study dental prosthetics. I went to Olympique Lyonnais U16 women’s football in France was not as developed as today but I didn’t continue as it was far from home and my mom didn’t want me to play football.
“So I went to play for FC Lyon for U18 near home and the senior team and then I went to Sud Lyonnais where I play now.
“I work and play football at the same time. I work or study in the morning and training sessions are in the afternoon three days a week and matches are played during weekends.
“My Mom prioritized study and didn’t want me to play football and I actually played behind her back.
“My parents didn’t want me to be a footballer so I didn’t have a chance to play on an international level when I was in France, but I was called up for the Egypt youth team but we trained only we didn’t play matches.”
As Barvine’s career flourished, she began to observe the state of women’s football in Egypt, recognizing both the untapped talent and the need for development. With a keen eye for strategy and the broader vision of the game, she hopes to see women’s football in Egypt thrive.
“I am proud to be Egyptian, and I will always choose Egypt. It is my culture, my ancestors, my country. I am more than proud to wear the jersey.
“I got called-up because Mohamed Kamal [Egypt’s manager] called me to undergo trials he was my coach when I was in Wadi Degla. I also played with some of the girls when I was young
“There is a lot of talent in Egypt, and it is a shame that football hasn’t developed as much as in other countries. But I am sure that we will reach those top levels.
“We need access to materials and training facilities, more publicity for women’s football, and better support from the FA and sports ministry. It’s time for women’s football to be respected on par with men’s football.”
Barvine’s ambitions extend beyond personal success. With the national team, she aspires to showcase the quality of Egypt’s women’s football on a global stage, challenging perceptions and inspiring future generations.
“I have a lot of offers in Egypt but I prefer to live in Lyon with my family and for my work.
“My ambition with the national team is to continue training, do my best, win something if I can, and make my country proud. I want to see Egypt in the World Cup, and I want the whole world to see the quality of Egypt’s women’s and the world change their opinion of Arab women’s football,
“Some of us come from countries abroad but we are proud that we are Egyptian and want to make our country proud, to fight to let women’s football be respected like men’s.”
The interview was conducted by Mina Hany on behalf of KingFut.
KingFut would like to thank Barvine Elkotit for her time and wish her the best of luck in her future endeavours.