One To Watch #13: Yacine Brahimi

Last updated : 23 September 2009 By Dan Buxton

Name:  Yacine Brahimi
Date of Birth:
8th February, 1990
Position:
Midfielder
Club:
Clerment Foot (Loan)
Previous Club(s):

INF Clairefontaine

Paris Saint-Germain

Rennes (Current Club)
Club Honours:  

U18s Championship, 2006-07

Coupe Gambardella, 2008
International Apps (Goals):

France U16s – 8 (1)

France U17s – 12 (1)

France U18s – 9 (0)

France U19s – 19 (12)

 

It was in 2003 when Yacine first got his big break into football. He was offered the chance to train at the prestigious Clairefontaine academy. Alongside this, Yacine also attended Paris Saint-Germain’s youth centre. Still only a young teenager, he was being watched by scouts across Europe. However it was Rennes who managed to obtain his first youth contract.

 

Rennes were building a fantastic youth side and they lived up to expectations by winning the under-18 Championship. They followed that success by bringing home the Coupe Gambardella in 2008. Yacine then signed his first professional contract on 23rd June 2008; however, he only managed to feature for the reserve side. Yacine’s contribution allowed Rennes to finish top of their group and qualify for the play-offs, where they were defeated to Lyon.

 

Yacine was drafted into the French under-19 squad for the 2009 European Championships. Brahimi showed Europe what to expect at the Championships. Despite being a midfielder, Yacine scored 5 goals during qualification. His form continued into the tournament, firstly he scored in the opening game against Serbia and then against Spain which sent France to the semi-final. Unfortunately, they were defeated by England.

 

Following his fantastic form for France, Yacine was sent on a season long loan to Ligue 2 club Clermont Foot. So far he has appeared in every game this season but has been powerless as Clermont lie bottom of Ligue 2.

Scott Richards