Hillal Soudani
Who was Hillal Soudani?
Algerian striker who scored crucial goals during Algeria's 2014 World Cup campaign and has played for clubs in Qatar and Croatia.
Biographical data adapted from Wikipedia’s article on Hillal Soudani (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Biography
El Arabi Hilal Soudani is an Algerian professional footballer born on November 25, 1987, in Chlef, Algeria. Known for his ability to play both as a striker and winger, Soudani is one of Algeria's top international goalscorers. His career has taken him across several continents, with significant time spent in Qatar, Croatia, and Slovenia, where he currently plays for Maribor in the Slovenian PrvaLiga.
Soudani started playing for the Algerian national team in 2010. During his time with the team, he earned 56 caps and scored 24 goals, making him the eighth-highest scorer in Algeria's football history. His highlight on the international stage was at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, where he was key in helping Algeria reach the knockout stage for the first time.
Aside from the World Cup, Soudani played in three Africa Cup of Nations tournaments in 2013, 2015, and 2017, showing his steady presence in the national team for almost ten years. His club career has included successful periods in Qatar and Croatia, where he built his reputation as a dependable goalscorer and versatile forward.
Now with NK Maribor in Slovenia, Soudani continues to lend his experience and scoring skills to the team. His career path shows how modern football is becoming more global, with players from North Africa finding opportunities in Europe and the Middle East. Throughout his career, Soudani has been known for his hard work, technical skill, and ability to perform under pressure, making him an important player for both his club and country.
Before Fame
Growing up in Chlef, a city in northwestern Algeria, Soudani honed his football skills at a time when Algerian football was on the rise again after the country's civil conflict in the 1990s. His youth matched Algeria's push to rebuild its football setup and nurture new talent for the national team.
Soudani went professional in the 2000s, a time when many Algerian players began looking abroad to advance their careers. During this period, European and Middle Eastern clubs were scouting more in North Africa, giving gifted players like Soudani chances to display their talents internationally.
Key Achievements
- Scored crucial goals during Algeria's historic 2014 World Cup Round of 16 qualification
- Became Algeria's eighth-highest international goalscorer with 24 goals in 56 appearances
- Represented Algeria at three Africa Cup of Nations tournaments (2013, 2015, 2017)
- Maintained a decade-long international career from 2010-2020
- Successfully played professional football across four different countries and leagues
Did You Know?
- 01.Soudani's goal against South Korea in the 2014 World Cup helped Algeria reach the Round of 16 for the first time in their World Cup history
- 02.He played for clubs in four different countries during his professional career: Algeria, Qatar, Croatia, and Slovenia
- 03.His full name 'El Arabi Hilal' translates to 'The Arab Crescent' in English
- 04.Soudani scored his international goals at a rate of better than one goal every 2.3 matches during his national team career
- 05.He represented Algeria in three consecutive Africa Cup of Nations tournaments spanning six years from 2013 to 2017