Nadir Belhadj secured the 2011 AFC Champions League title for Al Sadd by converting the decisive penalty kick against South Korean opponents Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors.
Early Career in France
Born in Saint-Claude in 1982 to parents from Oran, Belhadj developed his skills within the Jura Sud Foot system until 1997. He later moved to Racing Besançon before joining Ligue 1 side Lens. Unable to secure a first-team position, he transferred to FC Gueugnon in 2002. His tenure at CS Sedan from 2004 proved transformative, as he made over thirty appearances across two seasons and earned promotion to Ligue 1. By January 2007, he moved to Olympique Lyonnais on a four-and-a-half-year contract, though limited playing time prompted a return to Lens in early 2008 for a fee of €3.6 million.
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In September 2008, Belhadj signed with Portsmouth on a season-long loan, later securing a permanent four-and-a-half-year contract worth €4.5 million in December 2008. His stint in the Premier League included notable performances against Middlesbrough and Liverpool. He featured in the 2009–10 FA Cup final as a substitute. Beyond domestic league play, he contributed to the team's European campaign, including a match against A.C. Milan in the UEFA Cup.
Transition to Qatar and International Play
Belhadj initially represented France at the Under-18 level in 2000. Benefiting from 2004 FIFA eligibility rule changes, he switched his allegiance to Algeria, debuting in a 2004 friendly against China. Over his international career, he recorded 54 caps and 4 goals, including appearances at the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2010 FIFA World Cup. He retired from international competition on 4 May 2012. Domestically, his time with Al Sadd yielded several honours, including the 2012–13 Qatar Stars League title, before brief stints at Muaither and a return to Sedan in 2021.
Fast facts
- Born: 18 June 1982, Saint-Claude
- Citizenship: France and Algeria
- International debut: 28 April 2004 vs China
- International caps: 54
- International goals: 4
- Portsmouth permanent transfer fee: €4.5 million
- Lyon transfer fee: €3.24 million
- International retirement date: 4 May 2012
Questions readers ask
Which major trophies did Belhadj win with Al Sadd?
His honours include the 2012–13 Qatar Stars League title, the 2014 and 2015 Emir of Qatar Cup, the 2014 Qatari Sheikh Jassim Cup, the 2010 Qatari Stars Cup, and the 2011 AFC Champions League.
Why was his eligibility to play for Algeria significant?
He was among the first players to utilize the 2004 FIFA rule change allowing individuals who previously played for one nation at the youth level to switch national allegiance.
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