Yacine Brahimi: The Rise of a Dribbling Virtuoso in 2014
In 2014, Yacine Brahimi emerged as one of Africa’s brightest footballing talents. Voted BBC African Player of the Year, the Algerian midfielder capped off a year filled with milestones—both personal and historical.
🌟 A Year of Firsts and Greatness
Brahimi didn’t just shine—he blazed a trail. On September 17, he became the first Algerian to score a hat-trick in the UEFA Champions League, powering FC Porto to a 6–0 win over BATE Borisov. That feat placed him among an elite group of African players—Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto’o, and Yakubu—to record Champions League hat-tricks.
His electric dribbling, vision, and intelligent play earned him the nickname “Dragon” in Portugal, fitting for a player who made the Estádio do Dragão his playground.
🇩🇿 From Paris to Porto, via Clairefontaine and Grenade
Born in Paris to Algerian parents, Brahimi showed flashes of brilliance early on, dazzling in local clubs Montreuil and Vincennes before entering France’s famed Clairefontaine academy in 2003. He later joined Paris Saint-Germain’s youth ranks.
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Rennes & Clermont: His professional debut came with Stade Rennais, followed by a successful loan at Clermont Foot. However, persistent injuries and inconsistent form limited his breakthrough at Rennes.
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Rebirth in Spain: In 2012, Brahimi joined Granada CF on loan. It was here that he truly flourished—averaging 5.1 successful dribbles per game, a La Liga record that season. Granada exercised their option to buy him, and Brahimi repaid that faith with stellar performances.
🐉 A New Chapter at Porto
In July 2014, Porto signed Brahimi for around €6.5 million. Fresh from a remarkable World Cup campaign with Algeria—where the Fennecs reached the Round of 16—he arrived in Portugal full of confidence.
He quickly won over fans with:
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A stunning free-kick against Lille.
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His hat-trick vs BATE Borisov.
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A knack for turning tight spaces into attacking opportunities.
Porto hadn’t seen a North African talent of such caliber since Rabah Madjer, but Brahimi has carved out his own legacy in just months.
🌍 National Pride: From Les Bleus to Les Fennecs
Though he represented France at youth level—playing in the 2009 UEFA U-19 Championship and 2010 Toulon Tournament—Brahimi chose Algeria in 2013. He debuted in March of that year against Benin and played a pivotal role in Algeria’s qualification for the 2014 World Cup.
In Brazil, he helped Algeria make history by reaching the knockout stages for the first time. His performances solidified his place among Africa’s elite.
🏆 Accolades and Ambitions
Being named BBC African Footballer of the Year 2014 confirmed what fans had already seen on the pitch: a generational talent fulfilling his potential. With his confidence soaring and his skills sharper than ever, the football world is watching what Yacine Brahimi will do next.
From Montreuil to the Maracanã, the Algerian “Dragon” has arrived—and he’s here to stay.
