Karim Haggui, the celebrated Tunisian defender and 2004 African champion with the Eagles of Carthage, is set to be honored with a testimonial match on March 23 in Sousse. After an illustrious 15-year professional career, Haggui retired from football in June 2018 while playing for Swiss club St-Gall, leaving behind a legacy marked by both domestic and international achievements. The testimonial match will not only celebrate his career but also serve to promote Tunisia as a country capable of hosting major sporting events.
The exhibition will feature a nostalgic showdown between the 2004 Tunisian national team and a selection of top African players from across the continent. Football fans can expect to see legendary names take to the pitch, including Moroccan stalwart Noureddine Naybet, Algerian forward Baghdad Bounedjah, and Egyptian legends Essam El Hadary, Mohamed Zidan, and Hosam Ghaly. Other confirmed stars include Ahmed Hassan, Senegalese forward El Hadj Diouf, Nigerian striker Nwankwo Kanu, and German international Stefan Kiessling, among others. The gathering of such high-profile talents ensures a memorable spectacle for supporters and a fitting tribute to Haggui’s contribution to the game.
Karim Haggui’s football journey began at AS Kasserine, a club renowned for nurturing young talent. He later moved on to Etoile du Sahel in Tunisia, before embarking on a successful European career. In Germany, he featured prominently for Bayer Leverkusen and Stuttgart, while also playing for French club Strasbourg and German side Hannover 96. Haggui’s career was defined by his defensive intelligence, physicality, and leadership on the field, qualities that earned him recognition at both club and international levels.
In addition to his club achievements, Haggui represented Tunisia in several major international tournaments. He played in the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup and was part of the squad for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, experiences that cemented his reputation as one of Tunisia’s most accomplished defenders. His participation in these tournaments not only showcased his individual talent but also contributed to Tunisia’s growing profile on the global football stage.
The testimonial match in Sousse has a philanthropic angle as well. All proceeds from the event will be donated to the youth training center of AS Kasserine, Haggui’s first club, supporting the next generation of Tunisian footballers. By directing funds to youth development, the match aims to ensure that Haggui’s legacy extends beyond his own playing career, providing opportunities for aspiring players to follow in his footsteps.
Beyond its charitable purpose, the match is also an opportunity for Tunisian football fans to relive some of the most memorable moments in the country’s football history. Seeing former teammates and African stars unite on the field is expected to be a spectacle, blending nostalgia, skill, and entertainment. For Karim Haggui, the event marks the culmination of a career characterized by professionalism, dedication, and success at both domestic and international levels.
The testimonial match on March 23 will thus be more than just a celebration of a single player; it will be a tribute to Tunisian football, African talent, and the enduring power of sport to bring people together. Haggui’s story, from AS Kasserine to European leagues and international tournaments, serves as an inspiration for young players, and this gala match promises to honor his remarkable journey in style.
