Ahmad Benali

Manchester City

Benali started his career in the youth team of Manchester City since joining the club at eight, and signed his first professional contract on his 17th birthday. While at the Manchester City youth team, Benali was given the captaincy. On 31 August 2011, Benali was loaned out to League One club Rochdale, along with his former teammate David Ball, until 1 January 2012. After being absent from the first team for a month, Benali made his Rochdale debut on 4 October 2011, where he made his first start and played 72 minutes, in a 1–1 draw against Scunthorpe United in the second round of the Football League Trophy and progressed through to the next round after winning 3–1 in the penalty shoot–out. Benali then made his league debut eleven days later on 15 October 2011, where he provided assist for Gary Jones, in a 2–2 draw against Colchester United. After making two appearances for Rochdale, Benali returned to his parent club in late–December when it came to an end. At the end of the 2011–12 season, Benali was released by Manchester City following the end of his contract. By the time he was released, Benali had made no appearances for the club.

Brescia

After leaving Manchester City, Benali played abroad for the first time, moving to Italy to join Serie B club Brescia in the summer of 2012. Benali made his Brescia Calcio debut, where he played 77 minutes, in a 2–1 loss against Cremonese in the second round of Coppa Italia. Benali made his league debut…

Although Benali played for England U17 five times, he declared his allegiance to Libya. He made his debut with Libya on 23 May 2012, in the friendly played against Rwanda. By October 2019 he was national team captain. He has now retired from International Football.

In response to his playing style in an interview with Umbro, Benali said: "I'm an attacking midfielder, I like to get forward and support the attack rather than the other side of midfield! Maybe a bit similar to someone like Kaka – I don't have a nickname like his, though! Mine's Ammo." Italian media based Fanta Magazine said of his playing style, quoting: "Benali prefers to play as a midfielder but if necessary can also be used as a central midfielder or even as a playmaker. In addition, Benali can be used as a technical midfielder, whose athleticism can help make an important contribution in defence despite his lack of height at 173cm. Benali is also a good dribbler, who can take a shot from distance and has very strong offensive skills."

Born in Manchester, England, Benali was born to a Libyan father and a British mother and is a Muslim, he also has a younger sister, Layla. Regarding to his nationality, he said he considered himself to be Libyan. Benali has four children: a daughter, and three sons.