Habib Bellaïd

Habib Bellaïd
Born	(1986-03-28) March 28, 1986 Bobigny, France
Occupation	Professional footballer (retired)
Known for	Footballer who played as centre-back; represented Algeria internationally; part of Algeria's 2010 FIFA World Cup squad

Habib Mohamed Bellaïd (born 28 March 1986) is a retired professional football player who operated primarily as a centre-back. Although born in France and having represented the nation at youth levels, he opted to play for Algeria at the senior international stage. He was included in Algeria’s squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup held in South Africa.

Early years

Bellaïd’s football journey started at the local outfit Red Star Saint-Ouen, where he shared the pitch with Abou Diaby. In 1999, he earned a place at the esteemed Clairefontaine academy, training alongside notable prospects such as Diaby, Hatem Ben Arfa, and Ricardo Faty. During this period, he balanced his week training sessions at Clairefontaine with weekend matches for Red Star. Subsequently, he moved on to join the youth ranks of RC Strasbourg.

Strasbourg

After signing with Strasbourg in 2002, Bellaïd swiftly became part of their youth setup and contributed to the team reaching the 2003 Coupe Gambardella final, which they lost 4–1 to Rennes. His professional debut came on 9 November 2004 in a Coupe de la Ligue fixture against Troyes AC, where he started as a left back; Strasbourg secured a 3–1 victory and eventually lifted the trophy. This appearance remained his sole outing during that campaign.

Elevated to the senior squad for the 2005–06 season, Bellaïd made his Ligue 1 debut on 17 September 2005 versus RC Lens, entering as a substitute in a match that ended 1–1. He established himself as a regular starter throughout that season and netted his first professional goal in the UEFA Cup against Roma at the Stadio Olimpico. Despite competing in Europe, Strasbourg finished second-last and were relegated to Ligue 2.

During the next season, Bellaïd played a key role in Strasbourg’s promotion back to Ligue 1, making 31 appearances and scoring twice. His performances in the top tier during the 2007–08 season attracted attention from prominent clubs including Roma and Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid. Nevertheless, Strasbourg faced relegation once more, leading Bellaïd to reassess his career options.

Transfer to Germany

On 4 July 2008, Bellaïd completed a move from Strasbourg to German side Eintracht Frankfurt, signing a four-year deal valued at €2.5 million. Assigned the squad number 19, he debuted in the Bundesliga opener against Hertha Berlin, which ended in a 2–0 defeat for Frankfurt. Throughout his stay, Bellaïd featured in an additional 21 league matches.

Return to Strasbourg

On 31 August 2009, Bellaïd rejoined RC Strasbourg on loan for the remainder of that season.

Loan spell at Boulogne

After half a year back at Strasbourg, Bellaïd secured another loan move to US Boulogne, facilitated by Eintracht Frankfurt and initiated upon the player’s request.

International career

Bellaïd represented France across all youth categories from U-15 through U-21 levels. Having eligibility for Tunisia and Algeria as well, he ultimately committed to Algeria and was named in their preliminary roster for the 2010 World Cup. He earned his first senior cap on 28 May 2010 as a starter in a friendly against the Republic of Ireland, though he did not participate during the tournament itself.

Personal life

Bellaïd was born in Bobigny, France, to parents of Tunisian and Algerian heritage. He possesses both French and Algerian citizenship.

External links

• Interview with Habib Bellaïd