Kassem El Zein


Kassem Mohammed El Zein is a Lebanese professional footballer who plays as a defender for club Nejmeh and the Lebanon national team. While initially starting out as a full-back, El Zein progressed into a centre-back with the years. His main abilities are his tackling and reading of the game.
El Zein began his senior career in 2011 at Nejmeh, playing for them in over 100 league matches. In 2020 he was sent on a three-month loan to Iraqi club Al-Mina'a. El Zein made his international debut for Lebanon in 2014, and was part of the 2019 AFC Asian Cup squad. He also works as a part-time chef at a hotel in Beirut.

Club career

On 28 January 2020, El Zein was sent on a three-month loan to Iraqi Premier League side Al-Mina'a. He made his debut on 17 February 2020, in a 1–0 home win over Naft Al-Janoob in the first matchday of the season. El Zein played four league games for Al-Mina'a; however, the season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

International career

El Zein debuted for the Lebanon national team on 14 October 2014, in a friendly against Saudi Arabia. In December 2018, he was called up for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, where he played a group stage game against Saudi Arabia.

Personal life

El Zein works as a part-time chef at L'Avenue Du Parc, a restaurant in Beirut. He stated that "while in other countries football can be a full-time job, in Lebanon it’s necessary for a player to have a second job."

Honours and achievements

Club

Nejmeh
Awards