In Saint-Étienne, Ryad Boudebouz is remembered for two feats of arms. The first, his assist for Robert Berić, which allowed Saint-Étienne to win in the Derby in 2019 with a score of 1-0 in the very last minute of play. The second, his goal against Rennes, who propelled the Greens to the final of the Coupe de France in 2020. For the rest, Ryad Boudebouz will not have had the success hoped for as an old-fashioned playmaker. He now plays in Algeria at JS Kabylie. The newspaper L’Équipe went to meet him.
Ryad Boudebouz: “In 2010-2011, the season where I made 8 goals and 7 assists at Sochaux, I had to leave. I still stayed two years but I was less good in terms of stats. At that time, the clubs looked at that and the regularity I had two offers: Qatar, it was out of the question at 23, and Bastia, and at Sochaux, some people threatened me not to play in the CFA or with the. pros if I didn't accept the offer I'm leaving at that time because it's a World Cup year, and I'm obliged to give myself a chance to play it.
Maybe today, with hindsight, I would have stayed and gone free… But in no case do I regret what I experienced in Bastia. It was an experience that I enjoyed. I met authentic people, with real values and principles. The Corsican public gave me a lot.”
Boudebouz’s best period as a footballer? Montpellier!
“In Montpellier, I had a full season (2016-2017, 9 goals and 11 assists in L1). Everything went well for me. I went in front of the goal, the ball came back to me. There are seasons like that where you don’t need to force it. I was fully fulfilled there.”
An old-fashioned esthete, Ryad Boudebouz no longer finds himself in modern football:
“I no longer take much pleasure in [regarder le football]. I still follow Real Madrid and De Zerbi's OM. Before I was bulimic, I threw myself into the slightest match. It has become stereotypical. There was less “data”. Today, we have to run, win the duels, that's the priority. I don't see any notion of pleasure there. I enjoyed my time at Real Bétis, but unfortunately, it was marred by physical problems. La Liga is great. I remember we played Barça by going after the opponent in their area with Messi at the back… Low blocks, transition at all costs, that's not what I like.”
If his life continues in his country of origin, a return to France always remains possible…
“I am under contract at JSK, and you never know what could happen later. If I am free, and Sochaux needs me, it will be with great pleasure.”
France
