Yohan Benalouane is a Tunisian and French association football player known for his defensive skills.
He began his professional career at AS Saint-Étienne, where he played from 2007 to 2010.
Benalouane played for Parma Calcio 1913 from 2012 to 2014, making a significant impact in Serie A.
Biography
Early Life and Background
Yohan Benalouane is a Tunisian former professional footballer born to a French father and a Tunisian mother, which granted him dual eligibility to represent either country. He began his football journey at AS Saint-Étienne, where he played for the reserves starting in 2005 before making his first-team debut in 2007.
Club Career
Benalouane's career took him across several clubs in Europe. After his time at Saint-Étienne, he moved to Italy, joining AC Cesena in 2010. His stint there was marked by a controversial incident where he left the pitch in frustration after being jeered by fans. He then played for Parma, where he initially joined on loan in 2012 before making the move permanent. In 2014, he had a brief spell at Atalanta, followed by a significant transfer to Leicester City in 2015, where he was part of the squad during their historic Premier League title win. However, his time at Leicester was marred by injury and limited playing time, leading to a loan to ACF Fiorentina in 2016.
International Career
Benalouane's international career has been equally complex. Initially eligible to play for France, he opted to represent Tunisia, making his debut in 2018. He was part of Tunisia's squad for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, showcasing his commitment to his heritage and the national team. Despite earlier refusals to join the national team, he ultimately embraced his role as a defender for Tunisia, contributing to their international campaigns.
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Gallery
Career & Clubs
Club
As of match played 22 July 2020
International
As of match played 17 July 2019
Saint-Étienne
Benalouane started out his professional career at a French club Saint-Étienne, playing exclusively for the reserves in 2005 before successfully promoted to the first team in 2007.
Cesena
On 31 August 2010, Benalouane joined Serie A club Cesena for an undisclosed fee. After a particularly poor performance in a 2–0 loss against Bologna in December 2010, Benalouane was substituted. On leaving the pitch, and being jeered by Cesena supporters, he stormed past the bench and headed straight down the tunnel. He later publicly apologised for his behaviour.
Parma and Atalanta
In the summer of 2012, Benalouane was loaned to Parma, making his move permanent in July 2013 in a co-ownership deal. He signed a five-year contract with the Serie A outfit. On 3 January 2014, he joined Atalanta on a loan deal.
Leicester City
On 3 August 2015, Benalouane joined Premier League club Leicester City on a four-year contract for an undisclosed fee, reported to be €8 million. On 31 January 2016, he joined Italian club ACF Fiorentina on loan until the end of the season, but did not play for the club due to injury. In June 2016, Benalouane filed an appeal with the Lega Serie A over unpaid wages from Fiorentina, whose sporting director claimed Leicester had deceived them over the player's fitness. He played only four league games (all as a substitute) in the 2015–16 Premier League season, when Leicester became champions, making him ineligible for a…
Benalouane was eligible to play either for France (by place of birth) or Tunisia (through parentage). Despite playing once for the French under 21 team, he submitted a transfer request to represent the Tunisian senior team in 2010. However, despite receiving a call-up against Chad in an African Cup of Nations qualifier, he missed the game because he failed to be vaccinated prior to travel to Chad. In October he refused to join Tunisia for the match against Togo, for which he expected to receive a call-up from Laurent Blanc instead. However, FIFA warned Benalouane that as the paperwork had been completed, he could represent Tunisia only, a refusal to show up may risk a ban in club football. Benalouane refused another call-up in August 2013. In March 2018, Benalouane was once again called up by Tunisia, and this time he accepted the call up. Benalouane made his debut for Tunisia in a 1–0 victory over Iran on 23 March 2018, playing the full match. He was named in Tunisia's final 23-man squad for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
- Club
- AS Saint-Étienne (2007–2010)
- Club
- Parma Calcio 1913 (2012–2014)
- Club
- AC Cesena (2010–2012)
- Club
- Atalanta BC (2014–2014)
- Club
- ACF Fiorentina (2016–)
- Club
- Atalanta BC (2014–2015)
- Club
- Leicester City F.C. (2015–2016)
- Club
- France national under-21 association football team (2008–2008)
- Club
- AS Saint-Étienne (2005–2007)
- Club
- Tunisia men's national football team (2010–)
- National team
- Tunisia
Clubs
Played together with
- Abdelaye DiakitéParma Calcio 1913 · 2013–2015
- Abdelaziz KamaraAS Saint-Étienne · 2000–2006
Abdelkader FerhaouiAS Saint-Étienne · 1998–2000
Abdelkader GhezzalAC Cesena · 2011–2012
Abdelkader GhezzalParma Calcio 1913 · 2013–2015
Abdelkrim MerryAS Saint-Étienne · 1986–1987
Abderrazzak JadidParma Calcio 1913 · 2010–2012
Abdou DialloFrance national under-21 association football team · 2016–2019- Abdou Lahat DiakhateACF Fiorentina
Abdoul CamaraFrance national under-21 association football team · 2011–2011Abdoulay KonkoAtalanta BC
Abdoulaye DoucouréFrance national under-21 association football team · 2014–2014
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Yohan Ben Alouane is a Tunisian former professional footballer who played as a defender.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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