Twins Emma and Lea Motyka Lead France to Victory in Rabat
The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2026 has kicked off in spectacular style, and one of the standout stories emerging from the tournament in Morocco is the incredible performance of the Motyka sisters, Emma and Lea. The twins, who play for the renowned club OL Lyon, have not only brought their unique talents to the pitch but have also showcased their exceptional bond as they lined up together for France in their opening match against Venezuela at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat on October 18, 2026. Emma, serving as the captain, and Lea, who scored the second goal from the penalty spot, played pivotal roles in securing a 2-0 victory for their team, marking a remarkable start to their World Cup journey.
The chemistry between Emma and Lea is palpable, both on and off the field. As Emma proudly wore the captain's armband, she expressed her joy when her sister scored, stating, "I was so happy when she scored. Honestly, playing with your sister is amazing. We’ve got a great connection. We know each other inside out, so of course that helps us link up well." Lea, who was honored as the Player of the Match, echoed her sister's sentiments, emphasizing the special nature of their first World Cup appearance together: "It's an incredible feeling. Just being at this World Cup together is unreal. But for us both to start the game and for me to score – it’s a dream debut." This heartfelt connection not only enhances their gameplay but also captivates the fans who have come to witness their remarkable synergy.
Teammate Maelys Ane, who also contributed to the victory, remarked on the unique bond shared by the Motyka sisters. "Whether we’re at Lyon or here with France, the three of us are together all the time. They’re like sisters to me. Honestly, I’ve never seen a connection like theirs. They can find each other with their eyes closed," she noted. This deep camaraderie among the players is evident as they support one another, both in training and during matches, reinforcing the idea that teamwork extends beyond just skills on the field.
France's head coach, Franck Plenecassagne, highlighted the importance of the twins' talents and their well-deserved place in the squad. He remarked, "First and foremost, they’re here because they’re talented players, not because they’re sisters," underlining their individual merits while acknowledging the advantage of their familial bond during gameplay. Their understanding of each other's movements and strategies has proven to be an invaluable asset for the French team, helping to create many of their most effective plays during the match against Venezuela.
With the tournament just beginning, the Motyka sisters are eager to continue their momentum as they prepare to face Japan in their next match. Lea expressed her determination to keep scoring and contributing to the team's success, while Emma emphasized the need to enjoy their hard-fought victory. As the U-17 Women’s World Cup progresses, fans can expect to see more of the dynamic duo, whose shared ambition and exceptional connection on the pitch make them a formidable force in the tournament.
As reported by fifa.com.
