Ayoub Lajhar’s Family: Girlfriend, Children, Parents and Siblings

Last Updated on October 1, 2026 by Filepe

Ayoub Lajhar’s journey to professional football is closely connected to his family and the sacrifices that shaped his childhood. Born on July 10, 2004, in Derna, Libya, the FC Cincinnati defender experienced major changes early in life, eventually moving with his mother from Libya to Tunisia and later to the United States.

The most documented members of Lajhar’s immediate family are his late father, Suleiman Lajhar, who was himself a professional footballer in Libya, and his mother, Nebras Elrebat. His father’s dream of seeing his son play professional football abroad became one of Ayoub’s biggest motivations. As of now, however, information about a girlfriend, children or siblings has not been reliably disclosed publicly.

Who Is Ayoub Lajhar’s Girlfriend?

As of now, Ayoub Lajhar has not publicly confirmed having a girlfriend. No romantic partner has been identified in interviews with FC Cincinnati, profiles from the University of Connecticut or established media coverage of his personal story.

Lajhar has spoken extensively about his parents, his childhood and the people who helped his family after leaving Libya, but he has kept his romantic relationships away from public attention.

Because there is no reliable confirmation from Lajhar himself, his club or an established publication, any social-media speculation about a possible girlfriend should not be treated as established fact.

Does Ayoub Lajhar Have Children?

There is no reliable public information confirming that Ayoub Lajhar has children.

Recent interviews discussing his family and his rise to Major League Soccer do not identify him as the father of a son or daughter. As of now, Lajhar therefore has no publicly known children.

Who Are Ayoub Lajhar’s Parents?

Ayoub Lajhar is the son of the late professional footballer Suleiman Lajhar and Nebras Elrebat. Both parents have played important roles in his life story, although Ayoub was only six months old when his father died.

His father provided the football dream that Ayoub eventually pursued, while his mother raised him through a period of enormous change that took them from Libya to Tunisia and eventually to Vermont in the United States.

Ayoub Lajhar’s Father: Suleiman Lajhar

Ayoub Lajhar’s father was Suleiman Lajhar. FC Cincinnati has rendered his first name as Slayman in some of its coverage, while more recent reporting by WCPO identifies him as Suleiman.

Suleiman was also a professional footballer. He played in Libya for Darnes SC, a club from the city of Derna that has competed in the Libyan football system.

Unfortunately, Ayoub barely had an opportunity to know his father personally. Suleiman died from cancer when his son was approximately six months old.

Despite losing his father at such a young age, Ayoub grew up knowing about his football career and the ambition he had for his son.

His Father Wanted Ayoub to Play Professionally Abroad

One of the most important stories Lajhar learned from his mother was that his father wanted him to become a professional footballer outside Libya.

Ayoub has explained that his father dreamed of seeing him play professionally in places such as Europe or the United States and believed that playing abroad could give his son greater opportunities in football.

Lajhar adopted that ambition as his own from a young age. When he eventually became a professional player with FC Cincinnati, he viewed the accomplishment not simply as fulfilling his personal dream but also as completing something his father had wanted for him.

He has repeatedly described his father as one of his greatest sources of motivation and said that he carries his memory into training sessions and matches.

Ayoub Lajhar’s Mother: Nebras Elrebat

Ayoub Lajhar’s mother is Nebras Elrebat. She is one of the central figures in his life and was responsible for raising him after the death of his father.

Elrebat worked as a translator and was also involved in women’s activism in Libya. During a period of increasing instability in the country, she eventually left Libya with her son in search of greater safety.

Ayoub was still a child when he and his mother moved to Tunisia. Their circumstances were difficult, but Nebras continued searching for opportunities that could give her son greater stability and allow him to continue his education and football development.

Ayoub Lajhar and His Mother Left Libya for Tunisia

In 2014, when Lajhar was nine years old, the situation in Libya forced a dramatic change in his family’s life. Ayoub and his mother left the country and travelled to neighboring Tunisia.

The move interrupted his football development for a period as the family concentrated on rebuilding their lives.

A woman named Manal, whom Nebras knew through her previous work, eventually became an important source of assistance. She helped Ayoub find an opportunity to play football in Tunisia and also assisted his mother in pursuing an educational program that ultimately created a pathway for them to move to the United States.

Ayoub Lajhar’s Move to Vermont With His Mother

Lajhar and his mother eventually moved to the United States, settling in Brattleboro, Vermont, around 2017.

The move gave Ayoub an opportunity to resume his football development more seriously, although adapting to the United States initially presented challenges. He arrived with limited English and had to adjust to a completely different culture and school environment.

A strong support network became particularly important during this period.

Linda Duggan Became Part of Lajhar’s Extended Support System

After arriving in Vermont, Ayoub and his mother received significant support from Linda Duggan, who provided them with a home for several years.

Lajhar later described Duggan as an important figure who helped him gradually feel comfortable in his new environment.

FC Cincinnati has also documented the close relationship between Lajhar and his godfather’s family. Members of this extended family support system remained involved in his life as his football career developed.

When Lajhar eventually made his professional debut for FC Cincinnati, his mother and members of the family network that had supported him were able to share the moment with him.

Does Ayoub Lajhar Have Brothers or Sisters?

As of now, reliable public sources do not clearly identify any brothers or sisters of Ayoub Lajhar.

FC Cincinnati has frequently referred to his “family” when discussing the people who supported him, but official reports and detailed interviews have not provided the names of siblings or established whether he has any brothers or sisters.

Because the available first-hand sources concentrate primarily on Ayoub, his mother and his late father, it would be speculative to identify anyone else as a sibling without stronger documentation.

Ayoub Lajhar’s Father Inspired His Football Career

Few aspects of Lajhar’s family story have influenced his football career more strongly than the memory of his father.

Although Ayoub was an infant when Suleiman died, stories about his father gave him a connection to professional football from childhood. Knowing that his father had played professionally in Libya and wanted his son to go further became an important source of motivation.

That connection became especially emotional after FC Cincinnati selected Lajhar in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft.

Lajhar described draft day as an emotional experience because professional football represented a dream his father had carried before his death. Being selected meant Ayoub was finally beginning to accomplish what his father had envisioned for him.

His Family Watched His Professional Debut

Lajhar experienced another major family moment when he made his FC Cincinnati first-team debut in February 2026 during the Concacaf Champions Cup.

Several members of his family were in the stands at TQL Stadium when he entered the match as a substitute.

Lajhar produced two assists during the appearance, making an already important professional milestone even more memorable.

After the game, he spoke about thinking of his late father throughout the experience and shared the moment with his mother and extended support network.

For Lajhar, becoming a professional footballer was therefore not simply an individual accomplishment. It represented the culmination of a family journey that had begun with his father’s own career in Libya.

Ayoub Lajhar’s Journey From Vermont to UConn

After settling in Vermont, Lajhar developed into one of the region’s promising young players. He attended Vermont Academy and also played club football in New England.

His performances eventually earned him an opportunity at the University of Connecticut.

Lajhar spent three seasons with UConn and developed into a versatile left-sided player. During the 2025 season, he made 20 appearances, started 19 matches and recorded a team-high seven assists.

His performances earned him Second Team All-BIG EAST recognition as well as United Soccer Coaches All-Region honors.

His Family Celebrated His MLS SuperDraft Selection

When the 2026 MLS SuperDraft arrived, Lajhar did not experience the moment alone.

He watched the draft surrounded by family members, his godfather, friends and teammates. FC Cincinnati ultimately selected him with the 55th overall pick.

The selection was especially meaningful because it placed him one step away from fulfilling the professional football dream associated with his late father.

After initially signing with FC Cincinnati 2, Lajhar earned opportunities with the senior team and eventually signed a first-team contract in May 2026.

Ayoub Lajhar’s Mother Was There for His MLS Journey

Nebras continued to be present for important moments as her son entered professional football.

Recent reporting showed Ayoub alongside his mother and other members of the family support network during his first season with FC Cincinnati.

For mother and son, reaching Major League Soccer represented an extraordinary change from the uncertainty they had experienced after leaving Libya years earlier.

Lajhar has consistently spoken with gratitude about the people who helped them during that journey and has made clear that his professional success belongs partly to the family and community that supported him.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ayoub Lajhar’s Family

Who is Ayoub Lajhar’s girlfriend?

As of now, Ayoub Lajhar has not publicly confirmed having a girlfriend. No romantic partner has been reliably identified in established interviews or official club coverage.

Is Ayoub Lajhar married?

There is no reliable public information confirming that Ayoub Lajhar is married.

Does Ayoub Lajhar have children?

No children are publicly known. Current reliable profiles and interviews do not identify Lajhar as a father.

Who is Ayoub Lajhar’s father?

Ayoub Lajhar’s father was Suleiman Lajhar, whose name is also rendered as Slayman in FC Cincinnati coverage. He was a professional footballer for Darnes SC in Libya.

What happened to Ayoub Lajhar’s father?

Suleiman died from cancer when Ayoub was approximately six months old. Despite losing him as an infant, Ayoub has described his father as one of the greatest inspirations behind his football career.

Who is Ayoub Lajhar’s mother?

Ayoub Lajhar’s mother is Nebras Elrebat. She raised him after his father’s death and accompanied him during the family’s moves from Libya to Tunisia and later to the United States.

Does Ayoub Lajhar have siblings?

As of now, no brothers or sisters have been reliably identified in the main public sources covering Lajhar’s family.

Where is Ayoub Lajhar’s family from?

Lajhar was born and raised in Derna, Libya. He and his mother later lived in Tunisia before moving to Brattleboro, Vermont, in the United States.

Was Ayoub Lajhar’s father also a footballer?

Yes. His father played professional football for Darnes SC in Libya. His career and his wish that Ayoub eventually play professionally abroad became major inspirations for his son.