Mohamed Chalali

Mohamed Chalali
Born	(1989-04-04) April 4, 1989 Montreuil-sous-Bois, Paris, France
Occupation	Professional footballer
Years active	2007–
Known for	Playing for FC Versailles 78 and various clubs in France, Greece, Scotland, and Algeria

Mohamed Chalali (born 4 April 1989) is a professional Algerian footballer currently signed with FC Versailles 78, competing in the Championnat National 3.

Personal

Chalali’s birthplace is Montreuil-sous-Bois, located in Paris. His family originates from Ighil Ouantar, a locality within the Seddouk District of Béjaïa, Algeria.

France

Chalali’s football journey started at CA Romainville before he moved to Le Havre AC in 2003. He made his first appearance in Ligue 2 on 2 November 2007, coming on as a substitute against EA Guingamp. On 15 July 2009, he transferred to LB Châteauroux.

Greece

On 23 August 2010, Chalali agreed to a three-year deal with Greek side Panionios, joining on a free transfer from Châteauroux. During his time there, he featured in 12 league matches, starting seven and appearing as a substitute in five.

Scotland

Following the unrest in Greece during 2011, Chalali sought opportunities abroad. Advised by former Rangers defender and fellow Algerian Majid Bougherra, he explored options in Scotland. On 23 August 2011, he signed for Scottish Premier League club Aberdeen. His trial earlier that month impressed manager Craig Brown, who had been recommended by Chalali’s former Super League Greece teammate Youl Mawene. Brown regarded him as the standout trialist of that summer transfer period, surpassing players such as Icelandic international Kari Arnason and Dutch U-21 player Maceo Rigters.

Despite minimal rest after returning to Greece to finalize transfer formalities, Chalali made his debut as a substitute in the second half of a Scottish League Cup match against Dundee during the 2011–12 season. Wearing squad number 18, he made his league debut off the bench in a 2–0 defeat to Rangers on 28 August 2011 and earned his first starting role the next day in an Aberdeenshire Cup semi-final versus Deveronvale.

Chalali scored his initial goals for Aberdeen on 13 September 2011 during a testimonial against Highland League team Keith, contributing two goals and one assist in a dominant 6–0 victory. His first league start occurred on 17 September in a match that ended 2–2 against Kilmarnock. He netted his first league goal at Tannadice Stadium against Dundee United, leveling the score in a game Aberdeen ultimately won 2–1. Within the same week, he added another competitive goal during a convincing 4–0 win over Forfar in the Scottish Cup. Toward the conclusion of the 2011–12 campaign, Aberdeen informed Chalali that they would not renew his contract.

Algeria

On 10 August 2012, Chalali committed to a two-year contract with ES Sétif, competing in the Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 1.

International career

Chalali has represented Algeria at youth levels, earning three caps with the Under-20 team. He debuted for the Algerian Under-23 squad on 12 October 2010, scoring the sole goal in a friendly victory over Qatar. Subsequently, he served as captain for the U-23 side. In August 2011, Chalali notified Aberdeen of his anticipated involvement in the CAF U-23 Championship that year, which also functioned as qualification for the 2012 Olympic Games. He expressed aspirations to break into Algeria’s senior national team for the qualifiers of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations. On 16 November 2011, he was included in Algeria’s roster for the CAF U-23 Championship held in Morocco.

External links

• Profile of Mohamed Chalali at Aberdeen F.C.
• LFP Player Profile