Ilan Kebbal has revealed that he once had the chance to join Atlético Madrid, a dream move that he chose to walk away from in pursuit of a more realistic path to professional success.
Speaking in an interview with RMC Sports, the Franco Algerian attacking midfielder detailed the personal and strategic reasons behind his decision to decline the Spanish giants.
The Algerian international, who has carved out a professional career through determination and resilience, admitted that his unconventional journey was shaped by constant challenges.
Kebbal, standing at just 1.68 metres, often found himself overlooked in youth systems where physical stature was highly prized. Repeated rejections didn’t deter him; instead, he found inspiration in legends like Lionel Messi and French international Mathieu Valbuena, two players who proved that size was no barrier to success.
“I was a fan of Messi above all,” Kebbal said. “I told myself, OK, it’s possible. Small players can make it too.”
From an early age, Kebbal honed his game against physically dominant opponents, building not only technical skills but a mental toughness that would become a defining trait.
“I’ve always faced bigger players,” he explained. “My main strength is my quick footwork, which comes from being small. But I’m also someone who can take hits and win duels.”
His perseverance paid off at the age of 18 when Patrick Battiston, the former French international and then a senior figure at Bordeaux, saw past the stereotypes.
Battiston was the first to judge Kebbal on his talent rather than his stature. “He didn’t talk to me about height,” Kebbal said, “he talked about football after just one training session.”
Before that opportunity in France, however, Kebbal had already caught the attention of Atlético Madrid. After impressing during a trial, the Spanish club was prepared to offer him a contract.
For many young players, the chance to join a club of that magnitude would have been impossible to refuse. But Kebbal took a different view.
“I was supposed to sign with Atlético Madrid,” he revealed. “But I’m someone who is very honest with myself. I asked, where do I truly have the best chance of success?”
That moment of self-reflection guided his decision. While the glamour of La Liga and the prestige of Atlético were undeniable, Kebbal prioritised a path where he could grow, develop, and secure playing time over the allure of a big-name club.
Now a full Algerian international, Kebbal’s story stands as a testament to ambition grounded in realism. His journey is a reminder that talent, perseverance, and self-awareness can sometimes lead to even greater success than a headline-making transfer.
For Ilan Kebbal, turning down Atlético Madrid was not a missed opportunity. It was a bold step in writing his own story on his own terms.
