Al-Taawoun add 27-year-old Algeria centre-back Zineddine Belaid

Al-Taawoun have signed Algeria centre-back Zineddine Belaid from JS Kabylie, with the 27-year-old joining the Saudi Pro League club on 3 August 2026.

Belaid arrives after one season with JS Kabylie, having moved to the Algerian club from Belgian side Sint-Truiden in August 2025. He began his senior career with NA Hussein Dey before establishing himself at USM Alger, where he spent four seasons.

The right-footed defender has made 147 appearances in Ligue 1, scoring nine goals and providing four assists. He also has experience of continental football, featuring 26 times in the CAF Confederation Cup and 10 times in the CAF Champions League.

Belaid was part of the USM Alger side that won the CAF Confederation Cup in the 2022-23 season and the CAF Super Cup in 2023-24. He scored four goals in the Confederation Cup and also found the net in the Super Cup.

The move takes him to the Saudi Pro League after a career spent largely in Algeria, with his spell at Sint-Truiden representing his first experience outside the country. He made 12 appearances in the Belgian top flight and three in the Croky Cup during his time with the club.

Belaid has also featured for Algeria at the 2026 World Cup, making two appearances in the tournament. He was born in Thenia and stands 1.86 metres tall.

His arrival gives Al-Taawoun a defender with domestic, continental and international experience as the club adds the Algeria international to its squad. Belaid’s transfer from JS Kabylie to Al-Taawoun was completed on 3 August 2026.