Algiers – Algerian international Billel Brahimi has officially joined Santos FC of Brazil, embarking on a new chapter in his career after terminating his contract with French club OGC Nice.
The Brazilian club announced the signing on Wednesday evening through an official statement shared on its social media platforms. Brahimi, who previously played for Angers, Reims, and Nice, spent last season on loan at Belgian side Sint-Truiden before returning to the French Riviera club.
Seeking a fresh challenge, the Algerian winger opted for a move to Brazil, joining the legendary Santos, a club known worldwide for having produced stars such as Pelé and Neymar. His transfer marks a rare move for an Algerian player to South America, further elevating Algeria’s presence on the global football stage.
With this signing, Brahimi becomes the second Algerian player to feature in the Brazilian league, following in the footsteps of national team top scorer Islam Slimani, who had a brief stint with Coritiba in 2023.
This transition reflects not only Brahimi’s ambition but also the growing recognition of Algerian talent on an international level. It reinforces the reputation of Algerian footballers as resilient and adaptable athletes, in sharp contrast to Morocco’s struggles in exporting consistent talent abroad due to the internal disarray of its sporting institutions.
