A header in the 75th minute on 18 July 2010 secured a victory for JS Kabylie against Ismaily during the CAF Champions League group stage, marking a significant moment in the early career of Essaïd Belkalem. This Algerian defender progressed through youth ranks to become a professional athlete representing both his home country and multiple European league clubs.
Early Development and Domestic Success
Born in 1989 in Mekla, Algeria, Belkalem began his professional journey with JS Kabylie in 2008. By the 2009–2010 season, he established himself as a regular presence on the pitch, appearing 20 times and finding the net once. His performances led to recognition in 2009, when he was named the third-best young talent in the Algerian Championnat National, finishing behind Abderahmane Hachoud and Youcef Ghazali in a poll conducted by DZFoot.
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Belkalem’s international path started in 2007 with the Algeria U20 team during the Mediterranean Trophy in Sicily, Italy. He later moved through the U23 and Algeria A' squads. His senior debut for Algeria arrived on 9 September 2012 in a 1–0 victory over Libya. He eventually participated in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, where he helped Algeria reach the Round of 16. In an international friendly on 31 May 2014, he scored his first goal for the senior team during a 3–1 win against Armenia.
European Campaigns and Returns
In June 2013, following the expiration of his JS Kabylie contract, Belkalem signed a five-year deal with Granada. Shortly after, he moved to the Championship club Watford on a season-long loan, making his league debut in September 2013. Watford converted the move to a permanent transfer in June 2014. During his time in England, he also spent a season on loan at the Turkish side Trabzonspor, where he recorded 16 league appearances and eight in the Europa League. His time at Watford concluded in August 2016, and he later returned to JS Kabylie on 15 January 2018.
Fast facts
- Born: 1989, Mekla, Algeria
- Position: Defender
- First professional club: JS Kabylie
- International debut: 9 September 2012
- 2014 FIFA World Cup appearance: Yes
- Languages: Arabic
Questions readers ask
Which major international tournament did Belkalem play in?
He represented Algeria at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, helping the team advance to the Round of 16.
Did Belkalem play for any clubs outside of Algeria?
Yes, he played for Granada in Spain, Watford in England, and Trabzonspor in Turkey.
