NEOM Sport Club’s fascination with French football became one of the summer’s most intriguing themes as the Tabuk-based outfit began to mirror the style and influence of Ligue 1.
NEOM Sport Club’s fascination with French football became one of the summer’s most intriguing themes as the Tabuk-based outfit began to mirror the style and influence of Ligue 1.
The appointment of former Paris Saint-Germain boss Christophe Galtier as head coach set the tone, followed by a flurry of signings from France, including Saimon Bouabre, Nathan Zeze, Amadou Kone, Alexandre Lacazette, Marcin Bulka, and French-born Malian midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure.
Yet, their affection for French football didn’t start there. Months before their promotion to the Saudi Pro League, NEOM SC had already made a significant move that hinted at their ambitions.
In late January, while still competing in the First Division, the club quietly secured the signature of Saïd Benrahma, the Algerian playmaker who had previously starred for Brentford, West Ham United, and Olympique Lyonnais.
Although Benrahma’s football education took place in France after moving there at age 11, his earliest lessons came on the gritty streets of Ain Temouchent and Bel Abbes.
Those formative years of unstructured football helped shape his close control, improvisation, and flair—qualities that became his trademark in England’s highly competitive leagues.
Speaking shortly after joining West Ham in 2020, Benrahma reflected on those roots: “Playing football is a pleasure. When I play, I try to repeat what I did as a child on the streets. That’s how it is in Algeria—everyone loves having the ball at their feet.”
His skill and showmanship became so renowned that Brentford B assistant coach Sam Saunders once joked, “He could nutmeg a mermaid.”
During two seasons at Brentford, then in the Championship, Benrahma scored 27 goals and caught the attention of top-flight clubs such as Chelsea and Aston Villa before joining West Ham United in October 2020.
Over four years in East London, he became a fan favorite, notably helping the Hammers capture the 2023 UEFA Europa Conference League title with a goal in the final against Fiorentina.
A subsequent return to France with Lyon reunited him with Alexandre Lacazette, a partnership that would soon continue elsewhere.
After less than a year back in Ligue 1, Benrahma’s move to NEOM SC—initially on loan—heralded a new chapter for both player and club, as they began their ascent toward Saudi Arabia’s football elite.
Benrahma and Ahmed Hegazi are the only two foreign players who remained from NEOM SC’s promotion-winning squad, embodying the club’s early ambitions and spirit.
While it took time for him to rediscover his scoring touch, his performances late last season—seven goals and eight assists—set the tone for the current campaign.
October brought a resurgence in form, capped by a standout display against Al Kholood in a thrilling 3-2 win. The Algerian’s second goal that day, a solo run from midfield capped by a thunderous strike from distance, was hailed as one of the best of the season.
Even Lacazette, his teammate and longtime friend, could only applaud the moment of brilliance.
Now fully integrated into top-flight Saudi football, Benrahma has become NEOM SC’s creative engine. He leads the team in both total chances created (18) and major opportunities fashioned (6), though only one has been converted into an assist.
His attacking threat remains constant—second only to Lacazette for shots on goal with 14 attempts—underlining his growing influence on the pitch.
As NEOM SC sits sixth in the standings after seven matches, five points off second, Benrahma’s role has become pivotal to their ambitions.
With Al Nassr next on the schedule, the Algerian maestro’s combination of street-born flair and French refinement could be the key to halting the league leaders’ momentum.
