Top Players in Algerian and Tunisian Ligue Professionnelle

The Algerian and Tunisian Ligue Professionnelle 1 are among Africa's most competitive football leagues. They have over the years served as a breeding ground for talented players who have gone ahead to make significant impacts both domestically and internationally.

Sportblot will in this article delve into the careers and playing styles of the top three players in both leagues, detailing their contributions to their respective teams and their respective national teams’ football as a whole.

These footballers chosen based on the highest market values include: Youcef Belaïli, Yassine Meriah and Mohamed Amine Tougai. On the Algerian part of the ligue are: Adil Boulbina, Zakaria Naidji, and Mohamed Zougrana. As these players continue to shine on the big stage, they serve as inspirations for the next generation of African players dreaming of making their mark in the world of football.

Adil Boulbina: Goal-scoring machine

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Boulbina has been receiving interests from clubs in Europe and the Middle East especially the Egyptian club Zamalek following an impressive run this season, in which he scored 12 goals in 14 league matches. This left-wing attacker was born in El Milia, Algeria on May 2, 2003. He has played for various clubs, mainly within the domestic league before settling for Paradou AC as his current club. He pulls the highest market value of €2.00m. In his 14 appearances in the 2024/25 season of the Ligue Professionnelle 1, Boulbina has scored 12 goals and provided two assists. 

He began his career in the youth system of one of Algeria’s prominent football clubs, quickly making a name for himself due to his disciplined defensive approach and strong physicality. His ability to read the game and make key interceptions was noticed early on, which earned him a spot in the senior team at a relatively young age.

As a central defender standing at 1‚79m, he is known for his aerial ability, clearing balls out of danger during set-pieces, and his capacity to organise the defense line. His composure and leadership on the field, combined with his calmness under pressure, has led to comparisons with some of the top defenders in the game.

Though Boulbina’s international career is still in its infancy, his future looks promising. He continues to develop his craft, and it will be exciting to watch how he grows and evolves in the coming years. Speculations are rife that he could attract interest from clubs in more prominent leagues, such as those in North Africa or Europe. For now, however, Boulbina remains focused on helping Club Africain to achieve success and further cementing his legacy as one of the league’s top midfielders.

Zakaria Naidji: The Prolific Striker

Zakaria Naidji is one of the most exciting forwards in Tunisia’s Ligue 1. Born on January 7, 1995, in Algiers, Algeria, Naidji began his career in his home country before making the move to Tunisia. He currently plays for MC Algiers which he joined on August 30, 2023. His Current Market Value is put at €1.50m

In his 13 appearances in the 2024/25 season of the Ligue Professionnelle 1, Naidji scored two goals and provided two assists. In the 2022-2023 season, he netted 15 goals from 24 appearances, helping his team secure a top-three finish in the league.

Naidji is a classic number 9, known for his clinical finishing, aerial ability, and positional awareness. Standing at 1,77 m, he is a physical presence in the box and excels at holding up the ball and bringing teammates into play. The Right Winger’s ability to score goals from various situations – be it headers, volleys, or penalties -makes him a nightmare for defenders.

While he continues to play in domestic football, Naidji has also attracted attention from top European clubs, with scouts keeping an eye on his performances. His growing reputation is a testament to his hard work and skill development. With the right environment and dedication, Naidji could make a significant impact on the international stage in the coming years.

Mohamed Zougrana: The Big Reveal

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Since debuting for Espérance Sportive de Tunis in 2020, Zougrana has proven to be a revelation. His breakthrough season came in 2021-2022, where he played a pivotal role in helping the club win the Tunisian Ligue 1 title. That season, he contributed 8 goals and 10 assists, earning him the league’s Young Player of the Year award. Zougrana’s performances have also caught the eye of national team selectors, and he has represented Tunisia at the U-23 level.

He was born in Daloa, Cote d'Ivoire on October 29, 2001. At the AlgeriaFirst Tier level, he features for MC Algiers, a side he joined on July 19, 2023.  In his 11 appearances so far into the Lique Professionnelle 1 2024/25, he has scored no goals but has provided two assists. He can play both defensive and central midfield. Capable of playing on either flank, he is a constant threat to opposition defenses, using his speed and skill to beat defenders and deliver dangerous crosses into the box. The 23-year-old is worth €1.30m in current market value.

Although his international career is still developing, Zougrana has featured for the Algerian national team. His inclusion in the national squad highlights his potential and the confidence which the coaching staff repose on him. With continued improvement, Zougrana could become a staple in the Algerian midfield in the coming years.

Youcef Belaïli: The Creative Maestro

This Algerian-born winger has made a name for himself as one of the most exciting attacking talents in Ligue 1. After beginning his career in Algeria with clubs like USM El Harrach and JS Kabylie, he moved to Tunisia to join Étoile du Sahel in 2017. Since his successful stint with Esperance Sportive de Tunis, the club based in the capital of Tunisia, he has continued to impress fans and scouts alike.

Despite his spell at Qatar's Al-Ahli SC, it was the player’s return to Esperance de Tunis on July 31 2024 that really showcased his potential. Belaïli played a pivotal role in Esperance's back-to-back CAF Champions League triumphs in 2018 and 2019, earning plaudits for his dribbling, vision, and ability to score crucial goals.

Out of his 13 appearances so far recorded in Ligue I Pro 24/25, Belaïli scored four goals and provided four assists to his teammates. He has €1.80m as his current market value.

Born on March 14, 1992, in Oran, Algeria, Belaïli holds dual Algerian and Tunisian nationality and has represented both nations at various levels. However, it is his contributions to Tunisian football and his exploits in Ligue 1 that have cemented his status as one of the most exciting attacking players in North African football.

Yassine Meriah: The Defensive Rock

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Meriah is a towering figure in every sense of the word. Standing at 6'2", the Tunisian centre-back is known for his physicality, aerial prowess, and composure under pressure. His journey to prominence came through his work at the heart of the defense for Esperance Sportive de Tunis, where he established himself as one of the finest centre-backs in the league.

The defensive midfielder has scored two goals in his nine appearances in Ligue I Pro 24/25. He has won over 50 caps for Tunisia and currently has the market value of €1.50m. Meriah's journey to Ligue 1 began with a stint at Olympiacos in Greece, where he won multiple league titles and gained valuable experience in European competitions. 

In 2020, he signed for FC Metz, a club known for its ability to nurture defensive talent. Meriah quickly became a mainstay in Metz's backline. His performances in Ligue 1 have not gone unnoticed, with several top clubs reportedly keeping tabs on the Tunisian defender. Meriah's journey from the Tunisian Ligue 1 to becoming a defensive stalwart in France is a testament to his hard work and dedication.

Mohamed Amine Tougai: The Dynamic Midfielder

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Tougai began his career with Club Africain, where his performances caught the eye of scouts from across Europe. In 2021, he made the move to Ligue 1, signing for Angers SCO. Despite his young age, this dynamic deep-lying playmaker has shown remarkable maturity and composure, earning regular playing time in one of Europe's most competitive leagues. His ability to adapt to different defensive roles and his willingness to learn have made him a valuable asset for Angers.

Always involved in his team's movements, Tougai’s tenacity in winning the ball back and his tactical discipline allow his team to regain possession quickly and launch counter-attacks. Despite his youth, Tougai's maturity on the pitch has made him a reliable option in central midfield, and he is often called upon to lead his team in important fixtures.

He currently plays for Esperance Tunis, scoring one goal out of his nine appearances. His excellent ball-playing abilities make him a modern defender capable of also contributing to attack. As he continues to develop, Tougai has the potential to follow in the footsteps of his compatriots and become a mainstay in Ligue 1 for years to come. Tougai's consistent performances in Ligue 1 have made him a star in his home country and attracted interests from top clubs across the region. His rise as a dynamic and tenacious midfielder makes him one to watch in the future as he continues to develop and refine his skills.