Hemza Mihoubi


Hemza Mihoubi is an Algerian-French footballer who currently plays for FC Locarno.

Club career

Mihoubi started his professional career at FC Metz, where he came up through the club's youth system. After a season with the first team, he joined the Italian club U.S. Lecce. He was loaned out to Belgian club SC Charleroi, but failed to make an impact there and returned to US Lecce, where he now plays regular football. On 28 July 2009, AC Bellinzona signed the French-Algerian left-back from US Lecce on a two-year deal.

International career

Mihoubi started his international career for the Algerian Under 18 team, earning two caps at this level. However, taking advantage of FIFA regulations, he switched allegiances and played for the French Under 19 team, where he got five caps. He played at 2005 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship qualifying round. He is the first known Algerian player to make this switch, with most players doing the reverse.