Abdelkader Mohamed Ghezzal began his professional football career in France before establishing himself in the Italian league system. Born on 5 December 1984 in Décines-Charpieu, he eventually pursued an international career with Algeria. Over the course of his professional tenure, he operated as both a forward and a midfield playmaker for various top-tier clubs.
Early Career and Move to Italy
Before his prominence in Italy, Ghezzal played for minor league clubs in France, including a stint at AS Saint-Priest between 2004 and 2005, where he scored 11 goals in 22 appearances. In 2005, he transferred to the Italian club Crotone. His performance at Crotone proved pivotal for his career; he scored 20 goals during the 2007–08 Serie C1/B season, which helped the team secure promotion to Serie B.
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In June 2008, Ghezzal joined Genoa C.F.C. for €2 million, but moved to A.C. Siena for €3.5 million less than a month later. By 2010, he transferred to A.S. Bari on a four-year contract in a deal valued at €2.25 million. His subsequent career included a season-long loan to A.C. Cesena in 2011 and a temporary placement at Latina in 2013 after Parma F.C. signed him for an undisclosed fee. During his time at Bari, he made 37 appearances and scored 4 goals, while also recording 16 appearances and 2 goals for Levante UD in 2012.
International Representation
Despite being eligible to play for France, Ghezzal chose to represent Algeria after consulting with national coach Rabah Saadane. He received his first call-up in November 2008 for a friendly match against Mali. He scored his first international goal on 11 February 2009 during a 2–1 victory over Benin. Throughout his international career, he earned 28 caps and scored 3 goals. He also participated in the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations, though his World Cup appearance against Slovenia resulted in a red card after two yellow card offenses.
Fast facts
- Born: 5 December 1984, Décines-Charpieu
- Citizenship: France, Algeria
- Primary Positions: Forward, Midfield Playmaker
- International Caps: 28
- International Goals: 3
- Brother: Rachid Ghezzal
Questions readers ask
Which countries did Abdelkader Ghezzal represent in his football career?
He played for various clubs in France, Italy, and Spain, and represented the Algeria national team internationally.
Was he ever sent off in a major tournament?
Yes, during the 2010 FIFA World Cup group stage match against Slovenia, he received two yellow cards and was sent off after thirteen minutes on the pitch.
