Yacine Brahimi
Encyclopedia
Yacine Brahimi is a French
football player who currently plays for French club Rennes in Ligue 1
. He plays as an attacking midfielder
and a winger and is described as a "technically gifted player". His coach, Frédéric Antonetti
, has declared that Brahimi will be the "future play-maker of Stade Rennais".
Brahimi started his career throughout various clubs in the Île-de-France
region
, having trained at ASB Montreuil and CO Vincennois. In 2003, he was selected to attend the Clairefontaine
academy. Brahimi spent three years at the academy and, upon leaving, signed with Stade Rennais. While in the club's youth academy, he achieved several club honours. After turning professional, Brahimi was loaned out to second division
club Clermont Foot
. While at Clermont, he had a successful individual 2009–10 season
and quickly became the subject of transfer speculation. In 2010, Brahimi returned to Rennes.
Brahimi is a France youth international
having represented the country at all youth levels. In 2009, he played on the under-19 team
that reached the semi-finals at the 2009 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship
. Brahimi is currently playing on the under-21 team
having made his debut in September 2010.
to Algeria
n parents and grew up in the eastern suburbs of Paris in Montreuil
in Seine-Saint-Denis
. While growing up, he often emulated his idol Zinedine Zidane
while playing street football
with friends. Brahimi began his football career playing for his local club ASB Montreuil. After a four-year stint there, he joined CO Vincennois, known for producing Ligue 1
player Blaise Matuidi
, in nearby Vincennes
. Two years later, Brahimi was selected to attend the renowned Clairefontaine academy
in order to further his development. While training at Clairefontaine during the week, he regularly played for Vincennois on the weekends. In his final year at Clairefontaine, Brahimi spent a year at the Camp des Loges
, the youth training center of Paris Saint-Germain
, training alongside youth international teammate Mamadou Sakho
. Despite being courted by several French and Europe
an clubs, following his stint at Clairefontaine, he signed an aspirant (youth) contract with Rennes. In October 2010, Brahimi cited choosing Rennes as his destination because of the club's educational value stating "In Rennes, the academy gives much importance to the schoolwork" and "It was a warranty for my parents. They advised me to choose Stade Rennes. That way, I could continue my football training while preparing my Baccalauréat
".
, the younger brother of Anthony Le Tallec
, Yann M'Vila
, Yohann Lasimant
, Kévin Théophile-Catherine
, and Samuel Souprayen
as the club's most sought after prospects. The combination of M'Vila, Brahimi, Camara, and Le Tallec, all four being members of the class of 1990, were particularly instrumental in their youth team's successes. With the under-16 team, the foursome won the Tournoi Carisport, a national tournament that regularly pits the top academies in France against each other. Two seasons later with the under-18 team, Brahimi won the under-18 league championship for the 2006–07 season. In 2008, the youth academy achieved its biggest honour after winning the Coupe Gambardella
. The title was Rennes' third Gambardella Cup and its first since 2003 when the likes of Yoann Gourcuff
and Sylvain Marveaux
were playing in the competition. Following the 2007–08 season, on 23 June, Brahimi signed his first professional contract agreeing to a three-year deal until June 2011. Though on a professional contract, Brahimi was not assigned a number on the senior team and instead played on the club's Championnat de France amateur team in the fourth division appearing in 22 matches and scoring three goals helping the side finish 1st among professional clubs in their group, thus qualifying for the competition's playoffs, where they lost to Lyon
in the semi-finals.
Loan to Clermont
Following a successful international season
with France
, Rennes decided it would be best to send the young player on loan to receive some much needed playing time. On 3 July 2009, the club announced that Brahimi would join Ligue 2 club Clermont Foot
on loan for the entire 2009–10 season
. Brahimi arrived at the club following the 2009 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship
, alongside fellow loanee from Juventus
Carlo Vecchione
, and was assigned the number 28 shirt. He made his professional debut on the opening match day of the season appearing as a substitute in a 2–1 defeat to Arles-Avignon. He scored his first goal for the club on 25 September converting a penalty
in the club's 3–2 win over Angers
. Brahimi's first goal in open play occurred on 4 December in Clermont's 3–1 win away to Bastia
. Two weeks later, he scored again, converting another penalty in a 1–1 draw with Guingamp.
On 23 March 2010, Brahimi scored the opening goal in Clermont's 3–0 win over Ajaccio
. Three days later, he scored a goal and provided an assist in a 3–1 away victory over Istres
. A month later, Brahimi converted his third penalty of the season in a 3–2 victory over Dijon
. The win moved Clermont up to 4th position in the league standings and just three points off a promotion place. The following week, Brahimi continued to display his offensive prowess scoring against Le Havre
. The match, however, ended negatively for Clermont as the club lost 2–1. It was the club's first defeat in a match where Brahimi had scored a goal. Three days later, Brahimi scored his eight goal of the campaign in a 3–1 victory against Guingamp. The victory established a promotion playoff match on the final match day of the season as 4th placed Clermont faced 3rd-placed Arles-Avignon with the victory earning promotion to Ligue 1. Unfortunately for Clermont, the club failed to earn promotion to Ligue 1 for the first time in club history as it lost the match 1–0. Brahimi played 89 minutes in the match receiving a yellow card in the process.
Return to Rennes
Following the season, on 15 May 2010, Rennes manager Frédéric Antonetti
confirmed that Brahimi would return to the team, despite interest from English
club Arsenal
and Spanish
club Real Madrid
, and that he would be heavily relied upon for the 2010–11 season
possibly serving as the playmaker
replacing the aging Jérôme Leroy
. On 7 August 2010, Brahimi made his club debut for Rennes in the club's opening league match against Lille
. He started the match and played 71 minutes in a 1–1 draw. The following day, Rennes announced that Brahimi had signed a four-year contract extension with the club. The new deal will keep him at the club until June 2014.
On 14 August 2010, Brahimi scored his first career goal for the club in a 3–0 victory over Nancy
. For a portion of the fall season, the play-maker underwent a dry spell not scoring a goal or providing an assist. As a result, Brahimi began rotating in and out of the starting lineup. After the winter break, Brahimi returned to form scoring and providing an assist in the team's 7–0 hammering of Championnat National
club Cannes
in the Coupe de France
. A week later, he scored a double in a 4–0 league win over Arles-Avignon. On 5 February 2011, Brahimi scored a goal against his former youth club Paris Saint-Germain. The long-range driven goal was the only goal of the match as the victory moved Rennes equal on points with Paris Saint-Germain for second place.
alongside future youth international teammates Mamadou Sakho
, Tripy Makonda
, Maxime Partouche
, and Sébastien Corchia
. Brahimi made his debut for the under-16 team on 21 March 2006 converting a penalty in a 3–1 victory over Germany
. He played with the under-16 team at the 2006 edition of the Montaigu Tournament
playing in all four matches the team contested as France were crowned champions defeating Italy
2–1 in the final. With the under-17 team, Brahimi made his debut on 25 September in a qualification match for the 2007 UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship
against Lithuania
. France won the match 4–2 with Brahimi making a substitute appearance. Despite appearing in the first round of qualification, Brahimi was absent from the tournament itself, due to the player struggling to adapt at his new club domestically. He later failed to make the team that qualified for the 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup
, which was achieved by virtue of their semi-final appearance in the UEFA-sanctioned tournament. Brahimi made his debut with the under-18 team on 18 December 2007 in a friendly match against Portugal
in a 1–0 loss and later featured in two friendly matches against Germany, one of which was played at the GAZi-Stadion auf der Waldau
in Stuttgart
.
With the under-19 team, Brahimi appeared in all 19 matches scoring 12 goals. He was immense during the 2009 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship qualification
scoring a team-leading five goals against Liechtenstein
, Malta
, and the Republic of Ireland
netting two goals each against the Liechtenstein and the hosts. Brahimi also scored several goals in friendly matches. On 30 March 2009, he scored a goal against the Ukraine
and, the following month, scored a brace against Finland in a 7–0 rout. At the 2009 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship
, Brahimi scored two goals; one against Serbia
and another against Spain
. The game-winning goal against Spain assured France's progression to the semi-finals where they lost to England
.
Brahimi is also eligible to represent Algeria
at international level. Following a successful season with Clermont, he was contacted by the Fédération Algérienne de Football
who offered the player an opportunity to play on the team at the 2010 FIFA World Cup
. Brahimi was set to be named to manager Rabah Saadane
's preliminary squad list for the competition, but turned down the opportunity with his preference being to continue his international career with France
. On 12 May 2010, after almost a year not representing France internationally, Brahimi was called up to the under-20 team
by coach
Patrick Gonfalone to participate in the 2010 Toulon Tournament
. In the team's second group stage match against Japan
, Brahimi scored the final goal in the team's 4–1 victory. He played in all five of the team's matches as France finished in third place.
On 26 August 2010, Brahimi was called up to the under-21 team by coach Erick Mombaerts
for the first time for 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship qualification
matches against the Ukraine
and Malta. He made his under-21 debut in the match against Malta. Brahimi played the entire match in a 2–0 victory. He, subsequently, featured in the team's three matches before dropping out of the selection for the team's friendly match against Slovakia
in February 2011 due to injury.
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
football player who currently plays for French club Rennes in Ligue 1
Ligue 1
Ligue 1 , is the French professional league for association football clubs. It is the country's primary football competition and serves as the top division of the French football league system. Ligue 1 is one of two divisions making up the Ligue de Football Professionnel, the other being Ligue 2....
. He plays as an attacking midfielder
Midfielder
A midfielder is an association football position. Some midfielders play a more defensive role, while others blur the boundaries between midfielders and forwards. The number of midfielders a team uses during a match may vary, depending on the team's formation and each individual player's role...
and a winger and is described as a "technically gifted player". His coach, Frédéric Antonetti
Frédéric Antonetti
Frédéric Antonetti is a football manager, currently managing Ligue 1 side Stade Rennais.-Manager:-References:...
, has declared that Brahimi will be the "future play-maker of Stade Rennais".
Brahimi started his career throughout various clubs in the Île-de-France
Île-de-France (région)
Île-de-France is the wealthiest and most populated of the twenty-two administrative regions of France, composed mostly of the Paris metropolitan area....
region
Régions of France
France is divided into 27 administrative regions , 22 of which are in Metropolitan France, and five of which are overseas. Corsica is a territorial collectivity , but is considered a region in mainstream usage, and is even shown as such on the INSEE website...
, having trained at ASB Montreuil and CO Vincennois. In 2003, he was selected to attend the Clairefontaine
Clairefontaine
Le Centre Technique National Fernand Sastre , commonly referred to as INF Clairefontaine , INF, or simply Clairefontaine, is the national association football centre that specializes in training French football players...
academy. Brahimi spent three years at the academy and, upon leaving, signed with Stade Rennais. While in the club's youth academy, he achieved several club honours. After turning professional, Brahimi was loaned out to second division
Ligue 2
Ligue 2 , formerly known as Division 2, is a French professional football league. The league serves as the second division of French football and is one of two divisions making up the Ligue de Football Professionnel , the other being Ligue 1, the country's top football division...
club Clermont Foot
Clermont Foot
Clermont Foot Auvergne 63 is a French association football club based in Clermont-Ferrand. The first incarnation of the club was formed in 1911 and the current club was created in 1990 as a result of a merger...
. While at Clermont, he had a successful individual 2009–10 season
2009–10 in French football
The 2009–10 season was the 77th season of competitive professional football in France.The season began on 7 August 2009 for the Championnat National and Ligue 2 and on 8 August for Ligue 1 and the Championnat de France amateur...
and quickly became the subject of transfer speculation. In 2010, Brahimi returned to Rennes.
Brahimi is a France youth international
France national youth football team
The France national youth football team are the national under-20, under-19, under-18, under-17 and under-16 football teams of France and are controlled by the Fédération Française de Football. The youth teams of France participate in tournaments sanctioned by both FIFA and UEFA and also...
having represented the country at all youth levels. In 2009, he played on the under-19 team
France national under-19 football team
The France national under-19 football team is the national under-19 football team of France and is controlled by the French Football Federation. The team competes in the annual UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship. They were the 2010 champions of the competition having won on home soil...
that reached the semi-finals at the 2009 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship
2009 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship
-Group B:---------------------Bracket:-Semi-finals:---------Final:-Top goalscorers:4 goals Nathan Delfouneso3 goals Henri Lansbury Danijel Aleksić Denys Harmash-External links:*...
. Brahimi is currently playing on the under-21 team
France national under-21 football team
The France national under-21 football team , known in France as Les Espoirs , is the national under-21 football team of France and is controlled by the French Football Federation. The team competes in the UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship, held every two years...
having made his debut in September 2010.
Early career
Brahimi was born in ParisParis
Paris is the capital and largest city in France, situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region...
to Algeria
Algeria
Algeria , officially the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria , also formally referred to as the Democratic and Popular Republic of Algeria, is a country in the Maghreb region of Northwest Africa with Algiers as its capital.In terms of land area, it is the largest country in Africa and the Arab...
n parents and grew up in the eastern suburbs of Paris in Montreuil
Montreuil, Seine-Saint-Denis
Montreuil is a commune in the eastern suburbs of Paris, France. It is located from the center of Paris. It is the third most populous suburb of Paris...
in Seine-Saint-Denis
Seine-Saint-Denis
- Culture :A number of hip hop artists come from the Seine-Saint-Denis, including one of the first major hip-hop groups in France, NTM, as well as Lord Kossity, or more recent acts such as Tandem or Sefyu.- Miscellaneous topics :...
. While growing up, he often emulated his idol Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Yazid Zidane is a retired French footballer. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. Zidane was a leading figure of a generation of French players that won the 1998 World Cup and 2000 European Championship...
while playing street football
Street football
The term street football encompasses a number of informal varieties of association football. These informal games do not necessarily utilise the requirements of a formal game of football, such as a large field, field markings, goal apparatus and corner flags, eleven players per team , or match...
with friends. Brahimi began his football career playing for his local club ASB Montreuil. After a four-year stint there, he joined CO Vincennois, known for producing Ligue 1
Ligue 1
Ligue 1 , is the French professional league for association football clubs. It is the country's primary football competition and serves as the top division of the French football league system. Ligue 1 is one of two divisions making up the Ligue de Football Professionnel, the other being Ligue 2....
player Blaise Matuidi
Blaise Matuidi
Blaise Matuidi is a French football player who currently plays for French club Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1. He primarily plays as a combative defensive midfielder often occupying a withdrawn position as a deep-lying playmaker and is described as a "fierce and strong tackler".Matuidi began his...
, in nearby Vincennes
Vincennes
Vincennes is a commune in the Val-de-Marne department in the eastern suburbs of Paris, France. It is located from the centre of Paris. It is one of the most densely populated municipalities in Europe.-History:...
. Two years later, Brahimi was selected to attend the renowned Clairefontaine academy
Clairefontaine
Le Centre Technique National Fernand Sastre , commonly referred to as INF Clairefontaine , INF, or simply Clairefontaine, is the national association football centre that specializes in training French football players...
in order to further his development. While training at Clairefontaine during the week, he regularly played for Vincennois on the weekends. In his final year at Clairefontaine, Brahimi spent a year at the Camp des Loges
Camp des Loges
The Camp des Loges is the training centre and club headquarters of French football club Paris Saint-Germain. It is located in the commune of Saint-Germain-en-Laye, which is in the western suburbs of Paris. Following the foundation of Paris Saint-Germain in 1974, the Camp des Loges began operating...
, the youth training center of Paris Saint-Germain
Paris Saint-Germain FC
Paris Saint-Germain Football Club , also known simply as Paris Saint-Germain and familiarly as Paris SG or PSG , is a professional association football club based in Paris, France. The club was founded on 12 August 1970, thanks to the merger of Paris FC and Stade Saint-Germain...
, training alongside youth international teammate Mamadou Sakho
Mamadou Sakho
Mamadou Sakho is a French international footballer who currently plays for French club Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1. He primarily plays as a centre back for his club, but can also deputized as a left back if necessary. Sakho is known for his leadership credentials, his tireless engine,...
. Despite being courted by several French and Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
an clubs, following his stint at Clairefontaine, he signed an aspirant (youth) contract with Rennes. In October 2010, Brahimi cited choosing Rennes as his destination because of the club's educational value stating "In Rennes, the academy gives much importance to the schoolwork" and "It was a warranty for my parents. They advised me to choose Stade Rennes. That way, I could continue my football training while preparing my Baccalauréat
Baccalauréat
The baccalauréat , often known in France colloquially as le bac, is an academic qualification which French and international students take at the end of the lycée . It was introduced by Napoleon I in 1808. It is the main diploma required to pursue university studies...
".
Rennes
Brahimi joined Rennes and quickly became a part of a slew of talent in the club's youth academy. He joined Damien Le TallecDamien Le Tallec
Damien Le Tallec is a French football player currently playing for German club Borussia Dortmund in the Fußball-Bundesliga. Damien is the younger brother of former Liverpool and current Auxerre striker Anthony Le Tallec...
, the younger brother of Anthony Le Tallec
Anthony Le Tallec
Anthony Le Tallec is a French footballer who plays for AJ Auxerre in Ligue 1, as a forward or attacking midfielder.-Liverpool:...
, Yann M'Vila
Yann M'Vila
Yann M'Vila is a French international footballer who plays for French club Rennes in Ligue 1. He operates as a defensive midfielder and is described by his club as a player who possesses "excellent defensive abilities" and "impressive physical strength"...
, Yohann Lasimant
Yohann Lasimant
Yohann Lasimant is a French footballer. He currently plays for Ligue 2 club Grenoble.-Club career:Yohann began his career at his local club SC Clémenceau in Besançon. In 2002, he moved to the biggest club in the city, Besançon RC. He gained the attention of Rennes scouts during his time here and...
, Kévin Théophile-Catherine
Kévin Théophile-Catherine
Kévin Théophile-Catherine is a French footballer who plays as a defender for Rennes in French Ligue 1.-External links:**...
, and Samuel Souprayen
Samuel Souprayen
Samuel Souprayen is a French football player of Réunionais heritage who plays for French club Dijon in Ligue 1. He is a former France youth international having earned caps with the under-18, under-19, under-20, and under-21 teams. Souprayen played with the under-20 team at the 2009 Mediterranean...
as the club's most sought after prospects. The combination of M'Vila, Brahimi, Camara, and Le Tallec, all four being members of the class of 1990, were particularly instrumental in their youth team's successes. With the under-16 team, the foursome won the Tournoi Carisport, a national tournament that regularly pits the top academies in France against each other. Two seasons later with the under-18 team, Brahimi won the under-18 league championship for the 2006–07 season. In 2008, the youth academy achieved its biggest honour after winning the Coupe Gambardella
Coupe Gambardella
The Coupe Gambardella is a French football cup competition held between the under-19s of the French football clubs, organized by the French Football Federation ....
. The title was Rennes' third Gambardella Cup and its first since 2003 when the likes of Yoann Gourcuff
Yoann Gourcuff
Yoann Miguel Gourcuff is a French international footballer who currently plays for French club Olympique Lyonnais in Ligue 1. He operates mainly as an attacking midfielder, but can also be utilized as a withdrawn striker and is described as a "playmaker of real quality" who "is an accomplished...
and Sylvain Marveaux
Sylvain Marveaux
Sylvain Marveaux is a French football player who currently plays for English club Newcastle United in the Premier League. He can play a variety of positions in the midfield, but is mostly utilized as a left-sided midfielder or an attacking midfielder. Marveaux is a former French under-21...
were playing in the competition. Following the 2007–08 season, on 23 June, Brahimi signed his first professional contract agreeing to a three-year deal until June 2011. Though on a professional contract, Brahimi was not assigned a number on the senior team and instead played on the club's Championnat de France amateur team in the fourth division appearing in 22 matches and scoring three goals helping the side finish 1st among professional clubs in their group, thus qualifying for the competition's playoffs, where they lost to Lyon
Olympique Lyonnais Reserves and Academy
The Olympique Lyonnais Reserves & Academy are the reserve team and academy of French club Olympique Lyonnais. The reserves squad play in the Championnat de France amateur division, the fourth division of French football and the highest division the team is allowed to participate in. Lyon have won...
in the semi-finals.
Loan to Clermont
Following a successful international season
France national youth football team
The France national youth football team are the national under-20, under-19, under-18, under-17 and under-16 football teams of France and are controlled by the Fédération Française de Football. The youth teams of France participate in tournaments sanctioned by both FIFA and UEFA and also...
with France
France national youth football team
The France national youth football team are the national under-20, under-19, under-18, under-17 and under-16 football teams of France and are controlled by the Fédération Française de Football. The youth teams of France participate in tournaments sanctioned by both FIFA and UEFA and also...
, Rennes decided it would be best to send the young player on loan to receive some much needed playing time. On 3 July 2009, the club announced that Brahimi would join Ligue 2 club Clermont Foot
Clermont Foot
Clermont Foot Auvergne 63 is a French association football club based in Clermont-Ferrand. The first incarnation of the club was formed in 1911 and the current club was created in 1990 as a result of a merger...
on loan for the entire 2009–10 season
2009–10 Ligue 2
The Ligue 2 2009–10 season was the sixty-ninth edition since its establishment. The fixtures were announced on 5 June 2009, and the league began on 7 August and ended on 14 May 2010....
. Brahimi arrived at the club following the 2009 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship
2009 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship
-Group B:---------------------Bracket:-Semi-finals:---------Final:-Top goalscorers:4 goals Nathan Delfouneso3 goals Henri Lansbury Danijel Aleksić Denys Harmash-External links:*...
, alongside fellow loanee from Juventus
Juventus F.C.
Juventus Football Club S.p.A. , commonly referred to as Juventus and colloquially as Juve , are a professional Italian association football club based in Turin, Piedmont...
Carlo Vecchione
Carlo Vecchione
Carlo Vecchione is an Italian professional football player. Currently, he plays in the Ligue 2 for Clermont Foot on loan from Italian giants Juventus F.C..-Juventus:...
, and was assigned the number 28 shirt. He made his professional debut on the opening match day of the season appearing as a substitute in a 2–1 defeat to Arles-Avignon. He scored his first goal for the club on 25 September converting a penalty
Penalty kick
A penalty kick is a type of direct free kick in association football, taken from twelve yards out from goal and with only the goalkeeper of the defending team between the penalty taker and the goal.Penalty kicks are performed during normal play...
in the club's 3–2 win over Angers
Angers SCO
Angers Sporting Club de l'Ouest is a French association football club based in Angers. The club was founded in 1919 and currently play in Ligue 2, the second division of French football having achieved promotion to the league in 2007. Angers play its home matches at the Stade Jean Bouin located...
. Brahimi's first goal in open play occurred on 4 December in Clermont's 3–1 win away to Bastia
SC Bastia
Sporting Club de Bastia is a French association football club based in Bastia on the island of Corsica. The club currently plays in the Championnat National, the third division of French football. Bastia previously had stints in both Ligue 1 and Ligue 2...
. Two weeks later, he scored again, converting another penalty in a 1–1 draw with Guingamp.
On 23 March 2010, Brahimi scored the opening goal in Clermont's 3–0 win over Ajaccio
AC Ajaccio
Athletic Club Ajaccio is a French association football club based in the city of Ajaccio on the island of Corsica. The club was founded in 1910 and currently plays in Ligue 1, the first division of French football, having finished 2nd in the 2010–11 campaign in Ligue 2. The club president is Alain...
. Three days later, he scored a goal and provided an assist in a 3–1 away victory over Istres
FC Istres
Football Club Istres Ouest Provence is a French association football club based in Istres. The club was formed in 1920 and currently play in Ligue 2, the second level of French football having achieved promotion to the league following the 2008–09 season. Istres plays its home matches at the...
. A month later, Brahimi converted his third penalty of the season in a 3–2 victory over Dijon
Dijon FCO
Dijon Football Côte d'Or is a French association football club based in Dijon. The club was founded in 1998 as a result of a merger between two local clubs in the city and currently competes in Ligue 1 after gaining promotion for the first time ever in the 2010-11 season.The club president is...
. The win moved Clermont up to 4th position in the league standings and just three points off a promotion place. The following week, Brahimi continued to display his offensive prowess scoring against Le Havre
Le Havre AC
Le Havre Athletic Club Football Association is a French association football club based in Le Havre. The club was founded originally as an athletics and rugby club in 1872, thus making it the oldest association football and rugby club registered in France...
. The match, however, ended negatively for Clermont as the club lost 2–1. It was the club's first defeat in a match where Brahimi had scored a goal. Three days later, Brahimi scored his eight goal of the campaign in a 3–1 victory against Guingamp. The victory established a promotion playoff match on the final match day of the season as 4th placed Clermont faced 3rd-placed Arles-Avignon with the victory earning promotion to Ligue 1. Unfortunately for Clermont, the club failed to earn promotion to Ligue 1 for the first time in club history as it lost the match 1–0. Brahimi played 89 minutes in the match receiving a yellow card in the process.
Return to Rennes
Following the season, on 15 May 2010, Rennes manager Frédéric Antonetti
Frédéric Antonetti
Frédéric Antonetti is a football manager, currently managing Ligue 1 side Stade Rennais.-Manager:-References:...
confirmed that Brahimi would return to the team, despite interest from English
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
club Arsenal
Arsenal F.C.
Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups...
and Spanish
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
club Real Madrid
Real Madrid C.F.
Real Madrid Club de Fútbol , commonly known as Real Madrid, is a professional football club based in Madrid, Spain. The club have won a record 31 La Liga titles, the Primera División of the Liga de Fútbol Profesional , 18 Copas del Rey, 8 Spanish Super Cups, 1 Copa Eva Duarte and 1 Copa de la...
, and that he would be heavily relied upon for the 2010–11 season
2010–11 Ligue 1
The 2010–11 Ligue 1 season was the 73rd since its establishment. Entering the season, Marseille were the defending champions. The fixtures were announced on 21 May 2010 and the season began on 7 August and ended on 29 May 2011. The winter break was in effect between 23 December and 15 January 2011...
possibly serving as the playmaker
Playmaker
In association football, a playmaker is a player who controls the flow of the team's offensive play, and is often involved in passing moves which lead to goals....
replacing the aging Jérôme Leroy
Jérôme Leroy (footballer)
Jérôme Leroy is a French footballer currently playing for Évian Thonon Gaillard F.C. as an attacking midfielder....
. On 7 August 2010, Brahimi made his club debut for Rennes in the club's opening league match against Lille
Lille OSC
LOSC Lille Métropole is a French association football club based in Lille. The club was founded in 1944 as a result of a merger and currently play in Ligue 1, the first division of French football. Lille plays its home matches at the Stade Lille-Metropole in nearby Villeneuve-d'Ascq. In 2012, the...
. He started the match and played 71 minutes in a 1–1 draw. The following day, Rennes announced that Brahimi had signed a four-year contract extension with the club. The new deal will keep him at the club until June 2014.
On 14 August 2010, Brahimi scored his first career goal for the club in a 3–0 victory over Nancy
AS Nancy
Association Sportive Nancy-Lorraine is a French association football club based in Nancy. The club was founded in 1967 and currently play in Ligue 1, the top level of French football. Nancy plays its home matches at the Stade Marcel Picot in Tomblaine, a commune located in the Arrondissement of...
. For a portion of the fall season, the play-maker underwent a dry spell not scoring a goal or providing an assist. As a result, Brahimi began rotating in and out of the starting lineup. After the winter break, Brahimi returned to form scoring and providing an assist in the team's 7–0 hammering of Championnat National
Championnat National
The Championnat de France National, commonly referred to as simply National or Division 3, serves as the third division of the French football league system behind Ligue 1 and Ligue 2...
club Cannes
AS Cannes
Association Sportive de Cannes Football is a French association football club based in Cannes. The club was formed 1902 as a sports club and currently play in the Championnat de France amateur, the fourth division of French football. Cannes plays its home matches at the Stade Pierre de Coubertin...
in the Coupe de France
Coupe de France
The Coupe Charles Simon, commonly known as the Coupe de France , is the premier knockout cup competition in French football organized by the French Football Federation...
. A week later, he scored a double in a 4–0 league win over Arles-Avignon. On 5 February 2011, Brahimi scored a goal against his former youth club Paris Saint-Germain. The long-range driven goal was the only goal of the match as the victory moved Rennes equal on points with Paris Saint-Germain for second place.
International career
As early as the age of 13, Brahimi began featuring with regional youth teams playing for Île-de-FranceÎle-de-France (région)
Île-de-France is the wealthiest and most populated of the twenty-two administrative regions of France, composed mostly of the Paris metropolitan area....
alongside future youth international teammates Mamadou Sakho
Mamadou Sakho
Mamadou Sakho is a French international footballer who currently plays for French club Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1. He primarily plays as a centre back for his club, but can also deputized as a left back if necessary. Sakho is known for his leadership credentials, his tireless engine,...
, Tripy Makonda
Tripy Makonda
Tripy Makonda is a French football player who currently plays for French club Stade Brestois 29. He plays as a left back, but can also be utilized as a midfielder on the same side. Makonda is a France youth international and has represented his nation at under-18, under-19, and under-20 level...
, Maxime Partouche
Maxime Partouche
Maxime Partouche is a French footballer who currently plays for US Créteil-Lusitanos.-Football career:...
, and Sébastien Corchia
Sébastien Corchia
Sébastien Corchia is a French footballer who currently plays for French club Sochaux in Ligue 1. He plays in the right back position and can also play as a wing back and midfielder on the same side. Corchia is known for his attacking instincts and renowned free kick ability...
. Brahimi made his debut for the under-16 team on 21 March 2006 converting a penalty in a 3–1 victory over Germany
Germany national youth football team
This article includes current squads of Germany U20, U19, U18, U17, U16 and U15 national football teams.-Current technical staff:- Germany national under-20 squad :- Germany national under-19 squad :- Germany national under-18 squad :...
. He played with the under-16 team at the 2006 edition of the Montaigu Tournament
Montaigu Tournament
The Montaigu Tournament is an international association football competition that is contested by under-16 national teams. The tournament was founded in 1973 by Dutchman André Van Den Brink who was the president of FC Montaigu, a French amateur football team...
playing in all four matches the team contested as France were crowned champions defeating Italy
Italy national football team
The Italy National Football Team , represents Italy in association football and is controlled by the Italian Football Federation , the governing body for football in Italy. Italy is the second most successful national team in the history of the World Cup having won four titles , just one fewer than...
2–1 in the final. With the under-17 team, Brahimi made his debut on 25 September in a qualification match for the 2007 UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship
2007 UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship
The UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship 2007 Final Tournament was held in Belgium from May 2, 2007, to May 13, 2007. Top 5 teams will qualify for FIFA U-17 World Cup 2007...
against Lithuania
Lithuania national football team
The national football team of Lithuania is under the auspices of the Lithuanian Football Federation. It played its first match in 1923. In 1940, Lithuania was occupied by the Soviet Union; the country regained its independence in 1990 and played their first match as a new nation against Georgia on...
. France won the match 4–2 with Brahimi making a substitute appearance. Despite appearing in the first round of qualification, Brahimi was absent from the tournament itself, due to the player struggling to adapt at his new club domestically. He later failed to make the team that qualified for the 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup
2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup
The FIFA U-17 World Cup 2007 was held in the Korea Republic between 18 August and 9 September 2007. For this event, the number of teams had been expanded from 16 to 24, with the top two of each group and the four best third-place teams advancing to the Round of 16...
, which was achieved by virtue of their semi-final appearance in the UEFA-sanctioned tournament. Brahimi made his debut with the under-18 team on 18 December 2007 in a friendly match against Portugal
Portugal national football team
The Portugal national football team represents Portugal in association football and is controlled by the Portuguese Football Federation, the governing body for football in Portugal. Portugal's home ground is Estádio Nacional in Oeiras, and their head coach is Paulo Bento...
in a 1–0 loss and later featured in two friendly matches against Germany, one of which was played at the GAZi-Stadion auf der Waldau
GAZi-Stadion auf der Waldau
The Gazi-Stadion auf der Waldau is a multi-use stadium in the Degerloch district in Stuttgart, Germany. The stadium is situated approximately 200m besides the Fernsehturm Stuttgart and holds 11,410 spectators , which makes it the second biggest stadium in Stuttgart....
in Stuttgart
Stuttgart
Stuttgart is the capital of the state of Baden-Württemberg in southern Germany. The sixth-largest city in Germany, Stuttgart has a population of 600,038 while the metropolitan area has a population of 5.3 million ....
.
With the under-19 team, Brahimi appeared in all 19 matches scoring 12 goals. He was immense during the 2009 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship qualification
2009 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship qualification
2009 UEFA U-19 Championship was the first round of qualifications for the Final Tournament of 2009 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship. The final tournament of the 2009 UEFA European Under-19 Championship is preceded by two qualification stages: a qualifying round and an Elite round...
scoring a team-leading five goals against Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein national football team
The Liechtenstein national football team is the national football team of Liechtenstein and is controlled by the Liechtenstein Football Association. The organisation is known as the Liechtensteiner Fussballverband in German. The team's first match was an unofficial match against Malta in Seoul, a...
, Malta
Malta national football team
The Malta national football team is the national football team of Malta and is controlled by the Malta Football Association. Malta played its first international game in February 1957, and began competing for qualification to major tournaments in 1962. The side's first competitive victory came in...
, and the Republic of Ireland
Republic of Ireland national football team
The Republic of Ireland national football team represents Ireland in association football. It is run by the Football Association of Ireland and currently plays home fixtures at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, which opened in May 2010....
netting two goals each against the Liechtenstein and the hosts. Brahimi also scored several goals in friendly matches. On 30 March 2009, he scored a goal against the Ukraine
Ukraine national under-19 football team
The Ukraine national under-19 football team represents Ukraine in international football at this age level and is controlled by Football Federation of Ukraine, the governing body for football in Ukraine.The current coach is Oleksandr Holovko....
and, the following month, scored a brace against Finland in a 7–0 rout. At the 2009 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship
2009 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship
-Group B:---------------------Bracket:-Semi-finals:---------Final:-Top goalscorers:4 goals Nathan Delfouneso3 goals Henri Lansbury Danijel Aleksić Denys Harmash-External links:*...
, Brahimi scored two goals; one against Serbia
Serbia national under-19 football team
The Serbia national under-19 football team is the national under-19 football team of Serbia and is controlled by the Football Association of Serbia....
and another against Spain
Spain national under-19 football team
The Spain national under-19 football team represents Spain in international football at this age level and is controlled by Royal Spanish Football Federation, the governing body for football in Spain.-UEFA European Under-19 Championship Record:...
. The game-winning goal against Spain assured France's progression to the semi-finals where they lost to England
England national under-19 football team
-Other matches:-Latest squad:The following players were named in the squad for the friendly match against Denmark.- Recent call-ups :The following players have also been called up to the England under-19 squad and remain eligible.-Past squads:...
.
Brahimi is also eligible to represent Algeria
Algeria national football team
The Algeria national football team , nicknamed الأفنــاك, Les Fennecs , represents Algeria in association football and is controlled by the Fédération Algérienne de Football. Algeria's home ground is the Stade 5 Juillet 1962 in Algiers and their head coach is Vahid Halilhodžić.Algeria has qualified...
at international level. Following a successful season with Clermont, he was contacted by the Fédération Algérienne de Football
Fédération Algérienne de Football
The Algerian Football Federation is the governing body of football in Algeria. Although an unofficial national team had played fixtures since 1958, the first recognised international took place in January 1963, some six months after independence....
who offered the player an opportunity to play on the team at the 2010 FIFA World Cup
2010 FIFA World Cup
The 2010 FIFA World Cup was the 19th FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national association football teams. It took place in South Africa from 11 June to 11 July 2010...
. Brahimi was set to be named to manager Rabah Saadane
Rabah Saadane
Rabah Saâdane is a retired Algerian professional football player whose playing career was abruptly interrupted at the age of 27 by a car accident...
's preliminary squad list for the competition, but turned down the opportunity with his preference being to continue his international career with France
France national football team
The France national football team represents the nation of France in international football. It is fielded by the French Football Federation , the governing body of football in France, and competes as a member of UEFA, which encompasses the countries of Europe...
. On 12 May 2010, after almost a year not representing France internationally, Brahimi was called up to the under-20 team
France national under-20 football team
The France national under-20 football team is the national under-20 football team of France and is controlled by the French Football Federation. The team competes in the FIFA U-20 World Cup, which is held every two years and the Toulon Tournament, which is held every May when football league...
by coach
Coach (sport)
In sports, a coach is an individual involved in the direction, instruction and training of the operations of a sports team or of individual sportspeople.-Staff:...
Patrick Gonfalone to participate in the 2010 Toulon Tournament
2010 Toulon Tournament
The 2010 Toulon Tournament was the 38th edition of the Toulon Tournament and began on 18 May and ended on 27 May 2010. Chile were the defending champions.-Venues:The matches were played in these communes:*Aubagne*Hyères*La Seyne*Le Lavandou*Nice*Toulon...
. In the team's second group stage match against Japan
Japan national football team
The Japan national football team represents Japan in association football and is operated by the Japan Football Association, the governing body for association football in Japan...
, Brahimi scored the final goal in the team's 4–1 victory. He played in all five of the team's matches as France finished in third place.
On 26 August 2010, Brahimi was called up to the under-21 team by coach Erick Mombaerts
Erick Mombaerts
Erick Mombaerts is a French football coach and retired player. He is currently involved with the youth sections of the French national side.-Playing career:...
for the first time for 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship qualification
2011 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship qualification
The 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Championship started with a qualifying competition which began on 27 March 2009 and finished on 13 October 2010. The final tournament is being held in Denmark between 11–25 June 2011....
matches against the Ukraine
Ukraine national under-21 football team
The Ukraine national under-21 football team is the national under-21 football team of Ukraine and is controlled by the Football Federation of Ukraine.After Ukrainian Independence in 1991, the Ukraine senior team played their first match in April 1992...
and Malta. He made his under-21 debut in the match against Malta. Brahimi played the entire match in a 2–0 victory. He, subsequently, featured in the team's three matches before dropping out of the selection for the team's friendly match against Slovakia
Slovakia national under-21 football team
The Slovakia national under-21 football team, controlled by the Slovak Football Association, is Slovakia's national under 21 football team and is considered to be a feeder team for the Slovakia national football team.-European Under-21 Championship record:...
in February 2011 due to injury.
Club
(Correct as of 27 February 2011)| Club | Season | League | CupIncludes Coupe de France Coupe de France The Coupe Charles Simon, commonly known as the Coupe de France , is the premier knockout cup competition in French football organized by the French Football Federation... , Coupe de la Ligue Coupe de la Ligue The Coupe de la Ligue , known outside of France as the French League Cup, is a knockout cup competition in French football organized by the Ligue de Football Professionnel... , Trophée des Champions Trophée des champions The Trophée des champions , is a French association football trophy contested in an annual match between the champions of Ligue 1 and the winners of the Coupe de France. It is equivalent to the Super Cups found in many countries... |
Europe UEFA The Union of European Football Associations , almost always referred to by its acronym UEFA is the administrative and controlling body for European association football, futsal and beach soccer.... Includes UEFA Supercup |
Total | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Assists | Apps | Goals | Assists | Apps | Goals | Assists | Apps | Goals | Assists | ||
| Clermont Clermont Foot Clermont Foot Auvergne 63 is a French association football club based in Clermont-Ferrand. The first incarnation of the club was formed in 1911 and the current club was created in 1990 as a result of a merger... |
2009–10 | 32 | 8 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 34 | 8 | 1 |
| Total | 32 | 8 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 34 | 8 | 1 | |
| Rennes | 2010–11 2010–11 Ligue 1 The 2010–11 Ligue 1 season was the 73rd since its establishment. Entering the season, Marseille were the defending champions. The fixtures were announced on 21 May 2010 and the season began on 7 August and ended on 29 May 2011. The winter break was in effect between 23 December and 15 January 2011... |
22 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 26 | 6 | 1 |
| 2011–12 2011–12 Ligue 1 The 2011–12 Ligue 1 season is the 74th since its establishment. Lille are the defending champions. The league schedule was announced on 31 March 2011 and the fixtures were determined on 10 June. The season began on 6 August 2011 and will end on 20 May 2012... |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | |
| Total | 22 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 28 | 6 | 1 | |
| Career total | 54 | 12 | 1 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 62 | 14 | 2 | |