Younès Belhanda

Younès Belhanda began his professional career after securing a contract with Montpellier on 27 July 2009, following a successful tenure in the club's youth academy. Born in Avignon in 1990, the French-Moroccan midfielder transitioned from a defensive role during his early training into an attacking playmaker, a shift that defined his professional trajectory in European and international football.

Early Development and Youth Career

Raised in the commune of Aramon, Belhanda started at Racing Club Aramon before joining MJC Avignon. Under the guidance of trainer Jean-Christophe Gleyze, he developed his skills as a libero. At age 13, he attracted interest from clubs including Lyon, Marseille, and Saint-Étienne, but ultimately opted for Montpellier to maintain proximity to his home.

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Breakthrough at Montpellier

Promoted to the senior team by manager René Girard in 2009, Belhanda was initially deployed as an attacker in a 4-2-3-1 formation. He debuted against Paris Saint-Germain and scored his first goal against Marseille on 19 September 2009. His role evolved during the 2011-12 season, when he adopted the number ten shirt and became the team's primary playmaker, eventually earning the UNFP Player of the Month award in November 2011.

International and Club Journeys

Belhanda represents Morocco, having participated in the Africa Cup of Nations in 2012, 2013, and 2019, alongside the 2018 FIFA World Cup. His club career includes spells with FC Dynamo Kyiv from 2013 to 2016, where he made 72 appearances, as well as Schalke 04. He has also played for Al-Sailiya in the Qatar Stars League.