Younès Belhanda: “I Feel Good in Kiev, I’m Free Here”
After missing out on the Africa Cup of Nations due to Morocco’s withdrawal, Younès Belhanda has settled back into life at Dynamo Kiev, and contrary to recent transfer speculation, the Moroccan midfielder is no longer pushing for a move away.
In an interview with L’Équipe, Belhanda reflected on his evolving mindset since joining from Montpellier in 2013. “Even though I miss France and Ligue 1 a little,” he admitted, “I feel good here now.”
The transition to Ukrainian football was initially rough. “Last year, my Ukrainian teammates were surprised to see so many foreigners arrive. It wasn’t common for them,” he explained. But things have changed for the better this season. “The atmosphere is great, both at the club and on the pitch,” said the 24-year-old. “Now, I can imagine staying in Kiev for five years.”
Despite Ukraine’s domestic league receiving limited media attention, Belhanda finds peace in that anonymity. “I originally came here for that,” he noted. “Even though people earn very little here, Ukrainians are helpful, smiling, and never annoying. They’re shy when asking for photos or autographs. It’s rare. Here, I’m free.”
However, the dream of a move to a bigger European league hasn’t completely vanished. “Yes, I still think about it,” he confessed. “Sometimes I wonder, Will they come for me one day? Will I leave here? Mkhitaryan did after all—he joined Dortmund. And then, in three and a half years, I’ll be free.”
For now, though, Belhanda is focused on enjoying his football in Kyiv—perhaps with fewer eyes watching, but with greater personal contentment.
