Algerian Defender Joins the Black and Yellow Brigade

Algerian Defender Joins the Black and Yellow Brigade
Credit: Iconsport

Borussia Dortmund has made a significant move in the transfer market ahead of the 2023–24 season by securing the signing of Algerian international defender Ramy Bensebaini. The 28-year-old left-footed defender joins Dortmund on a free transfer from league rivals Borussia Mönchengladbach, signing a four-year contract that was confirmed on Monday.

 

When asked about his decision to join Borussia Dortmund, the Algerian defender spoke highly of the club's reputation and their legendary home stadium, Signal Iduna Park. The North African player said: “I don't need to say much about Borussia Dortmund’s pulling power. The extraordinary atmosphere at Signal Iduna Park, which pushes the team, is something that I’ve experienced myself as an opposing player.”

He added: “I know what BVB are capable of, and I’m sure that as a team we will build on the second half of last season. I can hardly wait to be part of BVB, compete for titles, and experience this special atmosphere in Dortmund.”

Ramy Bensebaini made the move to Borussia Mönchengladbach in the summer of 2019, following stints with Lierse, Montpellier, and Rennes. During his time with Mönchengladbach, he established himself as a key figure in their defense, making 95 Bundesliga appearances and scoring an impressive 19 goals. In the previous season, Bensebaini contributed significantly to his team's attacking play, accumulating eight scoring points from six goals and two assists in 28 appearances.

Borussia Dortmund Sporting Director Sebastian Kehl expressed his satisfaction with the acquisition, emphasizing Bensebaini's prime age and his extensive experience in top-level football.

“Ramy is a player in his prime; he has amassed a lot of national and international experience in the Bundesliga, the French Ligue 1, the Champions League, and the Europa League, and on top of that, he is an integral part of the national team in his homeland. We’re certain that his sporting development is not yet finished. In our talks with him, we’ve seen an absolute will to go on the attack and compete for titles with Borussia Dortmund. We’re very much looking forward to working with a player who has a good balance between defensive and attacking play,” said Sebastian Kehl.

African Players Who Played for Borussia Dortmund

Throughout their history, Borussia Dortmund has been associated with foreign players as they strive to challenge the dominance of Bayern Munich in the German top division. The African football market, in particular, has provided a rich source of talent that has caught the attention of Dortmund. The club has greatly benefited from signing African players in the past, reflecting the team's commitment to diversity and their recognition of the immense talent that exists within African football.

Sunday Oliseh

Nigeria

Sunday Oliseh, a prominent figure in Nigerian football, was an integral part of Nigeria's golden generation that achieved remarkable success, winning both the AFCON 1994 and the gold medal at the 1996 Olympics. Following successful spells at Ajax and Juventus, the talented midfielder joined Borussia Dortmund in 2000.

Oliseh's exceptional blend of physicality and technical skills in midfield played a significant role in Dortmund's Bundesliga triumph in 2002. During his time with the Black and Yellow, the former Eredivisie champion made 72 appearances before being loaned out to Bochum in 2003, showcasing his versatility and adaptability in German football.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Gabon

Aubameyang is arguably one of the most successful African players to have donned the Borussia Dortmund jersey. He joined the club in 2013 from AS Saint-Étienne and went on to become a prolific goal scorer. During his time at Dortmund, Aubameyang went on to make 213 appearances for the club, scoring 141 goals and providing 36 assists.

After scoring 31 goals for the Black and Yellows during the 2016–17 season, he was awarded the Golden Boot by the Bundesliga. Prior to joining Arsenal six months later, he also won the DFB Pokal in 2017 while working for Thomas Tuchel.

Achraf Hakimi

Morocco

Hakimi, a versatile full-back, joined Borussia Dortmund on loan from Real Madrid in 2018. The Moroccan international had two highly successful seasons with Dortmund, where his speed, attacking prowess, and defensive solidity impressed fans and pundits alike. Hakimi's performances earned him a reputation as one of the best fullbacks in European football.

Mohamed Zidan

Egypt

Zidan joined Borussia Dortmund in 2008 from Hamburger SV; he played for Werder Bremen and Mainz as well. Mohamed Zidan possessed great technical ability and scored crucial goals during his time at the club.

The Egyptian star ultimately made 73 appearances for the Black and Yellows, contributing 10 assists and 15 goals. He won the DFB Pokal gold in 2012 and two consecutive Bundesliga championships in 2011 and 2012.

This article was most recently revised and updated 3 months ago

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