Raïs M'Bolhi
Raïs M'Bolhi | |
|---|---|
| Born | April 25, 1986 France |
| Occupation | Professional footballer (goalkeeper) |
| Years active | 2006– |
| Known for | Goalkeeper for ES Mostaganem and the Algeria national team |
Adi Raïs Cobos Adrien Ouahab M'Bolhi (; born 25 April 1986), commonly referred to as Raïs M'Bolhi, is a professional soccer player who occupies the position of goalkeeper for ES Mostaganem. Although born in France, he competes internationally for the Algerian national team.
Initial stages
M'Bolhi, whose heritage includes a Congolese father and an Algerian mother, began his football journey with RCF Paris before moving to Olympique de Marseille. Despite being part of Marseille's squad, he did not make any league appearances and was released in January 2006.
Shortly after, he joined Heart of Midlothian during the January transfer window, but departed prior to the 2006–07 season without featuring in the first team. He then signed with Greek outfit Ethnikos Piraeus competing in the Beta Ethniki, where he played five matches before transferring mid-season to Panetolikos in the Gamma Ethniki division.
In 2008, M'Bolhi appeared in 22 games for F.C. Ryūkyū, participating in the Japan Football League.
Slavia Sofia
In May 2009, M'Bolhi secured a two-year deal with Bulgarian side Slavia Sofia. He made his competitive debut on 14 June 2009 facing Lokomotiv Sofia. His performances earned him the Best Goalkeeper award in the A PFG for January 2010, and he was also voted Slavia's top player for the 2009–2010 campaign.
On 6 May 2010, M'Bolhi underwent a trial period with English champions Manchester United, though he was ultimately not signed. Interest from English clubs persisted; notably, Newcastle United reportedly offered £1 million on 23 June 2010, and on 22 July he trained with West Ham during their preseason camp in Germany.
Loan to CSKA Sofia
On 30 August 2010, M'Bolhi was loaned out to CSKA Sofia until the end of the calendar year. Due to inconsistent displays by other goalkeepers, he established himself as the primary goalkeeper throughout the first half of the season and during the UEFA Europa League group matches. A clause in his loan agreement barred him from playing against his parent club Slavia Sofia in the seventh round of Bulgaria's A PFG.
Krylia Sovetov
M'Bolhi signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with Russian side Krylia Sovetov Samara on 16 December 2010. His debut came on 12 March 2011 in an away match against Spartak Nalchik, which ended in a 1–0 defeat; he conceded a penalty during this game. After the club acquired goalkeeper Sergey Veremko, M'Bolhi lost his starting role.
Return to CSKA Sofia on loan
On 2 August 2011, M'Bolhi returned to CSKA Sofia on a one-year loan, quickly becoming their first-choice goalkeeper before being recalled by Krylia Sovetov. In summer 2012, he rejoined CSKA Sofia aiming for a permanent transfer but was considered surplus to requirements following the team's elimination from the UEFA Europa League by Mura 05.
He resumed training with Krylia Sovetov's youth squad and subsequently received a call-up to represent Algeria at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.
Gazélec Ajaccio loan
In January 2013, M'Bolhi was sent on loan to the Ligue 2 team Gazélec Ajaccio, making his first appearance on 1 February in a 0–2 defeat against RC Lens.[1] At the conclusion of that season, the club faced relegation to the Championnat National. Subsequently, he returned to CSKA Sofia in the summer of 2013, signing a contract for three years.[2]
CSKA Sofia (third spell)
Starting as the third-choice goalkeeper, M'Bolhi saw increased playing opportunities towards the end of 2013 after Tomáš Černý lost favor.[3] On 8 March 2014, he secured a clean sheet during a 1–0 win over Levski Sofia in The Eternal Derby, though he was dismissed late in the game following a confrontation with Larsen Touré.[4] From that point onward, he maintained his position as a regular starter for Algeria.
Philadelphia Union
M'Bolhi signed with Major League Soccer franchise Philadelphia Union on 30 July 2014.[5] Prior to this move, rumors linked him to Trabzonspor alongside coach Vahid Halilhodžić and teammate Carl Medjani.[6]
His debut was postponed until 25 August due to a car accident in Paris and administrative delays; he eventually played in a 4–2 home victory against San Jose Earthquakes.[7] He was assigned jersey number 92.[8]
By 8 April 2015, head coach Jim Curtin benched M'Bolhi after an underwhelming performance in the Philadelphia Union versus Sporting Kansas City match.[9] After making only nine appearances that season, Curtin announced that M'Bolhi would no longer feature for Philadelphia.[10] He is often cited as one of the club’s poorest signings.[11]
Antalyaspor
On 24 August 2015, M'Bolhi completed a transfer to Turkish side Antalyaspor.
Rennes
M'Bolhi joined French Ligue 1 outfit Stade Rennais on 11 January 2017, reuniting with former Algeria national team coach Christian Gourcuff.
Al-Ettifaq
On 19 January 2018, M'Bolhi agreed to a six-month contract with Saudi club Al-Ettifaq. He extended this deal on 6 March 2018 through the 2020–21 season and renewed it again on 25 January 2019 until 2022. His departure was confirmed by Al-Ettifaq on 30 June 2022 after his contract expired.
Al-Qadsiah
M'Bolhi signed with Saudi First Division League team Al-Qadsiah on 9 September 2022, rejoining former manager Khaled Al-Atwi.
CR Belouizdad
On 1 September 2023, M'Bolhi completed a transfer to CR Belouizdad.
International career
M'Bolhi initiated his international journey representing France at the U-17 and U-18 levels before opting to represent Algeria. His first appearance for the Algeria national team occurred on 28 May 2010 during a friendly match against the Republic of Ireland. He was included in Algeria's roster for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and assumed the role of starting goalkeeper from the second game onward, maintaining a clean sheet versus England and receiving acclaim for his display.
He retained his position as Algeria's primary goalkeeper throughout the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualification, 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, and the 2014 World Cup qualifying rounds. At the 2014 World Cup, M'Bolhi delivered an exceptional performance, making 11 saves in the round of 16 encounter against Germany, earning the man of the match award despite Algeria's narrow loss.
His first significant trophy with Algeria came with victory at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, where he started all matches and was honored as "Man of the Match" in the final against Senegal. Additionally, he received recognition as the tournament's best goalkeeper.
In December 2023, M'Bolhi was selected to be part of Algeria's squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Personal life
M’Bolhi’s mother, Aïsha, passed away in 2010. Since then, he has worn gloves bearing her name on one pair and "Raïs" on another as a tribute.
Club
Total !104 !０ !６ !０ !０ !０ !۸ !０ !۱۱۰ !０ |-International
| Club | Season | League | Cup | League Cup | Continental | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Hearts | 2006–07 | SCPL | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | – | 0 | 0 | ||
| Ethnikos Piraeus | 2006–07 | Beta Ethniki | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | – | 5 | 0 | ||
| Panetolikos | 2007–08 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | – | 8 | 0 | |||
| Ryūkyū | 2008–09 | JPL | 22 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | – | 22 | 0 | ||
| Slavia Sofia | 2008–09 | A Group | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | – | 1 | 0 | ||
| 2009–10 | 25 | 0 | 3 | 0 | – | – | 28 | 0 | ||||
| 2010–11 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | – | 1 | 0 | ||||
| CSKA Sofia (loan) | 2010–11 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 6 | 0 | 16 | 0 | ||
| Krylia Sovetov | 2011–12 | RFPL | 17 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | – | 17 | 0 | ||
| CSKA Sofia (loan) | 2011–12 | A Group | 28 | 0 | 2 | 0 | – | 2 | 0 | 32 | 0 | |
| Gazélec Ajaccio (loan) | 2012–13 | Ligue 2 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | – | 12 | 0 | ||
| CSKA Sofia | 2013–14 | A Group | 17 | 0 | 2 | 0 | – | 0 | 0 | 19 | 0 | |
| Philadelphia Union | 2014 | MLS | 4 | 0 | 4 | |||||||
| 2015 | 5 | 0 | – | – | – | 5 | 0 | ||||||
| Antalyaspor | 2015-16 | row span = " 2 " | Süper Lig | 12 | 0 | 7 | 0 | – | – | 19 | 0 | |||||
| 2016-17 | ۰ | ۰ | – | – | – | ۰ | ۰ | ||||||
| Stade Rennais | ۲۰۱۶-۱۷ | row span = "۲" | Ligue 1 |۰ | ۰ | – | – | – | ۰ | ۰ | ||||||
| ۲۰۱۷-۱۸ |۱ | ۰ | – | – | – | ۱ | ۰ | ||||||
| Ettifaq FC | ۲۰۱۷-۱۸ | row span = "۵" | Saudi Professional League |۹ | ۰ | ۰ | ۰ | – | – | ۹ | ۰ | |||||
| ۲۰۱۸-۱۹ 22 ۰ ۱ ۰ colspan= ۲ − colspan= ۲ − 23 ۰ | ||||||||||||
| [[۲۰۱۹-۲۰ Ettifaq FC season ۱۹ ۲۰]] 28 ۰ ۳ ۰ colspan=۲ − colspan=۲ − 31 ۰ | ||||||||||||
| [[۲۰۲۰-۲۱ Ettifaq FC season ۲۰ ۲۱]] 18 ۰ ۱ ۰ colspan=۲ − colspan=۲ − 19 ۰ | ||||||||||||
| [[۲۰۲۱-۲۲ Ettifaq FC season ۲۰۲۱-۲۲]] 27 ۰ ۱ ۰ colspan=۲ − colspan=۲ − 28 ۰ | ||||||||||||
| Team | Year | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Algeria | 2010 | 7 | 0 |
| 2011 | 4 | 0 | |
| 2012 | 6 | 0 | |
| 2013 | 10 | 0 | |
| 2014 | 9 | 0 | |
| 2015 | 7 | 0 | |
| 2016 | 6 | 0 | |
| 2017 | 6 | 0 | |
| 2018 | 4 | 0 | |
| 2019 | 13 | 0 | |
| 2020 | 3 | 0 | |
| 2021 | 13 | 0 | |
| 2022 | 8 | 0 | |
| Overall total | 96 | 0 | |
Honours
Algeria
- FIFA Arab Cup: Champions in 2021
- Africa Cup of Nations: Winners in 2019
Individual Achievements
- Awarded Best Algerian Goalkeeper in 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2014
- Recognized as Best Goalkeeper at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations
- Selected for the CAF AFCON Team of the Tournament in 2019
- Named Saudi Pro League Player of the Month for September 2018
- Received the FIFA Arab Cup Golden Glove award in 2021
- Included in the FIFA Arab Cup Team of the Tournament for 2021
External links
- ↑ "Голкипер "Крыльев Советов" Мболи отдан в аренду в "Газелек Аяччо"". sports.ru. 16 January 2013.
- ↑ "Официално: М'Боли се върна в ЦСКА, подписа договор за три години". topsport.bg. 8 August 2013.
- ↑ "Мболи записа рекорд в ЦСКА, изпревари Томас Черни". topsport.bg. 28 April 2014.
- ↑ "Levski Sofia vs. CSKA Sofia Matchcast". topsport.bg. 8 March 2014.
- ↑ Philadelphia Union official website
- ↑ African Football Official Website
- ↑ flashscore.com
- ↑ Soccer Ly Website
- ↑ Sports Illustrated Website
- ↑ ESPNFC Website
- ↑ CBS Local Philadelphia
- 1986 births
- Living people
- Footballers from Paris
- Algerian men's footballers
- Algeria men's international footballers
- French men's footballers
- France men's youth international footballers
- Algerian expatriate men's footballers
- French expatriate men's footballers
- Men's association football goalkeepers
- Olympique de Marseille players
- Heart of Midlothian F.C. players
- Panetolikos F.C. players
- Ethnikos Piraeus F.C. players
- PFC Slavia Sofia players
- PFC CSKA Sofia players
- PFC Krylia Sovetov Samara players
- FC Ryukyu players
- Al-Ettifaq FC players
- Al Qadsiah FC players
- Philadelphia Union players
- CR Belouizdad players
- ES Mostaganem players
- Expatriate men's footballers in Scotland
- Expatriate men's footballers in Greece
- Expatriate men's footballers in Japan
- Expatriate men's footballers in Bulgaria
- Expatriate men's footballers in Russia
- Expatriate men's soccer players in the United States
- Expatriate men's footballers in Saudi Arabia
- Expatriate men's footballers in Turkey
- Algerian expatriate sportspeople in Scotland
- Algerian expatriate sportspeople in Greece
- Algerian expatriate sportspeople in Japan
- Algerian expatriate sportspeople in Bulgaria
- Algerian expatriate sportspeople in Russia
- Algerian expatriate sportspeople in the United States
- Algerian expatriate sportspeople in Saudi Arabia
- Algerian expatriate sportspeople in Turkey
- Football League (Greece) players
- First Professional Football League (Bulgaria) players
- Saudi Pro League players
- Saudi First Division League players
- Russian Premier League players
- Ligue 2 players
- Major League Soccer players
- Süper Lig players
- 2010 FIFA World Cup players
- 2013 Africa Cup of Nations players
- 2014 FIFA World Cup players
- 2015 Africa Cup of Nations players
- 2017 Africa Cup of Nations players
- 2019 Africa Cup of Nations players
- 2021 Africa Cup of Nations players
- 2023 Africa Cup of Nations players
- Algerian Muslims
- French sportspeople of Algerian descent
- French sportspeople of Democratic Republic of the Congo descent
- French expatriate sportspeople in Bulgaria
- Algerian people of Democratic Republic of the Congo descent'
- Black French sportspeople'
- 21st-century French sportsmen'
- 21st-century Algerian sportsmen'