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Younes BelhandaMoroccan footballer, attacking midfielder
Date of Birth: 25.02.1990
Country:  Morocco |
Content:
- Early Life and Career in France
- Montpellier
- Breakout Season and European Debut
- Personal Recognition and League Title
- International Career
- Subsequent Club Transfers
- Current Role at Galatasaray
- Achievements
Early Life and Career in France
Younès Belhanda was born on February 25, 1990, in Avignon, France, to Moroccan parents. He began his football journey at the age of seven with the local club Aramonoa. At 11, he joined the team of his hometown, Avignon Football Club.
Montpellier
In 2003, Belhanda's impressive performances as a defender caught the attention of several clubs, including Olympique de Marseille, AS Monaco, AS Saint-Étienne, and Montpellier HSC. Despite signing a contract with Saint-Étienne, his parents persuaded him to choose Montpellier, which was located closer to Avignon.
Belhanda made his professional debut with Montpellier's reserve team in 2007. The following season, he helped the team win the Coupe Gambardella and played in 21 matches for the first team. His impressive performances earned him a three-year professional contract with the club in 2009.
Belhanda made his official debut for Montpellier in the opening match of the 2009-10 Ligue 1 season against Paris Saint-Germain. He scored his first goal for the club in October 2009, but it was not enough to prevent Montpellier from losing 2-4 to Olympique de Marseille.
Breakout Season and European Debut
The 2010-11 season proved to be a breakout campaign for Belhanda. He became a key player for Montpellier, scoring three goals in 36 league appearances. His performances helped the club reach the final of the Coupe de la Ligue but ultimately lost 0-1 to Olympique de Marseille.
In July 2010, Belhanda made his European debut with Montpellier in a UEFA Europa League qualifying match against Hungarian side Győri ETO FC.
Personal Recognition and League Title
The 2011-12 season saw Belhanda receive numerous individual accolades as Montpellier's Player of the Month in October, February, and March. He contributed to the club's historic Ligue 1 triumph, scoring one goal in 33 appearances.
International Career
Belhanda represented France at the youth level, playing in the Toulon Tournament in 2010. However, he chose to play for Morocco at the senior level and made his debut in a friendly against Northern Ireland in 2010.
He participated in the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, where Morocco finished third in their group. Belhanda scored his first international goal in Morocco's final group match against Niger.
Subsequent Club Transfers
After five seasons with Montpellier, Belhanda joined Dynamo Kyiv in Ukraine in 2013. He spent three years with the Ukrainian club, winning the league title and two cup trophies.
In 2016, Belhanda moved to German club Schalke 04 on a loan deal. The following year, he signed for OGC Nice on another loan before joining Turkish club Galatasaray in 2017.
Current Role at Galatasaray
Belhanda has been a key player for Galatasaray since his arrival. He has made over 100 appearances for the club and has helped them win the Turkish Super Lig and Turkish Cup.
Achievements
ClubLigue 1 Champion: 2011-12 (Montpellier)
Coupe de France Runner-up: 2011 (Montpellier)
Ukrainian Premier League Champion: 2014-15 (Dynamo Kyiv)
Ukrainian Cup Winner: 2013-14, 2014-15 (Dynamo Kyiv)
Turkish Super Lig Champion: 2017-18, 2018-19 (Galatasaray)
Turkish Cup Winner: 2018-19 (Galatasaray)
International
Africa Cup of Nations Third Place: 2012 (Morocco)
