Mina El Hammani (Arabic: مينا الحماني; born November 29, 1993) is a Spanish actress of Moroccan descent who has captivated audiences worldwide with her powerful performances and authentic presence. Best known for her role as Nadia Shanaa in Netflix’s hit teen drama Élite, El Hammani has established herself as a versatile talent in the Spanish entertainment industry, seamlessly blending her dual cultural heritage into her craft. Born and raised in Madrid, Spain, her journey from a budding actress to an international star is a testament to her perseverance, passion, and dedication.
Early Life and Cultural Roots
Mina El Hammani was born in Madrid to Moroccan parents, growing up in a household where both Spanish and Moroccan cultures were deeply intertwined. From a young age, she embraced her dual identity, which she credits for shaping her worldview and artistic sensibility. “Having that double culture and being able to enjoy it has been the best thing that could have happened to me,” she shared in an interview with Harper’s Bazaar Arabia. Her Moroccan heritage, including daily traditions and values instilled by her family, remains a source of pride and inspiration.
El Hammani’s family played a pivotal role in her personal growth, particularly the strong women in her life—her grandmother, mother, and sister—who she cites as her greatest influences. Despite her early interest in acting, her traditional upbringing initially posed challenges. When she expressed her desire to pursue acting, her family was hesitant, fearing the uncertainties of the industry. However, her determination and independence won their support. “I wasn’t asking them for financial support. I paved my way honestly,” she told El País. To fund her acting studies, she worked as a stewardess, promoter, and waitress, showcasing the work ethic her parents instilled in her.
Career Beginnings
El Hammani’s acting career began in 2014, relatively late compared to some peers, with her first significant role at age 21. She debuted as Nur in El Príncipe (2014), a popular Spanish series about a love story set against a backdrop of cultural and criminal tensions. The role, which mirrored her own Spanish-Moroccan background, was a fitting entry point and a springboard for her career. She followed this with a recurring part in Centro médico (2015) and a stint in the police drama Servir y proteger (2017), gradually building her resume.
Her early roles often drew on her Arab heritage, a trend she later expressed a desire to diversify. In a 2021 interview, she stated, “No quiero hacer solo papeles de origen árabe” (I don’t want to only play roles of Arab origin), highlighting her ambition to explore a broader range of characters. These initial projects, while typecast to some extent, honed her skills and prepared her for the breakout role that would change her trajectory.
Breakthrough with Élite
In 2018, El Hammani landed the role of Nadia Shanaa in Élite, Netflix’s Spanish teen drama that became a global phenomenon. Playing a working-class, hijab-wearing student navigating the elite world of a private school, she brought depth and nuance to a character grappling with cultural identity, ambition, and romance. The series’ success catapulted her to international fame, with her Instagram following surging from 10,000 to 400,000 overnight after the show’s release on October 5, 2018. Today, she boasts over 6 million followers, a testament to her widespread appeal.
Nadia’s arc resonated with audiences, and El Hammani’s performance earned critical acclaim. The show won a GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Spanish-Language Scripted Television Series, reflecting its cultural impact. She starred in the first three seasons and Élite: Short Stories specials, returned as a guest in season four, and reprised her role in the eighth season in 2024. Leaving Élite after season three was bittersweet, as she felt “surrounded and protected” by the cast but was eager to explore new opportunities. The role of Nadia, she noted, taught her “almost everything” professionally and remains a cornerstone of her career.
Expanding Horizons
Post-Élite, El Hammani wasted no time diversifying her portfolio. In 2021, she starred as Elvira in El internado: Las Cumbres, an Amazon Prime teen drama, showcasing her ability to tackle complex characters in different settings. She also ventured into modeling, gracing the covers of InStyle Spain and Nylon Spain, and appeared in high-profile fashion campaigns, such as Cartier’s Clash collection. Her effortless style, inspired by figures like Zendaya and Beyoncé, has made her a fashion icon.
In 2024, El Hammani took on a bold new role as Malika in Raqqa: Spy vs. Spy, a Spanish-Moroccan-German co-production. Playing an undercover Europol agent infiltrating ISIS in Syria, she showcased her range in a gripping thriller. The role demanded intense preparation, and she reflected on the experience as a testament to her growth as an actress. Other recent projects include Treinta Segundos (2022) and guest appearances in series like Operación Marea Negra and Historias para no dormir.
Personal Life and Advocacy
El Hammani’s grounded personality shines through in her public persona. Describing herself as “calm” and focused on living in the moment, she practices mindfulness to navigate the pressures of fame. Her experiences with racism and typecasting have fueled her advocacy for diversity in media. She has openly discussed the need for varied roles and representation, aiming to break stereotypes about Arab and Muslim characters.
In her personal life, she maintains close ties with her family, particularly her sister, who occasionally appears on her Instagram. She has been linked romantically to actor Javi Ariano, though she keeps her private life relatively discreet. Fluent in Spanish and Arabic, she is studying English to expand her career internationally, with aspirations to work in London.
Net Worth and Future Prospects
While estimates of her net worth vary, sources suggest it ranges from $600,000 to $1 million, earned primarily through acting, modeling, and endorsements. At 31, El Hammani’s career is still ascending, with analysts predicting she could amass significantly more if she continues her trajectory. Her ambition to portray diverse characters and work globally positions her as a talent to watch.
Legacy and Impact
Mina El Hammani’s rise from a Madrid-born actress of Moroccan descent to a global star reflects her resilience and authenticity. Her ability to bridge cultures, challenge stereotypes, and deliver compelling performances has made her a role model for aspiring actors, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. As she continues to take on bold roles and advocate for inclusivity, her influence in Spanish and international cinema is only set to grow.
