Rayane Moussallem’s story begins in a lively Lebanese home where sports weren’t just entertainment—they were a way of life. As a little girl, she looked up to her older cousins who were die-hard football fans. Through them, she fell in love with Manchester United and the Brazilian national team. Those early days shaped her destiny, lighting a spark that would grow into an unstoppable passion for all things sports.
“As she recalls, ‘I grew up watching the World Cup, the Olympic Games, the Euro, the Premier League, the Champions League, and even tennis tournaments. It wasn’t just a hobby; it was part of who I was.’” This deep-rooted love pushed her to dream big and enter a male‑dominated industry, determined to make her mark.
First Woman to Host a World Cup Studio in Lebanon
In 2018, Rayane Moussallem shattered glass ceilings when she became the first woman to host a World Cup analysis studio on national television in Lebanon and possibly the Arab world. Hosting such a high-profile event wasn’t just a personal milestone; it was a statement to every young girl watching that they too could lead and shine on the biggest stages.
Rayane didn’t stop there. She covered the Tokyo Summer Olympics in 2021 during the challenging pandemic times, and in 2022, she was on the ground in Qatar covering the World Cup. For her, these weren’t just assignments — they were lifelong dreams coming true. “I got to meet legends I grew up watching on screen. It felt like my childhood dreams were unfolding in real life,” she shared.
An Experience That Defined Her Career
In 2019, Rayane received a major career milestone: she was chosen by the U.S. Embassy in Lebanon to represent her country at the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) on Women Empowerment Through Sports Journalism. Selected alongside 47 women sports journalists from 47 countries, she participated in seminars, workshops, and discussions led by prominent figures in the sports and media world. Over the course of the program, she visited leading media outlets and sports complexes across five U.S. states.
Meeting fellow women sports journalists from around the globe, Rayane realized that—even in regions perceived as more progressive, such as Europe and North America—many still face resistance and are treated as “intruders” in sports journalism. This experience reinforced her resolve to empower women in the field and elevated her impact in sports media.
A Journey Built on Passion and Perseverance
Rayane’s professional journey is a testament to resilience and passion. She began her career in 2011 as an editor at Elnashra Sports, an online sports news platform. Not long after, she worked as a translator and voice‑over artist at a sports media group. These early experiences taught her the importance of building strong foundations and seizing every opportunity.
In 2014, she stepped into television with LBCI, taking on multiple roles as a sports news anchor, tennis commentator, field reporter, and sideline reporter for the Lebanese Basketball League. These roles made her a recognized face in Lebanon’s sports community and opened more doors internationally.
By 2017, her journey took her to Italy, where she worked with the International Sports Press Association (AIPS). There, she expanded her horizons, covering prestigious global events and gaining a broader perspective on the sports world. She then joined Agence France‑Presse (AFP), one of the biggest news agencies worldwide, working as a sports journalist for four years.
Overcoming Challenges in a Male‑Dominated Field
Entering sports journalism as a woman wasn’t easy. “My biggest challenge was the fear of people not accepting a woman in this field. But my confidence and knowledge helped me push through and gain their respect,” she says.
Her determination not only helped her overcome these barriers but also inspired countless young women to believe in themselves. Over the years, she’s received numerous messages from girls saying her journey encouraged them to chase careers in sports.
Shaping Major Sports Events in Saudi Arabia
Today, Rayane works in sports events management in Saudi Arabia. Her extensive experience covering international sports events gave her a unique edge in understanding the complexities of organizing large-scale events. She knows what it takes to deliver a world-class experience, not just for athletes and fans, but also for the media covering these spectacles.
She uses this expertise to bridge cultural gaps and ensure that every event meets the highest standards.
A Legacy of Inspiration and Integrity
For Rayane, it’s not just about professional success. It’s about leaving a legacy. “I hope to show that women can thrive in sports, a field still often seen as male dominated. I want to be remembered as someone who did their job with integrity and inspired girls to follow their dreams,” she explains.
She firmly believes that at the start of your career, it’s okay to sacrifice immediate financial gain for passion and growth. Those early sacrifices build the skills and networks that lead to long-term success and fulfillment.
Advice for Young Dreamers
Rayane’s message to the next generation is simple yet powerful: “Follow your dreams. Don’t listen to anyone. Sacrifice (but not forever), because eventually you will be rewarded.”
Her story is living proof of this philosophy. She took risks, faced doubts, and still emerged as a respected leader and trailblazer in sports media.
A Bright Future Ahead
As she continues to make waves in Saudi Arabia’s rapidly growing sports scene, there’s no doubt that Rayane’s journey is far from over. Her dedication and vision are set to inspire even more young women and men to believe in their dreams, no matter how big they may seem.
Rayane Moussallem’s life is a shining example of what passion, hard work, and unwavering self-belief can achieve. She’s not just a sports journalist or events manager — she’s a symbol of hope and inspiration for anyone who dares to dream.
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