Abdessalam Benjelloun

Last updated

Abdessalam Benjelloun
Abdessalam Benjelloun 2009.jpg
Benjelloun playing for Morocco in 2009
Personal information
Date of birth (1985-01-28) 28 January 1985 (age 38)
Place of birth Fes, Morocco
Height 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
Position(s) Forward
Team information
Current team
 Raja Beni Mellal
Number 11
Youth career
0000–2003 Wydad de Fès
Senior career*
YearsTeamApps(Gls)
2003–2006 Maghreb Fez
2006–2010 Hibernian 81 (11)
2008–2009 → Charleroi (loan) 8 (1)
2009 → Roeselare (loan) 14 (6)
2010–2011 Ismaily SC 7 (0)
2011 Raja Casablanca 0 (0)
2011–2012 Wydad de Fès 17 (6)
2012–2013 FUS Rabat 24 (9)
2013–2015 FAR Rabat 40 (7)
2015–2017 FUS Rabat 47 (8)
2017–2018 Kawkab Marrakech 21 (0)
2018–2019 Wydad de Fès
2019– Raja Beni Mellal 11 (2)
International career
2004–2008 Morocco U23 6 (3)
2008–2016 Morocco [1] 21 (5)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 20:45, 23 February 2020 (UTC)

Abdessalam Benjelloun (born 28 January 1985) is a Moroccan professional footballer who plays as a forward for Raja Beni Mellal. [2]

Contents

Benjelloun started his career in his native Morocco, before moving to Scottish Premier League club Hibernian in 2006. Benjelloun had some success at Hibs, scoring twice in the 2007 Scottish League Cup Final win, but was twice loaned to Belgian clubs afterwards before being released at the end of his contract in 2010. Benjelloun then signed for Egyptian Premier League club Ismaily SC, but returned to his native Morocco in January 2011. At international level, he represented the Morocco national team.

Club career

Hibernian

Benjelloun was born in Fes. He trained with Hibernian for several weeks during the early part of 2006, while Hibs assessed whether to sign him from his hometown club Maghreb Fez. Hibs then had to undertake the complex process of obtaining the documentation needed to sign him. During this time, rumours grew on Hibs-related internet sites that Hibs had unearthed a major talent, so expectations were high when Benjelloun's signing was formally announced in March 2006. [3]

He made his debut for Hibernian in the 2006 Scottish Cup semi-final loss to local rivals Hearts on 2 April 2006. [4] Manager Tony Mowbray was forced to play Benjelloun in that game because of injury (Chris Killen), suspension (Derek Riordan), cup transfer rules (Paul Dalglish) and the sale of Garry O'Connor.

Benjelloun demonstrated his potential in the Edinburgh derby on 22 April 2006, when he came off the bench to score the winning goal. 'Benji' became an instant hero with the Hibernian supporters, although his goal celebration caused some controversy. [5] He ran wildly towards the Hearts supporters, having scored the goal at the other end of the ground. Fortunately the Hibs goalkeeper, Zibi Małkowski, managed to prevent Benji from reaching the Hearts supporters, or a major incident could have ensued.

A fellow Moroccan, Merouane Zemmama, was signed by Hibs at the start of the 2006–07 season. It was thought that this should help Benji to settle into Scottish football, and he rewarded Hibs with two goals in the 2007 Scottish League Cup Final victory against Kilmarnock. [6] Benjelloun was then expected to feature prominently during the 2007–08 season, but he suffered a season plagued by injuries, scoring only one goal in competitive matches. He was the subject of interest from Belgian First Division A clubs. Anderlecht were reported to be watching him [7] and Westerlo had an offer rejected in July 2008. [8]

After Benjelloun completed two loan spells during the 2008–09 season, new Hibernian manager John Hughes claimed that Benjelloun still had a future at the club. [9] On 20 July 2009, Egyptian Premier League club Al Ahly claimed that they had signed Benjelloun on a three-year contract, [10] [11] but the deal was cancelled days later. [12] Benjelloun eventually returned to training with Hibs in early August, and he scored the winning goal in their first game of the 2009–10 season. [13] He held down a regular place in the side playing as a second striker during the next few months, [14] but struggled for first team action after this and was released at the end of the season. [15] At the last game of the season, Benji was shown to be in tears, perhaps anticipating his release. [16]

Charleroi

Hibs agreed to loan Benji to Charleroi in August 2008 on a season long loan, with the Belgian side having the option to purchase the player outright. [17] The deal was confirmed that day on the official site of Charleroi, with Benjelloun pictured in his new side's colours. [18] Despite scoring on his debut against Roeselare, Benji failed to hold down a regular spot and made only eight appearances during his loan spell. The Scotsman newspaper reported on 2 January 2009 that Benjelloun had "endured" a difficult spell in Belgium due to injuries. [19] Charleroi decided not to exercise their option to sign Benjelloun, which meant that he returned to Hibs. [20] Benjelloun later commented that he had experienced personal problems during his time with Charleroi. [14]

Roeselare

Sharjah-based club Al Shaab reached an agreement in principle to sign Benjelloun, [20] but could not conclude a deal with Hibs. Towards the end of the transfer window, Benjelloun signed on loan for another Belgian First Division A club, Roeselare, [21] until the end of the season. Benjelloun scored five goals in the first five of Roselare's last six matches as they retained their league status in relegation play-offs. [22] He was withdrawn injured in their penultimate match and missed their final match.

Ismaily

After his release by Hibs in May 2010, Benjelloun agreed a two-year contract with German 2. Bundesliga club Greuther Fürth. [23] He did not complete the move, however, with the club claiming that he had demanded too much money. [24] Soon afterwards, Benjelloun signed for Egyptian Premier League club Ismaily SC. [1] He made only seven appearances before leaving the club in January 2011. [1]

Return to Morocco

Benjelloun then had a short spell with Raja Casablanca. [1] He signed for his first club Wydad de Fès, later in 2011. [1] He then moved to FUS Rabat and was recalled to the Moroccan national team in the 2011–12 season.

International career

Benjelloun was first selected by Morocco during the 2007–08 season. He scored on his international debut, in a 4–1 win against Belgium in Brussels. [25] He was then selected for the 2010 World Cup qualifiers at the end of the season. Benjelloun scored in the first two matches, against Ethiopia [26] and Mauritania. [27]

Career statistics

Club

As of 06:39, 10 May 2010 (UTC) [28]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeagueNational cupLeague cupEuropeTotal
AppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Hibernian 2005–06 5110000061
2006–07 3366355104514
2007–08 151201000181
2009–10 283411000334
Charleroi (loan) 2008–09 8100000081
Roeselare (loan) 2008–09 146000000146
Total10318134751012427

International

Scores and results list Morocco's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Benjelloun goal.
List of international goals scored by Abdessalam Benjelloun
No.DateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition
126 March 2008 King Baudouin Stadium, Brussels, BelgiumFlag of Belgium (civil).svg  Belgium 4–14–1 Friendly
231 May 2008 Stade Mohamed V, Casablanca, MoroccoFlag of Ethiopia.svg  Ethiopia 1–03–0 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
37 June 2008 Stade Olympique, Nouakchott, MauritaniaFlag of Mauritania (1959-2017).svg  Mauritania 2–04–12010 FIFA World Cup qualification
423 June 2012 Prince Abdullah al-Faisal Stadium, Jeddah, Saudi ArabiaFlag of Bahrain.svg  Bahrain 4–04–0 2012 Arab Nations Cup
522 October 2015 Stade Olympique de Radès, Radès, TunisiaFlag of Libya.svg  Libya 1–04–0 2016 African Nations Championship qualification

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John Collins (footballer, born 1968)</span> Scottish footballer and manager

John Angus Paul Collins is a Scottish professional football manager and former player who played as a midfielder.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Merouane Zemmama</span> Moroccan footballer

Merouane Zemmama, Arabic: مروان زمامة, is a Moroccan football manager and a retired Moroccan professional footballer who used to play as an attacking midfielder. Zemmama represented Morocco at the 2004 Summer Olympics and was first capped at full international level in 2008.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Garry O'Connor</span> Scottish association football player

Garry Lawrence John O'Connor is a Scottish professional football manager and a former player. He played for Hibernian, Peterhead, Lokomotiv Moscow, Barnsley, Tom Tomsk, Birmingham City, Greenock Morton and represented Scotland.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Derek Riordan</span> Scottish footballer

Derek George Riordan is a Scottish former professional footballer who played as a striker. He was capped three times by the Scotland national team.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mixu Paatelainen</span> Finnish footballer and manager (born 1967)

Mika-Matti PetteriPaatelainen is a Finnish former professional football player and the head coach of Veikkausliiga club HIFK. He scored 18 goals in 70 appearances for the Finnish national team, which makes him Finland's all time thirteenth most capped player and fifth top goalscorer. He is the eldest of three brothers, all of whom have played professional football. Their father Matti was also a Finnish international.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Steven Fletcher (footballer)</span> Footballer (born 1987)

Steven Kenneth Fletcher is a professional footballer who plays as a striker for Wrexham.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ivan Sproule</span> Northern Irish footballer

Ivan Sproule is a Northern Irish retired professional footballer who was most recently caretaker manager of NIFL Championship side Dergview. Early in his career, Sproule played in Northern Ireland for Omagh Town and Institute. He became a full-time professional in January 2005, after he signed for Scottish Premier League side Hibernian, just a month before his 24th birthday. He made a significant impact at Hibernian, scoring a hat-trick against Rangers and earning selection by the Northern Ireland national team.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yves Ma-Kalambay</span> Association football player

Yves Makabu-Ma-Kalambay is a former professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper. He most recently played for English club Wycombe Wanderers. Ma-Kalambay has previously played for Chelsea, Watford, Hibernian, Swansea City and KV Mechelen.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Colin Nish</span> Scottish footballer & coach

Colin John Nish is a Scottish former football player, coach and manager. Nish played for Dunfermline Athletic, Alloa Athletic, Clyde, Kilmarnock, Hibernian, Hartlepool United, Dundee, Dumbarton and Cowdenbeath. Whilst playing for Cowdenbeath, Nish was appointed player-manager of the Fife club. Following their relegation to Scottish League Two, Nish's contract was terminated. He subsequently managed Tranent Juniors for the 2022-23 season. More recently Colin Nish has been found guilty of beating an ex partner to her injury. https://news.stv.tv/east-central/former-hibs-and-kilmarnock-star-colin-nish-guilty-of-assaulting-ex-partner-in-east-lothian

David Peter Gray is a Scottish former footballer and coach who is currently the first team coach of Hibernian. He represented Scotland at both under-19 and under-21 level.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sean Lynch (footballer)</span> Scottish footballer

Sean Lynch is a Scottish former professional footballer who played as a midfielder.

Damon Ian Gray is an English footballer. He began his professional career with Scottish Premier League club Hibernian, and spent time on loan with Partick Thistle. Gray then played for Berwick Rangers for a season before moving to Sweden. He re-signed for Berwick in 2011 before moving to Kelty Hearts in July 2012.

Season 2007–08 for Hibernian could be split into three distinct parts: a great unbeaten start to the Scottish Premier League season that temporarily took the club to the top of the league; a terrible middle phase which saw a long winless run and the resignation of John Collins as Hibs manager; and, finally, a modest recovery under the management of Mixu Paatelainen, who was appointed in January 2008. This took Hibs into the top half of the SPL, but short of third place and the UEFA Cup spot, which was won by Motherwell.

Season 2006–07 was a mixed season for Hibernian; their league form suffered from extended cup runs, and they eventually finished sixth. The reward for their cup form was a first trophy in 16 years, thrashing Kilmarnock 5–1 in the final to lift the CIS Cup. Hibs were knocked out of the Scottish Cup in a semi-final replay by Dunfermline.

Fabián Rodrigo Yantorno Blengio is a former Uruguayan professional footballer who last played as a midfielder for Sud América. Yantorno has played for several clubs in South America and the United Kingdom.

Season 2005–06 was a season of missed opportunities for Hibernian. The team started strongly in the league, winning 10 of their first 14 games, but this form dipped after Christmas. The Scottish Cup seemed to be opening up for Hibs after they defeated Rangers 3–0 at Ibrox in the fourth round, but they then lost 4–0 in an Edinburgh derby semi–final against Hearts. Hibs lost 3–0 in the quarter–final of the Scottish League Cup at Dunfermline, and were well beaten by Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk in the UEFA Cup.

Season 2009–10 for Hibernian was their eleventh consecutive season of play in the Scottish Premier League. The SPL season began on 15 August 2009, with a 2–1 win against St Mirren at home. After a very strong start to the season in which they challenged for the league leadership, Hibs then had a slump in form in the later part of the season. The team eventually secured a Europa League place via finishing fourth in the SPL by winning 2–0 on the final day at Tannadice. Hibs were eliminated from the Scottish Cup in a quarter final replay by Ross County and were knocked out of the Scottish League Cup in the third round by St Johnstone.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Danny Galbraith</span> Scottish footballer

Daniel William Galbraith is a Scottish professional footballer who plays as a winger for Bo'ness United.

Season 2010–11 for Hibernian was their 12th consecutive season of play in the Scottish Premier League. It was the first season played in the redeveloped Easter Road stadium, with its capacity increased to over 20,000 for the first time since it became an all-seater stadium in the early 1990s. The SPL season began on 15 August 2010 with a 3–2 win at Motherwell. Hibs competed in the UEFA Europa League, losing 6–2 on aggregate to Slovenian club NK Maribor. They also lost at the first stage of competition in the Scottish League Cup, losing 3–1 at Kilmarnock. Those cup defeats and a poor start to the league season led to manager John Hughes leaving by mutual consent in early October. Colin Calderwood was appointed as the new manager, but struggled to make any sort of impression, as they were knocked out of the Scottish Cup by Ayr United and fell into a relegation battle. A winning streak after the January transfer window meant any danger was quickly averted, but the team still finished in the bottom six.

Sean Welsh is a Scottish footballer, who plays as a midfielder for Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the Scottish Championship. He has previously played for Hibernian, Stenhousemuir, Stirling Albion, Partick Thistle and Falkirk.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Abdessalam Benjelloun at National-Football-Teams.com
  2. ↑ Mercato. Abdeslam Benjelloun quitte le FUS, sport.le360.ma, 24 June 2017
  3. ↑ "Hibs Sign Abdessalam Benjelloun". Hibernian Mad. 17 March 2006.
  4. ↑ "Hibernian 0–4 Hearts". BBC Sport. 2 April 2006.
  5. ↑ "Mowbray will chastise goalscorer". BBC Sport. 22 April 2006.
  6. ↑ Harris, Nick (19 March 2007). "Kilmarnock 1 Hibernian 5: Collins proclaims cup success at last". The Independent . London.[ dead link ]
  7. ↑ "Anderlecht is observing a Moroccan playing in Scotland" (in Dutch). sporza.be. 7 June 2008. Archived from the original on 9 June 2008.
  8. ↑ Hardie, David (24 July 2008). "Hibs reject Westerlo bid for Benjelloun". Edinburgh Evening News . Archived from the original on 7 September 2008. Retrieved 24 July 2008.
  9. ↑ "Hughes promises adventurous Hibs". BBC Sport. 10 June 2009.
  10. ↑ "Egyptians claim to have signed Benjelloun". The Herald . 21 July 2009. Archived from the original on 24 July 2009.
  11. ↑ Collin, Iain (21 July 2009). "Benjelloun on verge of Hibs exit as Al-Ahly claim three-year deal". The Scotsman . Retrieved 22 September 2010.
  12. ↑ "Al-Ahly will not sign Hibs' Benji". BBC Sport. 26 July 2009.
  13. ↑ "SPL Roundup". Sky Sports. 15 August 2009.
  14. 1 2 "An answer to Benji's prayers". Scotland on Sunday . 25 October 2009.
  15. ↑ "Benjelloun among three Hibs players shown the door". BBC Sport. 14 May 2010. Archived from the original on 17 May 2010. Retrieved 14 May 2010.
  16. ↑ "Hughes trying to hammer out players' futures with Hibs chairman". The Scotsman . 10 May 2010.
  17. ↑ "Yantorno in as Hibs loan Benji". BBC Sport. 8 August 2008.
  18. ↑ "Deux renforts offensifs pour le RCSC !" (in French). Charleroi. 8 August 2008.
  19. ↑ "Benjelloun in line for UAE loan". The Scotsman . 2 January 2009.
  20. 1 2 Hardie, David (10 January 2009). "Benji on way back to Hibs as JC decides against deal". Edinburgh Evening News .
  21. ↑ "Benjelloun moves on to Roeselare". BBC Sport. 1 February 2009.
  22. ↑ "Moroccans will miss out as Hibs return". Edinburgh Evening News . 27 June 2009.
  23. ↑ Goodman, Steve (19 May 2010). "Benjelloun makes Greuther Furth next stop after Hibs". The Scotsman . Retrieved 19 May 2010.
  24. ↑ Heidingsfelder, Kurt (30 June 2010). "Ersatz für Allagui wollte zu viel Geld". Nurnberger Nachrichten (in German). Retrieved 30 June 2010.
  25. ↑ "Morocco beat Belgium 4–1 in international friendly". International Herald Tribune . 26 March 2008.
  26. ↑ "Morocco, Rwanda win in Group 8". BBC Sport. 31 May 2008.
  27. ↑ "Morocco brush aside Mauritania". BBC Sport. 7 June 2008.
  28. ↑ Abdessalam Benjelloun at Soccerbase
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.