Hicham Boudaoui is Nice’s sixth new signing. Crowned champion of Africa with Algeria this summer, the 19-year-old defender signs from Paradou FC.

Avid fans of African football already knew his name. He then caught the attention of fans around the world with his performances in the Cup of Nations, as the Fennecs triumphed. A rising star of Algerian football, Hicham Boudaoui has chosen OGC Nice for his first European experience. Les Rouge et Noir were won over by the talent and profile of this midfielder they have been following for a long time already. Energetic, technical, a natural ball-winner capable of breaking forward, Boudaoui is a product of the Paradou FC youth academy, like a certain Youcef Atal. 

A consistent performer, the man from Béchir made his professional debut on 6 January 2018 versus USM Alger. After seven matches in his debut season, the 2018-19 campaign saw him step up to another level with 30 league appearances (one goal and two assists). An experienced youth international, he received his first senior call up to the Algeria national team from Djamel Belmadi on 27 December 2018 (vs Qatar), before being named in the squad for the Africa Cup of Nations. He played in the third group game against Tanzania and came off the bench in the last-16 win over Guinea (3-0).

At 19 years of age (he will turn 20 on 23 September), Hicham is now ready to discover Europe and its football with Le Gym in Ligue 1, where he will turn out alongside compatriots Youcef Atal and Adam Ounas.

Bienvenue Hicham!

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