Rafik Djebbour

Rafik Zoheir Djebbour (Arabic: رفيق جبور, Greek: Ραφίκ Ζαέρ Τζιμπούρ, born 8 March 1984) is an Algerian retired footballer who played as Striker and Winger.

Rafik Djebbour
Djebbour with Sivasspor in 2013
Personal information
Full name Rafik Zoheir Djebbour
Date of birth (1984-03-08) 8 March 1984
Place of birth Grenoble, France
Height 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
Position(s) Striker / Winger
Youth career
1998–2003 Auxerre
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2003–2004 Auxerre 5 (0)
2004–2005 La Louvière 21 (6)
2005–2006 Ethnikos Asteras 21 (11)
2006 Atromitos 14 (6)
2006–2008 Panionios 41 (19)
2008–2011 AEK Athens 58 (22)
2011–2014 Olympiacos 56 (39)
2013–2014 → Sivasspor (loan) 10 (2)
2014 Nottingham Forest 7 (1)
2014–2015 APOEL 26 (14)
2015–2016 AEK Athens 22 (2)
2016–2017 Aris 5 (0)
2017–2018 Atlético Marseille 21 (5)
National team‡
2006–2014 Algeria 47 (26)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 19:46, 9 December 2020 (UTC)
‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 19 November 2017

Club career

Auxerre

Born in Grenoble, France, Djebbour was signed to Auxerre's youth academy at the age of 15 in 1998. He was moved to the senior team in 2003 after spending five years in the youth academy. He made his professional debut at the age of 19.

Louviéroise

His impressive debut season caught the eye of R.A.A. Louviéroise, in his second professional season, he did not live up to his expectations. Even though he made 21 appearances he only managed to score six goals. Djebbour was transfer listed by the club at the end of the season, Djebbour mentioned in an interview that he was transfer listed as he wasn't happy with the way the club didn't support him when his brother had been in a coma for 5 months, he stated he was very disappointed with the staff and became disillusioned and felt no attachment to the club.[1] In July 2005, Djebbour signed for Greek outfit Ethnikos Asteras.

Ethnikos Asteras

In his first season in Greece, he scored 11 goals in 21 appearances from September to January. This earned him a move to Atromitos where he managed six goals until the end of the season.

Atromitos

Djebbour suffered a serious injury in his first season with Atromitos this limited Djebbour to only two appearances without scoring. In January 2006, Djebbour called upon one of the "big three" of Greece (AEK Athens, Olympiacos, Panathinaikos) to acquire his services, however this did not happen and he ended up at Panionios.

Panionios

Before signing to Panionios, Djebbour went on trial at English club Watford but was not retained as Aidy Boothroyd stated "He wasn't what I was looking for".[2] His first six months with Panionios, Djebbour scored four goals in the remaining 14 games. He would go on to score 15 goals in 27 appearances. In the summer of 2008, AEK Athens expressed their interest in signing Djebbour. He completed his move to the "Dikefalos-Aetos" on 1 July 2008.

AEK Athens

In 2008, Djebbour transferred to AEK for €3.2 million. Djebbour scored his first goal for AEK in the 93rd minute in the home 2–1 win against Asteras Tripolis, giving his club the three points. Djebbour got into a fight with teammate Nacho Scocco in a training ground bust-up. On 30 September 2009, it was reported that Djebbour clashed with AEK Athens' coach Dusan Bajevic and was not allowed to train with the rest of the season for four months. During his absence from AEK Athens' training, Djebbour had been training with Celtic[3] and Blackburn Rovers.[4] On 7 September 2010, Djebbour signed a three-year deal keeping at the club until 2013. Djebbour's contract is worth €3.3 million with a buy-out clause of €7 million.[5]

After signing his contract extension in 2010, he began the 2010 season in great form, scoring 3 goals in three games (2–1 loss to Kerkyra, 1–0 win against Panserraikos, and a 2–2 draw with Asteras Tripolis) for the regular season as well as a goal during AEK's 3–1 Europa League win against Hajduk Split.

On 2 January 2011, Djebbour had another clash, this time with Manolo Jimenez, the current AEK Athens coach. Jimenez reportedly stressed to Djebbour that he is not allowed to attend the next day training and that he should instead meet with the chairman of AEK Athens.[6]

After the incidents with Manolo Jimenez, Rafik requested immediately to be released on a free transfer by AEK. He also requested to be paid his remaining wages doubled. Lens and other French teams declared interest in buying him.[7] Djebbour threatened AEK's board and was ready to seek a solution in court.

2010–11

On 21 January 2011, Olympiacos bought Djebour from AEK for €2.3 million, he signing a 6-month contract with the club with the option of renewal for 2 years. He scored his first goal for Olympiakos in an away win at Aris after a superb assist of Ariel Ibagaza. That was followed by two goals in a 6–0 home win against AEK Athens, a goal against PAOK and the winning goal in a 2–1 derby win against Panathinaikos. He also scored in a home win 3–1 against Kavala after an assist of Giannis Maniatis and in the final match of the season, against AEL 1964 FC after a superb assist of Albert Riera

2011–12

Djebbour scored his first goal of the season with a last-minute winner in a thrilling home win 2–1 against Skoda Xanthi. Rafik's goal of the season came at a home win 2–1 against PAOK with an sublime header after an assist of Kevin Mirallas. His first European goal for Olympiakos came in a Champions League home win (3–1) against Borussia Dortmund. In the domestic league, he scored two goals in a 0–3 away win against Panionios. He also scored in a home win 2–1 against PAOK. He scored a goal in a 2–2 home draw against OFI Crete and a goal in a 1–1 home draw with Panathinaikos. He also scored in a 2–0 home win against Panetolikos. His second European goal came in a 3–1 home win against Arsenal in a Champions League home game. He also scored a goal in a 2–0 home win against PAS Giannina.

Djebbour scored a goal in a 7–2 home win against Asteras Tripoli. His third European goal of the season came in a 1–0 home win against Rubin Kazan in the Europa League. He also scored two goals in a 4–0 away win against PAS Giannina. Djebbour also scored in the Greek Cup Final in Olympiacos' win 2–1 against Atromitos.

In all competitions, Djebbour made 31 appearances, scoring 12 goals in the Greek Superleague and 16 goals in all competitions.

2012–13

Djebbour started the season with a goal in a 2–1 away win against Veria after an assist from José Holebas. He next scored two goals in a 4–0 home win against Levadiakos after assist of Djamel Abdoun. His next goal came in a 2–1 away win against PAS Giannina. At this match he made the assist to Kostas Mitroglou to score the second goal. He also scored two goals in a 4–1 home win against Panthrakikos after two assists of Djamel Abdoun and Ariel Ibagaza. He next scored two goals in a 4–0 home win against Skoda Xanthi. As a result of his outstanding performances the club has offered Djebbour a better contract extension. He also scored in a 1–1 away draw against PAOK. The next goal came in a 2–0 home win against Panachaiki,with a wonderful header at a Greek Cup match. He next scored two goals in an away draw 2–2 at the classical Greek derby against Panathinaikos after two assists of Djamel Abdoun and David Fuster. These goals marked his 4th goal in the classic derby Olympiacos-Panathinaikos with Olympiacos team. He scored 10 goals against Panathinaikos at his charge at Greece and he intrigued illustrious European football clubs such as Olympique de Marseille. His next goal came in an away win 2–1 against Panionios after an assist of Kostas Mitroglou.

Rafik Djebbour finished the first half of Greek Superleague with 12 goals in 11 appearances.

At January transfer window Rafik Djebbour renew his contract with Olympiacos until 2016 and make the following statement: "After what happened the last few days on my own initiative, I met with the president of Olympiakos, Mr. Marinakis told him of my intention to stay in the team, because the money was never my priority and agreed to be here for the next three years.I want all of the Olympic family to know that he never wanted to leave from Piraeus and would do anything to be our fans happy and to celebrate with me and my teammates victories and titles ..." .

The second half of Greek Superleague begins with a goal in a 3–0 home win against Veria with a penalty shot. With this goal has already surpass his previous record with Olympiakos of 12 goals in Greek Superleague. He scored his next goal against Levadiakos F.C. in a 1–0 away win at the last minute of the game with a wonderful header, after an assist of Juan Pablo Pino. His next goal came in a home win 2–0 against Pas Giannina. With this goal he equaled his previous (last year) record of 16 goals in all competitions with the Olympiacos' shirt and his previous record of 15 goals at Greek Superleague with the Panionios shirt. His next goal came at a home loss 2–3 against Atromitos after an assist of Kostas Mitroglou. His next goal came in an away win 2–0 against Skoda Xanthi. With this goal he reached 18 goals in all competitions and broke his previous record of 17 goals in all competitions with Panionios shirt. His next goal came in a home win 2-1 against Aris after an assist from Holebas.

He next scores two goals in an away win 4-0 against OFI after an assist of Djamel abdoun. With these two goals he reached 20 goals at 20 performances at Greek Superleague. At a home win against AEK Athens F.C. Rafik couldn't score a goal but gave two assists at Djamel Abdoun and Avraam Papadopoulos. With that win Olympiacos claimed the 40th champion in his history. Rafik made the assist to Kostas Mitroglou at a home draw 1-1 against Panathinaikos at the classical Greek derby.

He ended the season at Greek Superleague being the top scorer, scoring 20 goals in 24 appearances.

Loan to Sivasspor

On 6 September 2013, Djebbour joined Süper Lig club Sivasspor on a season-long loan deal from Olympiacos, after the interest of the coach of the club, Roberto Carlos.[8] He played 13 games with the club in all competitions and scored 4 goals.

Nottingham Forest

Djebbour joined Nottingham Forest on 29 January 2014 for 1.5 million Euros, initially on loan with the deal becoming permanent at the end of the season.[9] Despite a debut goal, Djebbour along with countryman Djamel Abdoun, were dropped by caretaker manager Gary Brazil due to a perceived lack of effort in training and bad attitude.[10]

At the end of the season, Forest believed they could cancel the permanent transfer with his club Olympiacos, but were unable to. On 15 July 2014 it was confirmed Djebbour and Forest had reached an agreement to terminate his contract.[11]

APOEL

On 5 August 2014, Djebbour signed a one-year contract with APOEL from Cyprus.[12] He made his debut against Aalborg BK at GSP Stadium on 26 August 2014, in APOEL's 4–0 victory for the play-off round of the Champions League.[13] Djebbour also appeared in five group stage matches in APOEL's 2014–15 UEFA Champions League campaign.[14] He scored his first goal for APOEL on 6 October 2014, netting the winner in his teams’s 2–1 comeback win against Othellos for the Cypriot First Division.[15] The next matchday, he scored for a second consecutive league match, netting again the winner in APOEL's 1–0 home win against Nea Salamina.[16] On 15 December 2014, he scored twice in APOEL's enthralling 4–4 home draw against AEK Larnaca for the Cypriot First Division.[17] On 11 March 2015, Djebbour came on as a 62nd-minute substitute and scored twice in APOEL's 2–0 home victory against Anorthosis for the quarter-finals of the Cypriot Cup.[18] On 14 March 2015, he scored the equalizer in APOEL's 1–1 away draw against arch rivals Omonia for the play-offs of the Cypriot First Division.[19] On 2 May 2015, Djebbour scored a stoppage-time winner to give APOEL a dramatic 3–2 win against arch rivals Omonia and helped his team to move five points clear at the top of the Cypriot First Division, just three matches before the end.[20] On 24 May 2015, Djebbour scored twice in APOEL's 4–2 victory against Ermis Aradippou and celebrated the double, as his team secured their third consecutive championship title.[21][22]

Return to AEK

On 17 June 2015, Djebbour signed a one-year contract with the option of a further season with AEK Athens, returning to his former club after four years.[23] On 4 November 2015, AEK Athens striker Djebbour took part in training and he is expected to be back in action imminently. The Algerian striker has been missing since the start of the season but AEK manager Gus Poyet can have him back in contention shortly.[24] On 6 December 2015 in a home win against Kalloni F.C. scored his first goal with AEK Athens after his return. At the semi-final of the Greek Cup against Atromitos he equalized an Eduardo Brito goal,by coming from the bench, helping the club to advance in the final targeting its first title after 5 years.[25] On 17 May 2016, Djebbour with an excellent finish helped his club to win 2-1 champions Olympiakos in Cup's final at the Olympic Stadium of Athens and won the title for 15th time in their history.[26]

Aris F.C.

On 7 September 2016 Djebour made the move to Aris on a 3-year contract.[27] On 6 November 2016, the Algerian striker had a beef with his team's fans after disappointing home draw (1-1) against Aiginiakos F.C. at Thessaloniki. Οn 18 July 2017, the administration of Aris has decided to terminate the contract of experienced Algerian striker Rafik Zoheir Djebbour, a year after his signing.

Later Years

On 3 October 2017 Djebbour signed a contract with GS Consolat, a team that plays at the Championnat National, making his return to France after 12 years.

International career

He made his debut with the Algeria in an unofficial friendly game against Istres in August 2006 and his first official game was the following day against Gabon, which Algeria lost 0–2. He scored his first international goal against Liberia on 6 June 2008. He played a key role in Algeria’s winning campaign to qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and scored a crucial goal in Algeria’s 3–1 victory over Egypt in June 2009. He also played at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa but failed to score.

Career statistics
As of 8 January 2017[28]
Club Season League Cup League Cup[lower-alpha 1] Europe Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
La Louvière 2004–05 Belgian Pro League 21621——237
Ethnikos Asteras 2005–06 Beta Ethniki 211121——2312
Atromitos 2005–06 Super League Greece 12600——126
2006–07 Super League Greece 2000——20
Total 14600——146
Panionios 2006–07 Super League Greece 14400——144
2007–08 Super League Greece 271500—623317
Total 411900—624721
AEK Athens 2008–09 Super League Greece 28872—003510
2009–10 Super League Greece 19600—10206
2010–11 Super League Greece 11521—62198
Total 582293—727424
Olympiacos 2010–11 Super League Greece 10710—00117
2011–12 Super League Greece 211231—1033416
2012–13 Super League Greece 252052—603622
Total 563993—1638145
Sivasspor (loan) 2013–14 Süper Lig 10232——134
Nottingham Forest 2013–14 Championship 711000—81
APOEL 2014–15 Cypriot First Division 261463—603817
AEK Athens 2015–16 Super League Greece 22293——315
Aris 2016–17 Football League 5000——50
Career total 281122411600357357142
  1. Includes Cypriot Super Cup matches.

International
Algeria
YearAppsGoals
2006 01 0
2008 06 1
2009 06 2
2010 08 1
2011 03 0
2012 04 1
2013 05 0
2014 01 0
Total 33 5

Last updated: 2013
Source: Rafik Djebbour at National-Football-Teams.com

Rafik Djebbour: International goals
GoalDateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition
12008-06-06Stade Mustapha Tchaker, Blida, Algeria Liberia1–03–02010 WCQ
22009-06-07Stade Mustapha Tchaker, Blida, Algeria Egypt3–03–12010 WCQ
32009-08-12Stade 5 Juillet 1962, Algiers, Algeria Uruguay1–01–0Friendly
42010-08-11Stade 5 Juillet 1962, Algiers, Algeria Gabon1–21–2Friendly
52012-05-26Stade Mustapha Tchaker, Blida, Algeria Niger2–03–0Friendly

Honours
Olympiacos
APOEL
AEK Athens
Individual
  • Super League Greece Top scorer: 2012–13 (20 goals)

References
  1. "Interview Rafik Djebbour : "Beaucoup de gros clubs grecs m'ont contactι"(je supporte le MCA et l'ASO)". Dzfoot.Com. Archived from the original on 29 July 2012. Retrieved 24 December 2012.
  2. Affleck, Kevin (22 December 2006). "No move for Polish striker (From Watford Observer)". Watfordobserver.co.uk. Retrieved 24 December 2012.
  3. "Bhoys consider striker". Sky Sports. Retrieved 7 February 2018.
  4. Djebbour trains with Rovers SkySports.com, 20 October 2009
  5. "Djebbour signs new 3-year deal (GR)". aekfc.gr. 31 August 2010. Archived from the original on 10 September 2010.
  6. "Στην πόρτα της εξόδου ο Τζιμπούρ". Contra.gr. Retrieved 7 February 2018.
  7. "Djebbour-Jimenez,La grande explication | équipe nationale | Algerie360.com | Information et Actualité sur l'Algérie". Algerie360.com. Retrieved 24 December 2012.
  8. http://www.sivasspor.org.tr/tr/haber/rafik-djebbour-ve-aydin-karabulut-sivasspor-da#.UjbPQMakpw4 Archived 8 September 2013 at the Wayback Machine
  9. "Transfer window: Nottingham Forest sign Rafik Djebbour". BBC Sport. 2014. Retrieved 7 February 2018.
  10. "Transfer news: Djamel Abdoun and Rafik Djebbour to leave Nottingham Forest". Sky Sports. Retrieved 7 February 2018.
  11. "Striker Leaves Forest". Retrieved 7 February 2018.
  12. "Σύναψη συμφωνίας με Rafik Djebbour" (in Greek). apoelfc.com.cy. 5 August 2014. Retrieved 5 August 2014.
  13. "APOEL ease past AaB and into group stage". UEFA. 26 August 2014. Retrieved 26 August 2014.
  14. "APOEL FC Squad". UEFA. 12 December 2014. Retrieved 12 December 2014.
  15. ΟΘΕΛΛΟΣ ΑΘΗΑΙΝΟΥ 1-2 ΑΠΟΕΛ (in Greek). apoelfc.com.cy. 6 October 2014. Retrieved 6 October 2014.
  16. ΑΠΟΕΛ 1-0 Ν. ΣΑΛΑΜΙΝΑ (in Greek). apoelfc.com.cy. 26 October 2014. Retrieved 26 October 2014.
  17. ΑΠΟΕΛ 4-4 ΑΕΚ [APOEL 4-4 AEK] (in Greek). APOEL FC. 15 December 2014. Retrieved 15 December 2014.
  18. ΑΠΟΕΛ 2-0 Ανόρθωση Αμμοχώστου [APOEL 2-0 Anorthosis Famagusta] (in Greek). APOEL FC. 11 March 2015. Retrieved 11 March 2015.
  19. Ομόνοια Λευκωσίας 1-1 ΑΠΟΕΛ [Omonia Nicosia 1-1 APOEL] (in Greek). APOEL FC. 14 March 2015. Retrieved 14 March 2015.
  20. ΑΠΟΕΛ 3-2 Ομόνοια Λευκωσίας [APOEL 3-2 Omonia Nicosia] (in Greek). APOEL FC. 2 May 2015. Retrieved 2 May 2015.
  21. Ερμής Αραδίππου 2-4 ΑΠΟΕΛ [Ermis Aradippou 2-4 APOEL] (in Greek). APOEL FC. 24 May 2015. Retrieved 24 May 2015.
  22. "APOEL secure league to wrap up Cypriot double". UEFA.com. 24 May 2015. Retrieved 24 May 2015.
  23. "AEK clinch Djebbour deal". www.sdna.gr. 17 June 2015.
  24. "Djebbour set for AEK return". www.sdna.gr. 4 November 2015.
  25. "AEK advanced to Greek Cup's final". www.sdna.gr. 26 April 2016.
  26. "AEK beat Olympiakos and win the Greek Cup for 15th time". www.sdna.gr. Retrieved 17 May 2016.
  27. "Οριστικό: Ο Τζεμπούρ στον Άρη για τρία χρόνια!" (in Greek). www.sport24.gr. Retrieved 8 September 2016.
  28. "Rafik Djebbour". Soccerway. Retrieved 1 August 2014.

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