Tarek Aggoun: Algerian defender’s journey from France to AFC Champions League in Thailand

At 28, Algerian defender Tarek Aggoun is continuing a career shaped by moves across several countries, from France and Tunisia to Kuwait, Algeria, Iraq and now Thailand, where he represents Ratchaburi in the AFC Champions League.

In an interview with Maghreb-Foot, Aggoun reflected on the obstacles that have influenced his career and assessed the defensive problems facing the Algeria national team.

Aggoun began his development at ESTAC Troyes before moving to Stade de Reims, where he progressed as far as the professional reserve team. His hopes of establishing himself in European football were complicated by difficulties away from the pitch in France, prompting him to look for opportunities elsewhere.

His first move took him to Tunisia, although that spell was brief. Financial problems affecting clubs in the country forced him to reconsider his plans. After returning to the Czech Republic, he moved on to Kuwait but was unable to settle there for a long period.

Difficult spells in Algeria

Despite spending much of his career abroad, Aggoun maintained a connection with Algerian football. He could have joined the domestic league much earlier, when he was 18, but his move to Algeria eventually came several years later.

He signed for ES Setif during the club’s first year under Sonelgaz’s management. Walid Sadi, now president of the Algerian Football Federation, played a role in securing his arrival.

Aggoun’s time at the historic Algerian club lasted one season. ES Setif finished fourth, but the defender said the end of his spell was influenced by circumstances unrelated to performances on the pitch.

His subsequent move to MC Oran also failed to match his expectations. Before joining the Hamraoua, he had attracted interest from several clubs abroad and had been involved in advanced discussions with JS Kabylie.

From Romania to Thailand

After leaving MC Oran, Aggoun moved to Romania. The decision was largely dictated by timing, as the transfer window was close to closing, rather than by a strong preference for the destination.

His career then brought him back into Asian continental competition with Al Shorta. During that period, he faced Al Duhail, who were coached by Djamel Belmadi and had Algeria international Adil Boulbina in their squad.

Aggoun now plays for Ratchaburi in Thailand. He considers the Thai league increasingly competitive, with the presence of numerous foreign players contributing to its development.

The defender has yet to represent the Algeria national team, although he believes he came close to a call-up while playing for ES Setif. At 28, he remains hopeful of joining the Verts, while keeping his focus on improving as a player.

Aggoun also believes Algeria’s defensive difficulties cannot be blamed solely on defenders. In his view, the issue involves wider questions around player development and decisions concerning the national team.

He highlighted shortcomings in the development of players from the domestic league, while acknowledging that Algeria possesses genuine talent. He believes players trained in Europe often acquire foundations during their youth development that make the transition to elite football easier.

For Aggoun, improving Algeria’s defence requires more than selecting different players. It also depends on the quality of their training and the structures that help promising individuals progress to a higher level.