Farid El Alagui

Early career

Born in Bordeaux, France, El Alagui began playing football when he was six or seven years old. El Alagui started out as a goalkeeper at 14 years old before moving to a defensive midfield position, as he wanted to play outfield. When El Alagui was 19, he tried out playing as a striker. Although El Alagui tried out playing as a striker, his manager was impressed with him and wanted to see him more in the position. El Alagui began his career in amateur leagues in his native France, plying his trade at FC Marmande 47 and Bergerac Foot. He later revealed that: "No, I didn’t play professionally in France. I did have contact with Créteil and Gazélec Ajaccio at the time, but I didn’t pursue it. I wanted to play in countries where the passion and fervor for football were greater." This resulted in him moving to Moroccan top flight club Wydad Casablanca in 2009, winning the 2009–10 league championship in his first and only season with the club. In 2010, he returned to France and signed for CFA club SO Romorantin.

Falkirk

On 22 July 2011, El Alagui joined Scottish First Division club Falkirk on a one-year contracts. It came after when he went on trial with the club and impressed with the management, including Steven Pressley, leading him to a contract. He made his first-team debut on 23 July 2011 in the club's 2–1 win over Brechin City in the Scottish Challenge Cup El Alagui scored his first goal for Falkirk in a 4–2 away win against Dundee, Albion Rovers…

After retiring from professional football, El Alagui began working as U16 coach at FC Marmande 47. He previously stated his desire to become a sport director or a general manager while also setting up an academy. El Alagui reflected on his first full season at FC Marmande 47, balancing his role as coach and sporting director. On 11 October 2021, the club announced the departure of El Alagui’s role as coach and sporting director.

In addition to speaking French, El Alagui is fluent in English. He is a Moroccan descent and has one sister. Prior to becoming a footballer, El Alagui studied finance and even worked in a bank. El Alagui’s mother works in a catering business. El Alagui became famous among the Falkirk supporters for "Kissing the Coin" after every goal, the lucky coin being kept by the backroom staff at the touchline. He continued to follow his same trait after leaving Falkirk. El Alagui said about his background: ""I feel both Moroccan and French, but my origin and my heart are Moroccan. My blood is Moroccan." He said his idol was Marouane Chamakh. El Alagui is married to his Scottish wife, Jenna and together, they have one daughter. Following his injury against Alloa Athletic on 30 August 2014, El Alagui never play in the artificial pitch for the rest of his playing career. El Alagui splits his time at Edinburgh and Bordeaux where he is studying for a degree in sports management. El Alagui eventually received his degree in sports management at University of Lyon.

Falkirk

Scottish Challenge Cup: 2011–12

Individual

PFA First Division Player of the Year: 2011–12 PFA Scotland First Division Team of the Year: 2011–12