Ibrahim Bekakchi: Algeria defender leaves ES Setif to become free agent

Algeria centre-back Ibrahim Bekakchi has left ES Setif and become a free agent after the expiry of his spell with the Ligue 1 side. The 34-year-old, who was born in Setif and plays primarily as a left-footed central defender, departs his hometown club to look for the next step in a career spent entirely in Algerian football.

Bekakchi rejoined ES Setif in August 2025 on a free transfer from NC Magra and has now brought a second stint at the club to an end. His departure sees him exit the professional ranks without a new team immediately lined up, making him available to sign outside of the regular transfer windows where regulations allow.

Over more than a decade at the top level, Bekakchi has built a substantial body of work in Algeria’s Ligue 1, making 217 league appearances and contributing six goals and six assists while amassing more than 18,000 minutes on the pitch. He has also featured regularly in domestic cup competitions and has experience in continental tournaments, playing in both the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup.

Bekakchi’s most successful period came with USM Alger, where he won the Algerian championship in 2013-14 and later lifted the CAF Confederation Cup in the 2022-23 campaign. Alongside his spells at ES Setif and USM Alger, he has also represented JS Saoura, NC Magra and US Souf during a career that has seen him become a familiar presence in the Algerian top flight.

Bekakchi now officially leaves ES Setif and starts life as a free agent after his latest contract came to an end.