Fahem Benaïssa-Yahia has emerged as an unexpected standout in the closing weeks of the Portuguese top flight, delivering a string of impressive performances for Casa Pia following his arrival in January from France’s FC Villefranche-Beaujolais.
The 23-year-old Algerian full-back, relatively unknown outside of France’s lower divisions just months ago, has quickly turned heads in Liga Portugal Betclic.
After spending the initial months of his stint largely confined to the bench, Benaïssa-Yahia broke into the starting lineup in early May and has since become a key figure in Casa Pia’s late-season campaign.
Born in Châlons-en-Champagne on April 29, 2002—the same city as fellow Algerian international Aïssa Mandi—Benaïssa-Yahia began his football education at Stade de Reims.
His early career saw him develop steadily in the French lower leagues, where he gained a reputation for consistency and tactical intelligence.
His standout season came in 2022–23 with Lyon-La Duchère, where he earned selection to the National 2 Team of the Season, recognition that paved the way for a move to Villefranche in the summer of 2023.
At Villefranche, Benaïssa-Yahia featured in 16 matches during the first half of the season, contributing one goal and two assists—a solid return for a defender and evidence of his ability to influence play in both halves of the pitch.
His performances were enough to attract interest from abroad, and Casa Pia secured his signature on a contract running until 2027, finalised on 26 January 2024.
Despite his potential, Benaïssa-Yahia faced a slow start in Lisbon, with opportunities limited during his first two months at the club. It wasn’t until April that he began to see meaningful minutes, a result of persistent training and quiet determination.
By May, he had earned a starting berth, stringing together three consecutive appearances in the starting eleven.
His breakthrough moment arrived on 10 May in a high-stakes clash against Sporting Braga. Benaïssa-Yahia rose to the occasion, scoring his maiden goal in Portuguese football—a well-timed header from close range that helped secure a notable 2–1 victory for Casa Pia.
His performance that evening highlighted not only his defensive capabilities but also his threat in advanced areas, affirming his value as a dynamic and adaptable presence on the left flank.
Equally comfortable at left-back, as a winger, or even in a central defensive role, Benaïssa-Yahia’s versatility has become a major asset.
His blend of physical endurance, tactical awareness, and willingness to join the attack reflects the modern full-back archetype—a profile increasingly sought after in elite football.
Though still relatively under the radar, particularly among fans of the Algerian national team, Benaïssa-Yahia’s upward trajectory may soon attract wider attention.
As a dual national with a growing presence in a competitive European league, his name could feature prominently in future discussions around the Algerian squad, especially if his development continues at its current pace.
Looking ahead, a full pre-season with Casa Pia and increased trust from the coaching staff could further elevate his influence within the team. If his recent form is any indication,
Fahem Benaïssa-Yahia is poised to be one of Liga Portugal’s breakout talents in the coming campaign—a player whose quiet rise may soon become a compelling football story.
Benaïssa-Yahia empatou para uma o Casa Pia após uma excelente jogada 😎 #sporttvportugal #LIGAnasporttv #ligaportugalbetclic #CasaPiaFC #SCBraga #betanolp pic.twitter.com/r0ri0xlQ5Y
— sport tv (@sporttvportugal) May 10, 2025
