CR Belouizdad

Chabab Riadhi Belouizdad
Company type	Professional football club
Industry	Sports
Founded	July 15, 1962; 64 years ago
Founder	Merger of Widad Riadhi de Belcourt and Club Athéltique de Belcourt
Headquarters	Algiers, Algeria
Area served	Algeria
Key people	Mohamed Belhadj (Chairman), Hocine Yahi (General Manager), Marcos Paquetá (Coach)
Products	Football team
Owner	Madar Holding Group (67% shares since 15 October 2018)

Chabab Riadhi Belouizdad (), commonly referred to as CR Belouizdad or CRB, is a professional football club from Algiers, Algeria, competing in the country's premier division, the Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 1. The club boasts a record of participating in the top tier for 55 seasons.

Established on 15 July 1962 under the name Chabab Riadhi de Belcourt, CRB originated from the fusion of two local teams, Widad Riadhi de Belcourt and Club Athéltique de Belcourt. Since its formation, the club has been based at the 20 August 1955 Stadium and also hosts matches at the Nelson Mandela Stadium. The traditional uniform features a white jersey accented with a red "V" pattern.

During the 1960s and 1970s, CRB rose to prominence within Algerian and Maghreb football circles, capturing ten major trophies over eight seasons. It ranks among the most decorated Algerian clubs with ten league championships, a record nine Algerian Cups, one League Cup, two Super Cups, and three Maghreb Champions Cups; however, it has yet to secure a continental title in Africa.

After the professionalization of Algerian football in 2010, CRB adopted professional status. The club's initial league triumph came in the 1964–65 season, only three years following its inception.

Since 15 October 2018, Madar Holding Group has held a majority stake in CRB’s sports entity, acquiring 67% of shares previously owned by the amateur sports association (CSA). The administrative board is led by chairman Mohamed Belhadj, who assumed the role in September 2021. Sporting affairs are directed by general manager Hocine Yahi, while the first team is currently under the guidance of coach Marcos Paquetá.

CRB remains one of Algeria's most supported football clubs, maintaining intense rivalries with MC Alger, NA Hussein Dey, and USM Alger.

History

The club was founded in 1962 following Algeria’s independence through the merger of two neighborhood rivals: Widad Riadhi Belcourt and Athletic Club de Belcourt. Both teams had competed during the French colonial period under affiliations with the French Football Federation (FFFA) and the Algiers Ligue de Football Association (FLOT).

1963–1972: The golden era of Chabab

Between 1963 and 1972, CRB quickly became a dominant force in Algerian football by winning ten titles across eight seasons. Their distinctive red and white kits were worn by some of Algeria’s finest players—many of whom formed the backbone of the national squad. Key individuals included Lalmas—who was named Algeria’s greatest player ever in a 1993 poll—alongside Kalem, Achour, and Selmi.

With Boukida Djeloul as chairman and Yahia Saâdi as coach during their inaugural 1962–63 campaign, CRB concentrated on building team chemistry. Competing in the Bologhine and Bousmail group stage, they advanced to the championship's central phase.

Second phase

In this period, CRB benefited from substantial community backing, particularly from local businessmen such as Boukida, Bouhelal, and Khemissa. Their financial contributions played a crucial role in supporting the club’s strategic ambitions.

Third phase

Leveraging these funds, club officials focused on strategic player acquisitions by recruiting both seasoned veterans and promising talents including Zitouni (from Paris Club), Madani and Djemaâ (from USM Alger), Zerar (from Hamam El-Enf in Tunisia), Nassou and Amar (from Ain Beniane), Koussim (from ES Setif), Achour and Lalmas (from OM Ruisseau), as well as Kalem (from IR Hussein-Dey). The leadership prioritized club advancement driven by commitment rather than financial gain.

Early results were inconsistent with defeats against MC Oran (3–2), Batna (1–0), Constantine (1–0), Sidon (2–1), and MCA (2–1). Nevertheless, during the 1965–66 season, CRB mounted an impressive comeback from bottom position to claim first place after securing nine straight victories. This streak included commanding wins over ASM Oran (0–1), MO Constantine (8–1), Annaba (8–0), and ES Mostaganem (4–1).

1965–1966: CRB's Remarkable Campaign

Supported by Prime Algeria, Chabab achieved 16 victories throughout this season, highlighted by commanding wins such as 4–0 in both Blida and Oran against MCO, along with a 5–2 triumph over NAHD. Their formidable offensive force, known as the "Machine Gun Attack," netted a total of 63 goals, with Lalmas (18), Chanane (14), Kalem (13), and Achour (8) collectively contributing 53 of those. Additionally, CRB secured their inaugural Algerian Cup by overcoming RC Kouba 3–1.

The subsequent campaigns of 1966–1967 and 1967–1968 witnessed a downturn despite the addition of Selmi Djilali. This slump was largely attributed to nine players participating in the CAN 1968 tournament held in Ethiopia, which left the squad exhausted and prone to injuries. As a result, CRB was unable to claim any trophies during these seasons.

With the appointment of Ahmed Aaran as player-coach, Chabab revitalized their performance in 1968–1969, registering significant victories against NAHD with scores of 7–1 and 5–2.

1969–1970: The Historic Treble

CRB accomplished an unprecedented treble by securing their fourth league championship while suffering only one defeat (3–1 to MC Oran). They also emerged victorious in the Algerian Cup final against USM Alger with a 4–1 scoreline and captured the Maghreb Club Champions Cup after defeating Tunisia’s Sfax. Despite a strong first-leg success (5–3) over Senegalese club Joan of Arc in the African Cup of Champions Clubs, CRB withdrew from the competition due to threats received from their opponents.

1970–1971 Season

Following a mixed start—including a draw and a win versus MC Alger, a loss to MC Oran, and an Algerian Cup penalty shootout elimination by CS Constantine (48–47, an official national record)—CRB concentrated efforts on the North African Cup. They ultimately claimed the title by defeating Tunisia’s EST 3–2 in the final, building on a dominant 3–0 victory over Morocco’s FAR in the previous round. This achievement earned recognition in the French sports publication Le Team.

1971–1972 Season

Signaling the conclusion of an era, CRB began strongly with three commanding league wins against WA Tlemcen (7–0), JSM Tiaret (8–3), and USM Bel-Abbès (4–1). However, their domestic form waned thereafter, even as they sustained success by securing a third straight Maghreb Cup title.

Period of Transition

From 1978 until 1995, Shabab was unable to capture any trophies despite consistently finishing within the top four. The club’s most challenging year came in 1988 when they were relegated to Division 2 and suffered a penalty shootout loss to USMA in the Algerian Cup final. Although featuring talented players such as Yahi, Amani, Badache, among others, on-field results were disappointing. The team returned promptly to Division 1 in 1989 but struggled to reclaim its former dominance, narrowly escaping relegation until 1994.

In 1994, under coach Mourad Abdelouahab’s leadership, CRB secured fourth place with ambitions to qualify for the Arabic Cup in Saudi Arabia. The following year saw CRB reach the semi-finals of this tournament, where they were narrowly defeated by Espérance de Tunis. In 1995, CRB captured its fifth Algerian Cup trophy by beating O Medea 2–1.

This victory marked the beginning of a renewed golden period featuring a youthful and skilled squad despite managerial changes—including Lefkir Selmi’s departure and Mourad’s return as head coach. This team was hailed as an "Algerian dream-team," comprising players like Bekhti, Badji, Settara, Talis, Bounekdja, Selmi Yacine Chedba Ali Moussa, and Boutaleb. Strategic acquisitions such as Mezouar and Boukessassa complemented their tactical framework designed to fulfill club objectives.

During the 1999–2000 season, CRB secured its fifth league championship along with winning the league cup by defeating MC Oran 3–0. The momentum persisted into the 2000–2001 campaign when they clinched back-to-back league titles by overtaking JS Kabylie and USMA late in the season. Notably, under coach Nour Benzekri’s guidance, CRB achieved an impressive streak of ten consecutive victories during this period.

The challenging period

After a series of triumphs, CRB experienced a downturn caused by ineffective management choices. Despite the instability, the team advanced to the 2003 Algerian Cup final but was defeated amid disputed officiating that appeared to favor USMA. Ongoing leadership issues resulted in the departure of 17 players who had been part of championship-winning squads within just 18 months, severely impacting the club’s ability to compete.

In the 2003–04 and 2004–05 seasons, CRB barely escaped relegation, marking some of its poorest showings since 1988. The 2005–06 campaign was unremarkable, even though the squad consisted of 16 players supported by club management.

2020–present: A streak of titles

CR Belouizdad were declared champions of the incomplete 2019–20 season, which was suspended in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Algeria. Following this, the club secured the league championships in 2020–21, 2021–22, and 2022–23, becoming the first Algerian club to claim four consecutive league titles. In the CAF Champions League, CR Belouizdad reached the quarter-final stage in the 2020–21, 2021–22, and 2022–23 editions but were eliminated during the group phase in the 2023–24 season.

Colours

White and red have been the official colours of the club since its inception.

Crest

The club’s emblem has undergone a historical transformation over time.

Domestic competitions

Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 1
- Champions (10): 1964–65, 1965–66, 1968–69, 1969–70, 1999–2000, 2000–01, 2019–20, 2020–21, 2021–22, 2022–23
- Second place (6): 1966–67, 1971–72, 1976–77, 1979–80, 2023–24

Algerian Cup
- Champions (9) – record holders: 1965–66, 1968–69, 1969–70, 1977–78, 1994–95, 2008–09, 2016–17, 2018–19, 2023–24
- Runners-up (5): 1987–88, 2002–03, 2011–12, 2022–23

Algerian League Cup
- Champions (1): 1999–2000

Algerian Super Cup
- Champions (2): 1995, 2019

Regional tournaments

Maghreb Champions Cup
- Titles (3): 1970, 1971, 1972
- Second place: 1973

CAF competition record

CR Belouizdad has been a regular contender in Confederation of African Football (CAF) tournaments. Qualification for Algerian teams depends on their results in national leagues and cups, with CR Belouizdad frequently entering the African Cup by securing the Ligue Professionnelle 1 championship. The club has also gained entry through the Algerian Cup and participated in the now-defunct African Cup Winners' Cup. Their debut match resulted in a 5–3 victory over ASC Jeanne d'Arc, although they withdrew before the return leg held in Senegal. The team's most decisive win was a 5–2 triumph against Horoya AC in 1996, whereas their largest defeat came as a 7–0 loss to ASEC Mimosas in 2001. The club's top achievement occurred in 1996 when they advanced to the semi-finals of the African Cup Winners' Cup, ultimately eliminated by AC Sodigraf.

Players

Algerian clubs are restricted to having no more than four foreign players on their rosters. The squad listing indicates each player's main nationality.

Current roster

As of 31 August 2025^[update]

Present coaching team

Role	Name
Head coach	Sead Ramović
Assistant coach	Mustafa Kodro
Goalkeeper coach	Mohamed Ousserir
Conditioning coach	Hicham Ghazia

Presidents of the club

No	Name	Start	End
1	Algeria Djelloul Boukida	1962	1967
2	Algeria Mohamed Kazza	1967	1972
3	Algeria Mohamed Bousmaha	1972	1977
4	Algeria Rachid Haraigue	1977	1992
5	Algeria Hamid Aït Igrine	1992	1994
6	Algeria Mohamed Lefkir	1994	1996
7	Algeria Djilali Selmi	1996	2000
8	Algeria Mohamed Lefkir	2000	2005
9	Algeria Yahia Hassani	2005	2006
10	Algeria Mokhtar Kalem	2006	2008
11	Algeria Mahfoud Kerbadj	2008	2010
12	Algeria Azzedine Gana	2010	2013
13	Algeria Réda Malek	2013	2016
14	Algeria Mohamed Bouhafs	2016	2018
'15'	style "text-align:left" Template:Flagicon Algeria Riad Boucetta	style "text-align:center" 2018	style "text-align:center" 2018
'16'	style "text-align:left" Template:Flagicon Algeria Charaf-Eddine Amara	style "text-align:center" 2018	style "text-align:center" 2021
'17'	style "text-align:left" Template:Flagicon Algeria Mohamed Abrouk	style "text-align:center" 2021	style "text-align:center" 2021
'18'	style "text-align:left" Template:Flagicon Algeria Mohamed Belhadj	style "text-align:center" 2021	style "text-align:center" 2023
'19'	style "text-align:left" Template:Flagicon Algeria Mehdi Rabehi	style "text-align:center" 2023	style "text-align:center" Present

Distinguished Players

The following list highlights prominent former footballers who have played for CR Belouizdad in domestic leagues and international tournaments since 1962. To qualify for inclusion, players must have participated in a minimum of 100 official matches for the club or have been capped by their national team while affiliated with the club.

For an exhaustive roster, refer to Category:CR Belouizdad players

Algerian Players

Algeria (continued)

African Players

European Players

Miloš Galin

List of Managers

Yahia Saadi (?–?)
Ahmed Zitoun (1964–1966)
Ahmed Arab (1967–1969)
Hacène Lalmas (1969–1970)
Ali Benfadah (1973–1974)
Dušan Uhrin (1977–1978)
Ahmed Arab (1977–1978)
???
Abdelhamid Bacha (?–?)
Mustapha Heddane (?–?)
Chérif Adjaout (?–?)
Mourad Abdelouahab (?–?)
Nour Benzekri (?–?)
Kamel Mouassa (2002–Jan 2003)
Abdelhamid Bacha (Jan–Sep 2003)
Noureddine Neggazi (interim, Sep 2003)
Abdelkader Soltani (Sep 2003 – Feb 2004)
Noureddine Neggazi (interim, Feb–Mar 2004)
Milisav Bogdanovic (Mar 2004)
Noureddine Neggazi (interim, Mar–May 2004)
Djamel Amani (interim, May–Jun 2004)
Mourad Abdelouahab (Jul–Oct 2004)
Djamel Amani (interim, Feb–Mar 2005)
Azzedine Aït Djoudi (Mar–May 2005)
Abdelhak Benchikha (Jun 2005 – Jun 2006)
???
Mohamed Henkouche (Jul 2008 – Oct 2009)
Karim Bouhila (interim, Oct–Dec 2009)
Mohamed Henkouche (Dec 2009 – Jun 2010)
Miguel Angel Gamondi (Jul 2010 – Jun 2011)
Giovanni Solinas (Jul – Nov 2011)
Djamel Menad (Nov 2011 – Jun 2012)
Guglielmo Arena (Jul – Oct 2012)
Fouad Bouali (Nov 2012 – Jun 2013)
Miguel Angel Gamondi (Jun 2013 – Jan 2014)
Abdelkader Yaïche (Jan – Feb 2014)
Mohamed Henkouche (Feb – Jun 2014)
Victor Zvunka (Jul – Oct 2014)
Alain Michel (Oct 2014 – Jun 2016)
Fouad Bouali (Jul – Aug 2016)
Alain Michel (Sep – Oct 2016)
Ezzaki Badou (Nov 2016 – Jul 2017)
Ivica Todorov (Jul – Dec 2017)
Rachid Taoussi (Dec 2017 – May 2018)
Tahar Chérif El-Ouazzani (Jul – Oct 2018)
Lotfi Amrouche (interim, Oct – Dec 2018)
Abdelkader Amrani (Dec 2018 – Dec 2019)
Franck Dumas (Jan 2020 – Mar 2021)
Zoran Manojlović (Apr – Aug 2021)
Marcos Paquetá (Sep 2021 – Jun 2022)
Nabil Kouki (Jul 2022 – Jul 2023)

*Sven Vandenbroeck(Jul – Oct 2023) 
*Marcos Paquetá(Oct2023– )

External links