Said Benrahma’s Astonishing Rise at NEOM SC Represents a Cultural Shift in Football, Challenging Traditional Norms and National Narratives on the Global Stage, Where the Playful Spirit of the Streets Meets Measured Professional Ambition and Has the Potential to Rewrite the Rules of the Game in a New League Setting.
NEOM SC, a club that has rapidly embraced a distinctly Gallic flavor, has become a focal point of intrigue in the Saudi football scene. The club’s summer recruitment drive was not just about acquiring talent; it was a statement of intent about their aspirations in the competitive environment of the Roshn Saudi League (RSL). Under the stewardship of French coach Christophe Galtier, formerly of Paris Saint-Germain, NEOM SC is establishing itself as a viable contender in Saudi football. The signings of players such as Alexandre Lacazette, Nathan Zeze, and Said Benrahma reveal a strategic focus on blending French football ethos with local ambitions, elevating the profile of the club on multiple fronts.
Benrahma’s journey, in particular, reflects a fascinating intersection of cultures and football philosophies. Born in Algeria, he relocated to France at a young age, and his formative experiences on the streets of Ain Temouchent and Bel Abbes heavily influenced his playing style. He has long been noted for his flair, creativity, and technical skill—qualities that hark back to the untrammeled joy of playing football as a child. This foundation, paired with his professional journey through European clubs, has shaped Benrahma into a player who embodies the concept of ‘playing football as a pleasure.’
His early career took flight in the English Football League, where he became a standout performer at Brentford. In two seasons, he netted 27 goals and attracted considerable attention from larger clubs. His eventual move to West Ham United saw him further hone his skills, contributing to their success in the UEFA European Conference League and establishing himself as an integral part of the squad. However, the transition to NEOM SC marks a significant chapter in his career, shifting from a traditional European football environment to an emerging league in the Middle East, which is rich with opportunity but also rife with challenges.
The signing of Benrahma can be seen as emblematic of NEOM SC’s ambitions to not only compete domestically but to establish a broader cultural footprint in the world of football. His roots in Algerian street football have lent him a unique perspective on the game, allowing him to bring creativity and spontaneity to a league that is often categorized by a reliance on physicality and tactical discipline. The vibrancy that he offers on the pitch, encapsulated by his penchant for skillful nutmeg moves and audacious strikes, is a refreshing contrast to the more conventional styles prevalent in the region.
As NEOM SC looks to capitalize on their recent promotion to the top division, the implications of integrating players like Benrahma into their squad extend beyond mere statistics. His presence in the team serves to attract attention not only to the club but also to the RSL as a whole, showcasing a more dynamic and engaging style of play that could redefine viewer perceptions of Middle Eastern football. The club’s current position, sitting sixth in the league after several rounds, is indicative of the potential in combining local and international talent.
Benrahma’s ability to create chances—leading the team in this aspect—demonstrates his important role in the attacking strategy of NEOM SC. Despite the challenges he faces in adapting to new surroundings and styles of play, his recent performance against Al Kholood, where he scored two decisive goals, showcased his readiness to take on the mantle of leadership within the squad. Such moments are critical as the team prepares to face league leaders Al Nassr, where Benrahma’s flair, combined with tactical execution, could be pivotal.
Furthermore, as the RSL continues to gain traction on the global stage, the integration of culturally diverse players like Benrahma could lead to a broader shift in how football is perceived and played in Saudi Arabia. The club’s investment in talent from Europe, particularly from France, not only enhances the competitive nature of the league but also facilitates an exchange of styles that could invigorate local players and fans alike.
In summary, Benrahma’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of football to bridge cultural divides and inspire new narratives in sport. His contributions to NEOM SC are about more than individual accolades; they signify a deeper connection to his roots and a commitment to the joy of the game. As clubs like NEOM SC pursue their ambitions in the global arena, the implications of such a cultural shift in football will be watched with great interest, potentially altering the dynamics of the sport in this region and beyond.
NEOM Sport Club’s penchant for all things French became one of the storylines of the summer as Tabuk took on a particularly Gallic flavour.
Not only did they appoint a French coach, in former Paris Saint-Germain manager Christophe Galtier, they raided Ligue 1 for talents such as Saimon Bouabre, Nathan Zeze, Amadou Kone, Alexandre Lacazette and Marcin Bulka. Also, they added French-born Malian international Abdoulaye Doucoure.
But their love for French football actually began six months earlier when NEOM SC were still in the Saudi First Division League. Although, at the time it was a move that largely went under the radar, it signalled not only the club’s intention, but their ambition.
In late Janaury, NEOM SC signed former Brentford, West Ham United and Olympique Lyon star Said Benrahma. While Algerian by birth, the attacking midfielder had relocated to France with his parents aged 11 and, thus, was schooled in the art of French football.
But despite his professional journey beginning in Europe, Benrahma’s skills were honed on the backstreets of Ain Temouchent and Bel Abbes in his homeland.
It’s that experience of street football that wisened a wizardry on the ball that became his hallmark as Benrahma rose to prominence in the English game, firstly with Brentford and then West Ham.
“I’ve had [this style] since I was a kid,” Benrahma, who is the youngest of seven siblings, said in a 2020 interview after moving to the east side of London.
“I was born in Algeria, and I used to enjoy myself playing in the streets, because for me, playing football is a pleasure. So, it’s about trying to repeat the moves I used to perform outdoors when I was a kid.
“That’s how it is back there. I think Algerians are all the same in that sense: we all like to have the ball at our feet and play with it.”
As he fast developed a reputation for his ability to cheekily put the ball through the legs of defenders, Benrahma’s former Brentford B assistant coach, Sam Saunders, once quipped: “He could nutmeg a mermaid.”
In two full seasons at Brentford, who were in England’s second tier at the time, Benrahma scored 27 goals and became much sought after, with the likes of Chelsea and Aston Villa reportedly keen. Yet, it was West Ham who finally acquired his services in October 2020.
After four seasons at the club, even helping them to continental silverware in the form of the 2023 UEFA European Conference League – he scored in the final against Fiorentina – Benrahma returned to France with Lyon.
It was there, in fact, that he teamed up with Lacazette, his future NEOM SC teammate.
After less than a year in France, however, and still in his prime at 29, Benrahma’s transfer – he joined initially on loan – to NEOM SC was a portent of things to come for the mega-project club.
Alongside 2022-23 RSL title-winning captain Ahmed Hegazi, they are the only foreign players to remain on the club’s books from their promotion-winning team. A proper NEOM SC original, if you will.
While it took some time to get on the scoresheet this season, after seven goals and eight assists in the final months of last season in the First Division, Benrahma’s form through October has shown why NEOM SC kept him.
And that was headlined by a brace, last time out, against Al Kholood in an important 3-2 win.
The second of those was an early goal-of-the-season contender, Benrahma running with the ball from just inside the hosts’ half before unleashing a venomous strike from outside the Al Kholood penalty area that flashed past goalkeeper Juan Pablo Cozzani before he had a chance to react.
What a goal last weekend by Said Benrahma! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/rLyudLT7HA
— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) November 4, 2025
It was a strike of such quality that Benrahma’s old pal Lacazette could only stand and applaud. More pertinently, it was just reward for Benrahma’s recent rude health as NEOM SC look to keep pace with those at the top of the RSL (currently, they sit sixth after seven rounds, five points off second).
Now settled in the Kingdom’s lead division, Benrahma heads NEOM SC for both chances created (18) and big chances created (6), even if only one of those has resulted in an actual assist. Meanwhile, he ranks behind only Lacazette for total efforts on goal, with 14. His impact is there for all to see.
With Lacazette firing too, Benrahma’s goals against Al Kholood were something of a warning for the rest of the RSL; that, if he can sharpen up the final product, he is ready to take the competition by storm.
Where better to further whip up a frenzy, then, than this weekend, when NEOM SC host RSL leaders Al Nassr. The Algerian international with the flair, fostered in his homeland and refined in France, could just be the man to check the tale-toppers’ trajectory.