Ismaël Bouzid
Ismaël Bouzid | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 21, 1983 Nancy, France |
| Occupation | Professional footballer (retired) |
| Known for | Footballer who represented Algeria internationally |
Ismaël Mickael Bouzid (; born 21 July 1983) is a retired professional football player who mainly operated as a centre-back and occasionally filled the role of right-back. Although born in France, he chose to represent the Algerian national team internationally.
Club career
Originating from Nancy, France, Bouzid launched his football journey with FC Metz. In July 2001, he underwent a trial period with English Premier League side Sunderland, participating in a pre-season fixture against Calais. His career path later took him across several countries, including spells in Germany, Algeria, Turkey, and France, featuring for clubs such as 1. FC Kaiserslautern and Troyes. During the 2007–08 season, Bouzid signed with Galatasaray, where he made ten league appearances and played a part in securing the Süper Lig championship in May 2008. This success marked him as the first Algerian to receive a Süper Lig winner’s medal.
Heart of Midlothian
Bouzid moved to Hearts on 9 July 2009, transferring from Ankaragücü. He netted his inaugural goal for Hearts at Tynecastle during a match against Celtic on 20 December 2009, which proved decisive for the victory. After completing two seasons with the club, Bouzid was among several players released in June 2011.
Post-Hearts career
Following his departure, Bouzid trialed with Crawley Town in July 2011; however, manager Steve Evans declined to offer him a contract after a friendly encounter versus Peterborough United.
In August 2011, Bouzid secured a two-year contract with newly promoted Greek Superleague outfit PAS Giannina, opting for the club due to its reputed strong 'team spirit', despite interest from other European teams.
USM Alger
On 3 October 2012, Bouzid signed a two-year agreement with Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 1 club USM Alger. His involvement was limited to three league appearances before both parties agreed to terminate the contract at the conclusion of the 2012–13 season.
Kilmarnock
During the summer of 2013, Bouzid trialed with Scottish Second Division side East Fife before earning a contract with Scottish Premiership club Kilmarnock on 20 September 2013 following an impressive trial period.
On 25 June 2014, he commenced a brief trial spell with Rangers.
His younger sibling, Adam Bouzid, is also engaged in professional football and is currently signed with German club SVN Zweibrücken.
Honours
MC Alger
- Algerian Cup: 2005–06
Galatasaray
- Süper Lig: 2007–08