A professional career spanning over a decade began for Rachid Ghezzal in 2012 when he made his debut for Lyon during a UEFA Europa League group stage match against Ironi Kiryat Shmona. The Décines-Charpieu native established himself as a winger, representing Algeria on the international stage after initially competing for France at the under-20 level.
Early Development and Lyon
Born in May 1992, Ghezzal signed an élite contract with Lyon in July 2010. He spent two seasons with the reserve team in the Championnat de France Amateur before manager Rémi Garde promoted him to the senior squad for the 2012–13 campaign. A persistent back injury sidelined him for the majority of the 2013–14 season. He eventually regained consistent form in 2016, concluding the 2015–16 season with eight goals and eight assists in 29 Ligue 1 appearances.
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After departing Lyon, Ghezzal moved to Monaco on a free transfer in August 2017. A year later, he transferred to Leicester City, where he debuted with a goal against Fleetwood Town. Loan spells followed at Fiorentina and Beşiktaş, the latter becoming a permanent move in 2021. During his stint in Turkey, he secured the 2020–21 Süper Lig title and was recognized as the league's best foreign player and top assist provider. Following a brief exclusion from the squad in late 2023 and his subsequent departure, he returned to Lyon on a one-year contract in September 2025.
International and Philanthropic Endeavors
Eligible for both France and Algeria, Ghezzal opted to represent Algeria. He made his senior debut in 2015 and participated in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations. His first international goal came against Ethiopia in 2016. Outside of football, he maintains ties to the non-profit organization Sport dans la Ville, where he participated until age 12, crediting the group for supporting his development as a professional athlete.
Fast facts
- Born: 9 May 1992, Décines-Charpieu
- Citizenship: France and Algeria
- International debut: 2015
- 2020–21 Süper Lig Best Foreign Player
- Brother: Abdelkader Ghezzal
- Return to Lyon: September 2025
Questions readers ask
Which countries did Rachid Ghezzal represent in international football?
He represented France at the under-20 level and later played for the senior Algeria national team.
What major trophies did he win with Beşiktaş?
He won the 2020–21 Süper Lig title and the Turkish Cup in both the 2020–21 and 2023–24 seasons.
