Anther Yahia (; born 21 March 1982) is a French-born Algerian retired professional

footballer A football player or footballer is a sportsperson who plays one of the different types of football. The main types of football are association football, American football, Canadian football, Australian rules football, Gaelic football, rugby lea ...

who played as a

centre-back In the sport of association football, a defender is an outfield player whose primary role is to stop attacks during the game and prevent the opposition from scoring. Defenders fall into four main categories: centre-backs, full-backs, sweepers ...

. Yahia is a former French youth international having earned caps for both the under-16 and under-18 youth teams for a brief period of time. He was the first footballer to profit from the 2004 change in

FIFA eligibility rules In association football, the FIFA eligibility rules are the eligibility criteria established by FIFA (International Association Football Federation), the sport's governing body, to facilitate the selection of representative teams for internationa ...

as he had played as a French youth international. After his switch of national allegiance he was called up to the Algeria Under-23 side, scoring on his debut in a 1–0 win against Ghana in an Olympic Games qualifier on 2 January 2004. A few days later he was called up to a training camp held in

Algiers Algiers is the capital city of Algeria as well as the capital of the Algiers Province; it extends over many Communes of Algeria, communes without having its own separate governing body. With 2,988,145 residents in 2008Census 14 April 2008: Offi ...

in preparation of the

2004 African Nations Cup The 2004 African Cup of Nations was held from January 24, 24 January to February 14, 14 February 2004 in Tunisia. It was the 24th edition of the biennial international men's football championship of Africa, organized by the Confederation of Afri ...

. At international level, Yahia played for the Algeria national team prior to his retirement from international football on 1 May 2012. He is considered a national hero by many Algerians, as he was the scorer of the goal that put them into their first

World Cup A world cup is a global sporting competition in which the participant entities – usually international teams or individuals representing their countries – compete for the title of world champion. The event most associated with the name is ...

finals since 1986, at the expense of bitter rivals

Egypt Egypt ( , ), officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, is a country spanning the Northeast Africa, northeast corner of Africa and Western Asia, southwest corner of Asia via the Sinai Peninsula. It is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to northe ...

. He struck in the 40th minute of the play-off by scoring a Marco van Basten-esque goal. He participated in two continental tournaments

2004 Africa Cup of Nations The 2004 African Cup of Nations was held from January 24, 24 January to February 14, 14 February 2004 in Tunisia. It was the 24th edition of the biennial international men's football championship of Africa, organized by the Confederation of Afri ...

and the

2010 Africa Cup of Nations The 2010 Africa Cup of Nations, also known as the Orange Africa Cup of Nations for sponsorship reasons, was the 27th Africa Cup of Nations, the biennial football championship of Africa ( CAF). It was held in Angola, where it began on 10 January 2 ...

, the latter in which Algeria finished fourth, and the

2010 World Cup The 2010 FIFA World Cup was the 19th FIFA World Cup, the world championship for List of men's national association football teams, men's national Association football, football teams. It took place in South Africa from 11 June to 11 July 2010. ...

in South Africa. Overall, he participated in 53 official games for Algeria, in which he scored six goals. He captained the team during the

in South Africa, holding the position from June 2010 to May 2012.

Early life

Yahia was born in

Mulhouse Mulhouse (; ; Alsatian language, Alsatian: ''Mìlhüsa'' ; , meaning "Mill (grinding), mill house") is a France, French city of the European Collectivity of Alsace (Haut-Rhin department, in the Grand Est region of France). It is near the Fran ...

, France, to Fatima Zohra and Boussaha Yahia, a welder by profession, both of Algerian,

Chaoui The Chaoui people or ''Shawyia'' (, ) are a Berbers, Berber ethnic group native to the Aurès region in northeastern Algeria. They call themselves ''Išawiyen''/''Icawiyen'' (pronounced ) and speak the Shawiya language. They are the second larg ...

descent. His parents emigrated to

Alsace Alsace (, ; ) is a cultural region and a territorial collectivity in the Grand Est administrative region of northeastern France, on the west bank of the upper Rhine, next to Germany and Switzerland. In January 2021, it had a population of 1,9 ...

from the village of Sedrata in the

Aurès Aurès () is a natural region located in the mountainous area of the Aurès Mountains, Aurès range, in eastern Algeria. The region includes the provinces of Algeria, Algerian provinces of Batna Province, Batna, Tebessa Province, Tebessa, Consta ...

region in eastern Algeria. In 1985, Yahia's parents decided to move the family back to Algeria as they found it difficult to cope with life in France. They lived in Algeria briefly before again returning to France. Yahia is married to Karima Ziani who is the twin sister of fellow French-Algerian football player

Karim Ziani Karim Koceila Yanis Ziani (; born 17 August 1982) is a former professional footballer. He played in different midfield positions but was best known as a playmaker. Born in France, he represented Algeria at international level. Ziani is conside ...

. He was introduced to the game at the age of 10, when he decided to visit his elder brothers who were playing football. He fell in love with the game and joined the junior team of Racing Club de Belfort, a club in his neighbourhood. He later joined the

FC Sochaux-Montbéliard Football Club Sochaux-Montbéliard (; commonly referred to as FCSM or simply Sochaux) is a Football in France, French association football club based in the city of Montbéliard. The club was founded in 1928 and currently plays in Championnat N ...

training centre three years later. He is Muslim and observes fasting during the Islamic month of

Ramadan Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting (''Fasting in Islam, sawm''), communal prayer (salah), reflection, and community. It is also the month in which the Quran is believed ...

he speaks Arabic, French, German, Italian, English and Spanish.

Club career

Yahia began playing football for the Racing Club de Belfort youth team before joining the

Sochaux Sochaux () is a commune in the Doubs department in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region in eastern France. Geography Sochaux lies east of Montbéliard, and southeast of Paris. Population Inhabitants are known as ''Sochaliens''. Economy ...

youth academy at the age of fourteen. However, in 2000, at the age of eighteen Yahia wanted to sign a professional contract, but his wish was denied by the then

leaders. He decided to leave

opting to join

Internazionale Football Club Internazionale Milano, commonly referred to as Internazionale () or simply Inter, and colloquially known as Inter Milan in English-speaking countries, is an Italian professional football club based in Milan, Lombardy. Since 1 ...

's youth academy.

Bastia

Yahia started his professional career when he was loaned out by

in 2001 to Corsican side

SC Bastia Sporting Club Bastia (, commonly referred to as SC Bastia or simply Bastia) is a French professional association football, football club based in Bastia on the island of Corsica. The club plays in Ligue 2, the second tier of Football in France, ...

. He made his senior debut on 16 January 2002 against

Lyon Lyon (Franco-Provençal: ''Liyon'') is a city in France. It is located at the confluence of the rivers Rhône and Saône, to the northwest of the French Alps, southeast of Paris, north of Marseille, southwest of Geneva, Switzerland, north ...

, replacing Cédric Uras in the 43rd minute. After four successful years on Corsica, Yahia was transferred to

OGC Nice Olympique Gymnaste Club de Nice (), commonly referred to as OGC Nice or simply Nice, is a French professional association football, football club based in Nice. The club was founded in 1904 and currently plays in Ligue 1, the top tier of Footb ...

Nice

Yahia signed a four-year contract in the summer of 2005 with OGC Nice after the relegation of

. In the first season he played most of the games but at the end he became a substitute. So he decided to move on to another club.

VfL Bochum

In 2007 English club

Leeds United Leeds United Football Club is a professional football club based in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. The team compete in the Premier League, the top tier of the English football league system. Leeds United have won the League Championship th ...

and German side

VfL Bochum Verein für Leibesübungen Bochum 1848 Fußballgemeinschaft, commonly referred to as VfL Bochum (), is a Football in Germany, German professional association football club based in the city of Bochum, North Rhine-Westphalia. They currently play ...

were interested in Yahia. He did some training exercises at both clubs and both wanted to buy him. Yahia decided to move to the club from the

Bundesliga The Bundesliga (; ), sometimes referred to as the Fußball-Bundesliga () or 1. Bundesliga (), is a professional association football league in Germany and the highest level of the German football league system. The Bundesliga comprises 18 teams ...

. On 30 January 2007, he played his first Bundesliga match for VfL Bochum against

Bayern Munich Fußball-Club Bayern München e. V. (FCB, ), commonly known as Bayern Munich (), FC Bayern () or simply Bayern, is a German professional sports club based in Munich, Bavaria. They are most known for their men's professional football team, ...

In a short period he became an important player at the club and had a safe place in the central defense. When the loan contract was expired VfL Bochum signed Yahia for €800,000. He agreed a contract until 2011 with the club and earned on 4 January 2010 the Algerian Player of the Year 2009 award. In January 2010 in

Luanda Luanda ( ) is the Capital city, capital and List of cities and towns in Angola, largest city of Angola. It is Angola's primary port, and its major industrial, cultural and urban centre. Located on Angola's northern Atlantic coast, Luanda is Ang ...

, Angola, Yahia was presented the award of Arab player of the Year 2009 after winning a poll created by the Arab television channel MBC. One million people participated in the poll, Yahia gained the majority of the votes with 48%. When VfL Bochum were relegated at the end of the 2009–10 season, Yahia revealed that he would like to leave the club during the summer transfer window, following the World Cup declaring "Indeed, I have decided to leave Bochum" as "I can't play at a lower level". He mentioned that he was aware of interest from clubs in France, but would make his decision after the World Cup. On 13 October 2010, Yahia agreed a new contract with VfL Bochum that would keep him at the club until 30 June 2014.

Al Nassr

On 17 July 2011, despite still having three years remaining on his contract with Bochum, Yahia agreed to join Saudi club

Al Nassr Al-Nassr Football Club () is a professional football club based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The club competes in the Saudi Pro League, the top tier of the Saudi football league system. Al-Nassr is one of only three clubs to have participated ...

. On 1 August 2011, the move was made official with Yahia signing a two-year contract with the club. On 21 January 2012, Yahia and Al-Nassr reached a mutual agreement to terminate his contract.

1. FC Kaiserslautern

On 25 January 2012, Yahia returned to Germany and signed and a two-year and a half contract with Bundesliga side

1. FC Kaiserslautern 1. Fußball-Club Kaiserslautern e. V., also known as 1. FCK, FCK (), FC Kaiserslautern (), K'lautern or colloquially Lautern (), is a German sports club based in Kaiserslautern, Rhineland-Palatinate. In addition to Association football, football ...

Esperánce

On 14 January 2013, Yahia signed a one-year and a half contract with Tunisian club

Espérance Sportive de Tunis Espérance Sportive de Tunis (), known as ES Tunis or simply EST for short, is a Tunisian professional sports club founded on 15 January 1919 in the Bab Souika neighborhood of Tunis. Its football (soccer), football section has competed in th ...

. A month later, he made his official debut for the club as a starter in a league match against

Olympique Béja Olympique de Béja (), known as O Béja or simply OB for short, is a Tunisian football club based in Béja. The club was founded in 1929 and its colours are red and white. Their home stadium, Boujemaa Kmiti Stadium, has a capacity of 15,000 spe ...

and was handed the captain's armband.

Platanias

On 28 January 2014, Yahia joined the Greek side Platanias F.C. on a four-month deal.

Angers

Six months later, Yahia made his return in France, signing a two-year contract with

Ligue 2 Ligue 2 (, League 2), also known as Ligue 2 BKT due to sponsorship reasons, is a French professional football league. The league serves as the second division of French football and is one of two divisions making up the Ligue de Football Prof ...

team

Angers SCO Angers Sporting Club de l'Ouest, commonly referred to as Angers SCO (), is a French professional football club based in Angers in Pays de la Loire in western France. The club was founded in 1919 and plays in Ligue 1, the first division of Foot ...

on 11 June 2014.

International career

Youth with France

Yahia began his youth international career with France in 1998 as he was called up to participate in the

UEFA European Under-16 Championship The UEFA European Under-17 Championship, or simply the Euro Under-17, is an annual Association football, football competition contested by the men's under-17 national teams of the UEFA member associations. Spain national under-17 football team, ...

(qualifying round). He made his debut on 7 October 1998 against Switzerland, with the result being 3–3. This was his only appearance for the France-Under 16 as they were eliminated from the competition as they failed to qualify to the final tournament (group stage). Yahia was called up to play for the France-Under 18 squad in 2000, a time when the team was trying to qualify for the 2001

European Championship A European Championship is the top level international sports competition between European athletes or sports teams representing their respective countries or professional sports clubs. In the plural, the European Championships also refers t ...

to be held in Finland in July 2001. Yahia played his first game alongside Nadir Belhadj against Germany which they won 4–2. In his second game the team had to win if they had any chance of qualifying for the

, they failed to beat the Netherlands and by doing so they were unable to qualify, the final score against the Netherlands was 2–1. The France-Under 18 side finished bottom of Group 9, which consisted of France, Germany and the Netherlands.

Senior with Algeria

Yahia was the first footballer to profit from the change in FIFA's rules on international eligibility when he made his debut for Algeria in an Olympic Games qualifier against Ghana. He managed to score the only goal of the 1–0 win over Ghana with a 19th-minute header for the Algerian under-23 side in Blida.French-born Algerian makes history
BBC Sport, 3 January 2004 Rabah Saâdane promoted Yahia to the senior national team after his impressive performance on his debut for Algeria's under-23 side in the Olympic qualifier against Ghana for the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens. Yahia started his senior international career on 15 January 2004 against Mali in a friendly in preparation for the

2004 African Cup of Nations The 2004 African Cup of Nations was held from 24 January to 14 February 2004 in Tunisia. It was the 24th edition of the biennial international men's football championship of Africa, organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Tun ...

hosted in Tunisia. During this continental competition Yahia played a part in all the group games including the 2–1 victory over

and the 1–1 draw against

Cameroon Cameroon, officially the Republic of Cameroon, is a country in Central Africa. It shares boundaries with Nigeria to the west and north, Chad to the northeast, the Central African Republic to the east, and Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the R ...

, the team progressed from group C alongside Cameroon to the quarter final where Algeria lost to

Morocco Morocco, officially the Kingdom of Morocco, is a country in the Maghreb region of North Africa. It has coastlines on the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and has land borders with Algeria to Algeria–Morocc ...

3–1 in extra time. In November 2009, the Algerian team flew out to

Cairo Cairo ( ; , ) is the Capital city, capital and largest city of Egypt and the Cairo Governorate, being home to more than 10 million people. It is also part of the List of urban agglomerations in Africa, largest urban agglomeration in Africa, L ...

for the final world cup qualifier game, when travelling from the airport to the hotel the coach came under attack as Egyptians hurled rocks at the bus, shattering windows and showering the players and staff with broken glass several players were reported to be injured Yahia was understandably furious when they finally arrived to the hotel and said the following “They struck our bus with large bricks,” said a distraught Antar Yahia. "Players have open head wounds with blood. We were lying down in the bus. All the windows were broken. It makes you fear for your life. As long as our lives are not assured we’re afraid to play this match." Yahia then went on to say that the security guards dispatched for the team did nothing in response to the attacks. “They let them do it. You can’t launch five kilo rocks from 50 meters. They let them do it and watched. It’s shameful. In our home game we welcomed them with flowers,” he continued. The game was not cancelled and went a head as planned, Yahia had played the whole game but it just wasn't meant to be as Egypt scored a second goal in the final minutes of the game the result was 2–0 to Egypt which meant they had the same goal difference and points. So a tie-breaker had to be played in

Omdurman Omdurman () is a major city in Sudan. It is the second most populous city in the country, located in the State of Khartoum. Omdurman lies on the west bank of the River Nile, opposite and northwest of the capital city of Khartoum. The city acts ...

, Sudan. On 18 November 2009 Yahia scored in the 40th minute giving Algeria a 1–0 lead against the Pharaohs, in the 67th minute Yahia went off injured but the only goal scored in the play off by Yahia against Egypt was enough to secure Algeria's place in the

. In December 2009, Yahia was selected by Saâdane to play in the

2010 African Cup of Nations The 2010 Africa Cup of Nations, also known as the Orange (telecommunications), Orange Africa Cup of Nations for sponsorship reasons, was the 27th Africa Cup of Nations, the biennial association football, football championship of Africa (Confederat ...

hosted in Angola, but due to an injury Yahia did not play any of the group games. During Algeria's 2010 FIFA World Cup first round match against the United States, Yahia was ejected in the final minutes of the game after receiving his second yellow card of the match. On 1 May 2012, Yahia announced his international retirement.

Administrative career

On 27 December 2016, it was confirmed, that Yahia would retire and continue at

Orléans Orléans (,"Orleans"
(US) and USM Alger Union Sportive de la Médina d'Alger (); known as USM Alger or simply USMA for short, is a Association football, football club based in the inner suburbs of Algiers. The club was founded in 1937 and its colours are red and black. Their home sta ...

. He was close to getting sacked at the end of the year, due to the team's bad results. On 6 August 2021, he was officially fired. On 17 January 2022, Yahia was presented as the new technical director of Russian academy, F.F. Cherenkov Academy, an academy affiliated with

FC Spartak Moscow FC Spartak Moscow (, ) is a Russian professional association football, football club based in Moscow. Having won 12 Soviet Top League, Soviet championships (second only to FC Dynamo Kyiv, Dynamo Kyiv) and 10 Russian Premier League, Russian champ ...

. Yahia left it for family reasons in June 2022.

Career statistics

Club

International

:''Scores and results list Algeria's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Yahia goal.'' Algeria *

Africa Cup of Nations The Africa Cup of Nations, commonly abbreviated as AFCON and officially known as the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations for sponsorship reasons, is the main biennial international men's association football competition in Africa. It is s ...

fourth place:

2010 The year saw a multitude of natural and environmental disasters such as the 2010 Haiti earthquake, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, and the 2010 Chile earthquake. The 2009 swine flu pandemic, swine flu pandemic which began the previous year ...

Individual * Arab player of the Year: 2009

References

External links