Ismael Bennacer joins Al-Gharafa as Algeria midfielder begins new chapter

Algeria midfielder Ismael Bennacer has joined Qatar club Al-Gharafa after leaving AC Milan, bringing his decorated European career to the Stars League.

The 28-year-old defensive midfielder completed the move on 14 September and will play for Al-Gharafa in the upcoming season. Bennacer spent the 2025-26 campaign with Croatian club Dinamo Zagreb on loan from Milan, helping them win both the Croatian league title and the Croatian Cup.

Bennacer returned to Milan at the end of that loan spell before leaving the Italian club in August. He had been with Milan since 2019, when he joined from Empoli after helping the club win promotion to Serie A. Milan paid €17.2m for the transfer.

During his time at Milan, Bennacer made 174 Serie A appearances, scoring seven goals and providing 10 assists. He was part of the side that won the Italian title in the 2021-22 season and also collected an Italian Super Cup winners’ medal in 2024-25.

The left-footed midfielder began his senior career in France with Tours and Empoli before establishing himself in Italy. He also spent part of his youth career with Arsenal, having joined the English club from AC Arles in 2015.

At international level, Bennacer represents Algeria, despite also holding French nationality. He played a central role in Algeria’s Africa Cup of Nations triumph in 2019 and was named player of the tournament. He also won the competition’s best young player award that year, having previously received the same accolade in 2017.

Bennacer’s move to Al-Gharafa adds a player with extensive experience in Serie A and European competition to the club’s midfield. He has also appeared in the Champions League and Europa League during his career, recording 17 Champions League appearances and 11 in the Europa League.

He leaves Milan with a record that includes 2021-22 Serie A success, while his latest season ended with domestic honours in Croatia. Bennacer has now joined Al-Gharafa, where he will wear the club’s number 10 shirt.