Biography
Who is Raïs M'Bolhi?
Early life and career beginnings
Adi Raïs Cobos Adrien Ouahab M'Bolhi was born in Paris, Algeria, on April 25, 1986. His mother was Algerian and his father was Congolese. He began his youth football development at RCF Paris before moving to Olympique de Marseille. Although he was with Marseille, he did not appear in any league matches for the club and was released in early 2006.
Following his departure from Marseille, he signed with the Scottish club Heart of Midlothian during the January transfer window. His time there was brief, as he departed without playing a first-team game. Later in 2006, he joined the Greek side Ethnikos Piraeus, where he made five appearances before a move to Panetolikos. By 2008, he had traveled to Japan to play 22 matches for F.C. Ryūkyū.
Rise to international prominence
In 2009, he joined the Bulgarian club Slavia Sofia, where he received recognition as the 2009 Best Goalkeeper of the A PFG. His form attracted interest from English clubs like Manchester United and Newcastle United. In 2010, he went on loan to CSKA Sofia, where he established himself as the primary goalkeeper. He later transferred to the Russian team Krylia Sovetov Samara in December 2010.
His career path involved several loans and transfers, including spells at Gazélec Ajaccio and a return to CSKA Sofia. In 2014, he signed with the Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer. His performance there was difficult, and he left the club after playing nine matches. He subsequently played for Antalyaspor, Stade Rennais, and Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia. In 2022, he moved to Al-Qadsiah, followed by a transfer to CR Belouizdad in 2023.
International career and achievements
Raïs M'Bolhi debuted for the Algerian national team in May 2010 against the Republic of Ireland. He was the starting goalkeeper during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, especially keeping a clean sheet during a draw against England. He continued to represent Algeria in multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
His international career reached a peak when he helped Algeria win the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. He played every minute of the tournament, earned man of the match honors in the final against Senegal, and received the award for the tournament's best goalkeeper. He also secured the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup title with the team, where he won the Golden Glove award. Outside of playing, he joined the technical staff of the Lebanon national team as a goalkeeper coach in 2026.
Personal life and details
The goalkeeper experienced the loss of his mother, Aïsha, in 2010. To honor her memory, he wears gloves inscribed with her name during his matches. He stands 189 centimeters tall and is a Taurus. Throughout his professional life, he has balanced numerous club commitments with his consistent role as a key figure for the Algerian national squad.
Birthday and age
Raïs M'Bolhi was born on April 25, 1986, which makes Raïs 40 years old today. That birthday falls under the Taurus sign. Raïs shares the date with 64 other famous people.
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