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In the world of football, people often talk about “ideal conditions for development” – academies, grass pitches, daily support from physiotherapists and nutritionists. But there are also players who have to build their path from scratch. Without luxury, without a support system. Ramy Bensebaini is one of them.
This Algerian defender is now a respected player in the Bundesliga, a national team regular, who has played in Ligue 1 and faced the world’s top forwards. But his football journey started far from big stadiums – in the hot, dry and harsh environment of North Africa.
NO GRASS, NO EQUIPMENT – ONLY PASSION
As a child, Bensebaini mostly trained on hard, sandy surfaces. Sometimes in shoes that weren’t even made for football. Infrastructure? None. The only thing he had was a ball and a dream – to one day become a professional and play in Europe. Instead of UEFA-licensed coaches – local enthusiasts. Instead of gyms – pull-ups on metal bars. But Ramy trained every day. Alone. Often long after dark.
His first serious step was a move to Paradou AC – a club known for decent youth development but still far from European standards. There, he stood out as a defender with character, strong in duels and capable of building play from the back.
FIRST EUROPEAN TRIALS – LOAN TO BELGIUM
Thanks to Paradou’s connections, he got a loan move to Belgian side Lierse SK. The club was far from the elite of European football, but for Ramy, it was finally a chance to train in proper conditions. And he performed well. He realized the difference between himself and European peers wasn’t talent – it was the system. And systems can be caught up to with work.
MOVE TO FRANCE – THE HARD SCHOOL OF LIGUE 1
In 2016, he joined Stade Rennais, where he faced top-tier football. The beginning was tough – new language, tactics, pace. But Bensebaini showed the mentality of a warrior. He became a regular starter and earned respect not just at club level, but also with the national team.
In 2019, he moved to Borussia Mönchengladbach in Germany – another step up. In the Bundesliga, he not only held his own but became one of the defensive leaders. He also played great matches in the Champions League. Today, he’s a core player for Algeria, with whom he won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2019.
A LESSON FOR YOUNG PLAYERS
Bensebaini’s story teaches one thing: if you truly want something, you don’t need perfect conditions to begin. You can train on uneven, ruined pitches. You can work alone. But if you do it every day, with passion and humility, you can catch up to – and even surpass – those who had a better start.
Ramy had no connections, no agent at age 12, no family in Europe. But he had character. And it was that character that carried him to the top.
