The 2018–19 Qatar Stars League season saw Baghdad Bounedjah set a record by scoring 39 goals in a single campaign, a milestone that cemented his standing as a prolific forward. During that same calendar year, he recorded 58 goals across all competitions, establishing himself as the leading goalscorer in professional football globally for that period.
Early Career in Algeria
Born in Oran on 24 November 1991, Bounedjah developed his skills within the youth ranks of RCG Oran, entering the senior squad in 2009. In 2011, he moved to USM El Harrach on a two-year contract. His professional debut occurred on 10 September 2011 during a match against MC Oran, where he immediately made an impact by scoring in the 78th minute.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Tenure in Tunisia
In June 2013, he signed with Étoile Sportive du Sahel. He quickly established himself as a key player, finishing as the top scorer in the 2014 Tunisian Professional League 1 with 14 goals. His success included winning the Tunisian Cup twice consecutively in 2013 and 2014, and securing the CAF Confederation Cup title, where he also claimed the top scorer award.
Success at Al Sadd
Bounedjah joined Al Sadd in 2015, spending his first six months on loan back at Étoile du Sahel. Upon returning to Qatar in 2016, he became a consistent offensive threat. By the 2018–19 season, he gained international recognition for his scoring rate, including a single-game record of seven goals against Al-Arabi. He also became the first player from a Qatari club to lead the AFC Champions League in scoring, netting 13 goals during the 2018 campaign.
International Representation
Bounedjah made his senior debut for the Algeria national team in 2013. His international experience includes participation in the 2016 Summer Olympics and five editions of the Africa Cup of Nations. A significant highlight of his international career occurred during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, where he scored the winning goal in the final to help secure the tournament title for Algeria.
Fast facts
- Born: 24 November 1991, Oran
- Professional debut: 10 September 2011
- 2018 global goal tally: 58 goals
- Qatar Stars League record: 39 goals in one season
- Current club: Al-Shamal
- International debut: 2013
Questions readers ask
What is Bounedjah's most notable international achievement?
He scored the winning goal for Algeria in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations final.
How many goals did he score in the 2018 AFC Champions League?
He finished as the competition's top scorer with 13 goals.
