Nadir Belhadj Algerian football player Date of Birth: 18.06.1982 Country: Algeria

1. Early Career and Breakthrough
2. Move to Lyon and Return to Lens
3. Loan to Portsmouth and Permanent Transfer
4. International Career

Early Career and Breakthrough

Nadir Belhadj, the speedy left-back, began his professional career with French club RC Lens' reserve team. After a loan spell at second division club Gueugnon in 2002, he moved to Sedan in 2004, helping them secure promotion to Ligue 1 in his second season.

Move to Lyon and Return to Lens

In 2007, Lyon acquired Belhadj for €3.24 million, but he remained with Sedan until the end of the season. Upon joining Lyon, he struggled to break into the starting lineup, prompting his sale to Lens in January 2008 for €3.6 million.

Loan to Portsmouth and Permanent Transfer

Belhadj spent a brief spell at Lens before being loaned to Portsmouth in September 2008. He immediately became a regular, forming a formidable left-flank partnership with Arsenal loanee Armand Traore. In December 2008, Portsmouth signed Belhadj on a permanent €4.5 million deal.

International Career

Belhadj, born in France to Algerian parents, represented the French U-18 team in 2000. In 2004, he opted to play for Algeria, debuting against China and scoring his first goals in a friendly against Argentina in 2007. Currently, he serves as Algeria's starting left-back.