Joya-Maria Azzi


Joya-Maria Maroun Azzi is a Lebanese footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder or left-back for Lebanese club EFP.

Early life

Born in Ajaltoun, Lebanon, Azzi grew up in Okaibe, where she began playing football aged four. She initially played with local boys teams, before playing futsal with her high school team aged 13.

Club career

Early career

Azzi joined her first girls football team at 14 years old, when she moved to Zouk Mosbeh. She then played for the under-17s and under-18s, before making her senior debut in the Lebanese Women's Football League. Aged 18, she moved to EFP, playing for both their under-19 and senior teams. Azzi played two years for EFP.

Move to the United States

Central Methodist Eagles

On 3 August 2021, Azzi joined the Central Methodist Eagles, the team of the Central Methodist University. She made her debut on 25 August, as a 60th-minute substitute in a 4–0 win against the William Woods Owls.
Azzi played 11 regular season games, and helped her team finish as both league and tournament champions of the 2021 Heart of America Athletic Conference Tournament. She also finished semi-finalist of the NAIA Women's Soccer Championship.
Azzi played 17 games throughout three seasons for the side, providing one assist.

Women's Premier Soccer League

On 28 March 2022, Azzi moved to Iowa Raptors FC in the Women's Premier Soccer League. She was listed in the 2022 WPSL All-Conference Best XI.
Azzi joined San Francisco Nighthawks ahead of the 2023 WPSL season.
On 30 April 2024, Azzi joined Missouri Reign for the 2024 WPSL season. She re-signed for the club on 26 April 2025, taking part in her fourth WPSL season in 2025.

Return to EFP

On 5 November 2025, Azzi returned to EFP ahead of the 2025–26 Lebanese Women's Football League.

International career

In 2018, Azzi was called up to play for the Lebanon national under-19 team, playing eight games. She got her first call up to the senior team in 2018. Azzi was called up to represent Lebanon at the 2022 WAFF Women's Championship; she helped her side finish runners-up, scoring a goal against Syria on 4 September.

Personal life

Azzi grew up attending Marist College of Our Lady of Lourdes in Byblos, Lebanon. She graduated from the Central Methodist University in 2024.

Career statistics

International

No.DateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition
14 September 2022Petra Stadium, Amman, Jordan2–05–22022 WAFF Championship

Honours

Zouk Mosbeh
EFP
Central Methodist Eagles
Lebanon U18
Lebanon