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USM Alger
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Union Sportive de la Médina d'Alger (Arabic: الإتحاد الرياضي لمدينة الجزائر); known as USM Alger or simply USMA for short, is a football club based in the inner suburbs of Algiers. The club was founded in 1937 and its colours are red and black. Their home stadium, Omar Hamadi Stadium, has a capacity of 10,000 spectators. The club is currently playing in the Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 1.
The club has one of Algeria's most prominent football records, as it won the Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 1 8 times, the Algerian Cup 9 times and the Algerian Super Cup 2 times. Internationally, USM Alger won the CAF Confederation Cup once in 2023, the CAF Super Cup in 2023 and the UAFA Club Championship once in 2013. The IFFHS ranks USMA in the 18th place of the best African teams of the decade between 2001–2010. USMA reached the final of the 2015 CAF Champions League but they lost to TP Mazembe.
With the past of the Union Sportive Musulmane d'Alger (former name of the USMA), winner of the first 1962–63 Algerian Championnat National, USMA is the postwar reference Algerian War). In one year, the club Algérois won the Algerian championship and subsequently qualified for the finals of the Algerian Cup 1969. The club is going through a difficult period.[clarification needed] The club is financially supported, as the USMA was bought in 2010. This privatization is accompanied by positive sporting results: solidly anchored in Ligue 1 since the arrival of the Algerian investor Ali Haddad, they won the Ligue 1 in 2014, and the club regularly qualifies for the current African cups CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup. The USMA also realized 3 titles in 2 years championship-Algerian cup and Super Cup during the season 2013–2014.
History
[edit]Early years
[edit]In July 1935, Omar Aichoud and Mustapha Kaoui, both merchants of jute bags, decided to create an exclusively Muslim sports association in which no European would appear. At the time, the National Movement, led by Étoile Nord-Africaine of Emir Khalid ibn Hashim, grandson of Emir Abdelkader, ran out of steam while the creation of the PPA (Parti Politique Algérien), spiritual father, was organized. Aichoun and Kaoui, join the popular growth of the FLN. They frequent the activists of the National Movement, many in the district of the Casbah and hear about the need to create sports clubs, the ideal framework to bring together Algerian youth. The increasingly seasoned national movement is pushing for the creation of sports associations.
During the year 1935, the two men will multiply contacts, helped by Arezki Meddad, father of the future chahida Ourida Meddad. Their choice falls on Ali Lahmar, said Ali Zaid, future chahid of the liberation war and Sid Ahmed Kemmat. These men formed the first office of USMA, an office chaired by Ali Zaid, the honorary presidency going to Omar Aichoun and Arezki Meddad. In addition to their nationalist and sporting activities, Omar Aichoun and Mustapha Kaoui also frequent the Nadi Ettaraki (Circle of progress), an association created under the so-called 1901 law. Its head office is currently at « 9, place du Gouvernement », Place des Martyrs, in Algiers, The circle of progress is managed by the Islamic Reform Movement (El Islah), led by Sheikh Tayeb El Okbi, whose son Djamel will later be USM Alger goalkeeper. Fearing that the practice of sport is incompatible with the precepts of Islam, those concerned seek advice from the Sheikh, who encourages them and offers his blessing to USMA. For the administrative procedures and in order to obtain the agreement of the colonial authorities, they request the statutes from the Secretary General of the MC Alger, who willingly gives him a copy.[4]
The USMA option having been successful, the PPA renewed the operation and thus Union Sportive Musulmane, Espérance Sportives Musulmane, Jeunesse Sportive Musulmane, Widad and Croissant club were born. They were everywhere these clubs which were schools of Nationalism and Patriotism. Union Sportive Musulmane Algéroise was therefore born, and was ready to participate in 1938 in the 3rd division championship. At that time many players had expressed the wish to come to this club, unfortunately the regulations (license B) prohibited them. In addition, all participating clubs had to have a stadium for the competition. A criterion for which the federation of the time was uncompromising. This is what Mr. Kemmat did in the face of these two problems: “USM Alger at the time required a contract with a stadium for a minimum period of five years. This is to ensure the running of the competitions. I had contacted the leaders of the O club. Pointe Pescade (current Raïs Hamidou) and we had come to an understanding by paying him five thousand francs annually. For the money, no need to tell you where it came from ”, he adds with a sigh which speaks volumes about the state of mind that reigned at that time.[4]
Then came World War II during which the competition system in the League Algiers was changed to three groups and for three seasons, Abderrahman Ibrir former center-half of AST Alger, became a goalkeeper with USMA and even had his first selection of Algiers under USMA colors, USM Alger contracted with a significant number of players and they are Zitouni Hassen, Zouaoui Rabah, Mahmoudi Smain, Naceri M'hamed and Houari GS Orleans city (now Chlef) Berkani Olympique de Tizi Ouzou. In the 1939–40 season USM Alger played for the first time in the first division and because of the outbreak of the World War II the championship was divided into three groups where USM Alger signed in the group A the team was bad where they won only two games against the same team US Alger and he was defeated in 9 games where he could not face the big teams then like RU Alger and AS Saint Eugène in the end, finished second to last either in Coupe de la Ligue and Coupe de la Solidarité the journey ended in the first round against US Blida and Stade Algérois respectively. The resumption of official competitions occur in 1942. For the 1942–43 season, USMA returns to the third division according to the regulations in force. Mr El-Hadj Ahmed Kemmat intervenes:
The regulations stipulated that. You can imagine, doing a Muslim club a favor was unimaginable.
— El-Hadj Ahmed Kemmat, January 2009[5]
After independence
[edit]League beginning with the first post-independence the USM Alger administration to bring the former Nice and Monaco player Abdelaziz Ben Tifour to be a coach and a player at the same time the team took place in Group 5 and took first place with 51 points and strongest offensive line in each league with 75 goal after the piece and in Algiers League in a group with MC Alger, AS Orléansville, NA Hussein Dey and OM Saint-Eugène took first place also with 12 points from 12 to advance to the semi-finals and play against Hamra Annaba previously USM Annaba and won by corners 7–6 qualify for the final of the first tournament in the history of Algeria, and find MC Alger again The Red and Black, led by player-coach Bentifour easily outweigh the score of 3–0 in a match played at the Stade d'El Annasser. Hence the club to Soustara had the honor and privilege of being the first club to win the championship title in the era of independent Algeria.[6] either in Algerian Cup USMA maximum in the semi-final against ES Setif and defeated score 2–4, in the next season USMA finished third, one point behind champion for Algérois group NA Hussein Dey either in the Cup and the team arrived in the semi-final against the same team ES Setif, in the 1964–65 season the team fell to the second division and finished in last place with 54 points either in the Cup stopped the march in the second round against NA Hussein Dey lead to 2–3.
In their first season in the Division Honneur team finished second behind champion MC Alger difference of 7 points to ascend together to Nationale II 1966–1967 in the next season the team failed to return to the first division and finished fifth, in either competition Cup team reached the semi-finals and was defeated again against ES Setif 1–3 aggregate This is the third time excludes USMA at the hands of ES Setif in the semi-finals, in the 1967–68 season after the USM Alger attempts to climb continued but failed again and finished fifth with 45 points, 4 points for second promoted JS Djijel, and finally in the 1968–69 season the USMA was able to return to Nationale I after four seasons in the lower grades and occupied second place behind champion JS Kabylie and celebrations continued arrival of the team, for the first time Reached the cup final However, were defeated against the champion CR Belcourt by score 3–5 after replay the match.
After seven finals, the team was able to achieve first Cup title 1980–81 season against ASM Oran score 2–1 coached by Ali Benfadah in the opening of the Stade 24 Fevrier 1956, becoming the first team to win the cup title from the second division, the following season the team to the second division returned the opening of the season was to Match Super Cup against the champions last season RC Kouba in the first version in the 20 August 1955 Stadium ended with the victory of RC Kouba by score 1–2, The team finished the season in ninth place with 59 points and in monitoring the first post in a continental competition of the African Cup Winners Cup USMA reached the quarter-finals and the maximum in front of the club Accra Hearts of Oak of Ghana 2–3 aggregate.
Saïd Allik Era (1994–2010)
[edit]In 1994 Saïd Allik became chairman of the board of directors of USM Alger and promised to return the team to Division 1, On May 26, 1995, USM Alger won away from home against MC Ouargla and achieved a promotion challenge back to the Division 1 after five full seasons under the leadership of Younis Ifticen, Allik announce that USM Alger has returned to its normal place and will not fall again to the second division, In 1995–96 season Ifticen left USM Alger despite achieving the underlined goal to be replaced by Ahmed Aït El Hocine, In Algiers Derby who played in Omar Hamadi Stadium and after USM Alger scored a goal, the assistant referee was injured by smoke gases, to stop and be repeated behind closed doors in the same stadium. After that it was decided that the Algiers Derby would not be played in the future in this stadium with the presence of the fans. After a great struggle with MC Oran for the title and in the last round USM Alger won the title after its victory against CS Constantine at Stade Mohamed Hamlaoui, with a difference of only two points.
in 2002–03 It was the best season in the history of USM Alger and participated in five competitions, The opening season was in the Arab Unified Club Championship, and was eliminated in the group stage, In the Cup Winners' Cup, the red and black reached the semi-finals, and was eliminated against Wydad Casablanca and fails to achieve the first continental title despite the second leg that took place in Algeria Where did USM Alger need to win to qualify for the final.[7] In the Division 1, the journey towards achieving the title was not easy, and the struggle was great with USM Blida, NA Hussein Dey and JS Kabylie, and USM Alger waited until the 28 round to celebrate the title after winning against ASM Oran.[8] To complete the joy in the Algerian Cup by winning the title after the victory against CR Belouizdad after Moncef Ouichaoui scored the golden goal to achieve the double for the first time in its history under the leadership of Azzedine Aït Djoudi.[9] also achieved Ouichaoui top scorer in the league for the first time a player from USM Alger with 18 goals including two hat-tricks.
Haddad ownership (2010–20)
[edit]
It was decided by the Ligue de Football Professionnel and the Algerian Football Federation to professionalize the Algerian football championship, starting from the 2010–11 season Thus all the Algerian football clubs which until then enjoyed the status of semi-professional club, will acquire the professional appointment this season. the president of the Algerian Football Federation, Mohamed Raouraoua, has been speaking since his inauguration as the federation's president in Professionalism,[10] promising a new way of management based on rigor and seriousness, especially since football has bottomed out in recent seasons, due to the catastrophic management of the clubs which could not go And were lagging behind clubs in neighboring countries that have made extraordinary progress, becoming full-fledged professional clubs, which will enable them to increase their African continent, On August 4, 2010, USM Alger went public in conjunction with the professionalization of the domestic league.[11] Algerian businessman Ali Haddad became the majority share owner after investing 700 million Algeria dinars to buy an 83% ownership in the club to become the first professional club in Algeria.[12] On October 27, 2010, Haddad replaced Saïd Allik as president of the club.[13] Allik had been the club's president for the past 18 years.
On June 2, 2019, it is official, the Haddad family is selling its shares in SSPA USMA which it holds 92%, It was the club's communication officer, Amine Tirmane, who announced it on the Echourouk TV.[14] the reasons that made them make this decision is the imprisonment of club owner Ali Haddad and also freeze all financial accounts of the club. On June 10, 2019, Several sports figures and former leaders linked to the USM Alger have set up a rescue committee to provide solutions to the many problems facing the club of Algiers. On September 4, 2019, The players of USM Alger decided to go on strike to protest difficult financial situation They stressed that this decision has nothing to do with the administration, the fans or the club itself. It is a protest movement against the state of the USM Alger and the delay in resolving the crisis, As a reminder, the USM Alger players have not received their salaries for 6 months, while the new ones have not received any salary since joining the club.[15]
Groupe SERPORT New Owner (2020–)
[edit]After it was expected that the general assembly of shareholders will be on March 12, 2020, it was submitted to March 2, especially after the imprisonment of the former club president, Rabouh Haddad. The meeting witnessed the attendance of ETRHB Haddad representative and the absence of the amateur club president Saïd Allik, and after two and a half hours, it was announced that Groupe SERPORT had bought the shares of ETRHB Haddad which amounted to 94.34%.[16][1] in a press conference Halim Hammoudi, Secretary General of SERPORT announced that Aïn Benian project and the club headquarters will be launched soon. He also said that the goal is to achieve continental titles, not only local ones. Previously Achur Djelloul general manager of SERPORT, said they would invest between 1,2 and 1,3 billion dinar per year, while the training center project will cost 1,4 billion dinar. On May 13, 2020, Achour Djelloul announced that he signed with Antar Yahia to be the new Sporting director for three years and Abdelghani Haddi as a new general manager.[17] Yahia said that he had offers from France, but he preferred the Reds and Blacks project, especially the ideas he wanted to implement are the same as Achour Djelloul. société sportive par actions (SSPA) and club sportif amateur (CSA) signed a partnership agreement on January 31, 2021, this agreement that allows the two parties to comply with Algerian legislative texts, and the amateur club will receive 30 million dinars annually in exchange for carrying the logo and name of the club.[18] four rounds before the end of the season SERPORT decided to dismiss Antar Yahia from his position, Yahia said that all powers were removed and they agreed with a new sports director a while ago.[19] Achour Djelloul spoke on Channel 3 and made revelations about it, that it was, first and foremost, the relationship between an employer and an employee. Add to that Yahia was punished twice by the Disciplinary Committee, and for this we preferred to separate ourselves from this employee.[20] and On September 1, 2021, USM Alger signed with the former player Hocine Achiou to be the new sporting director.[21] On June 3, 2023, USM Alger under the leadership of Abdelhak Benchikha, became the first Algerian winners of the CAF Confederation Cup and the first international title in its history, despite losing 1–0 at home against Young Africans in the second leg of the final.[22][23] After the end of the game announced Zemmamouche his retirement leaving USM Alger after 18 years of his career, being the most caped player in club's history with 405 matches.[24][25]
Colours and badge
[edit]USMA's original colors were red and burgundy color, 1937, year of creation, 1945.[26] The origin of these colors is unknown.
In May 1945, following Setif massacre, Guelma and Kherrata, the club decided to replace garnet by the black in homage to 45,000 Algerian protesters killed by the bloody repression of the French Armed Forces. Black represents mourning and red blood of the victims.
45,000 Algerian demonstrators came out to celebrate the end of hostilities in World War II that day, recalling the colonial forces their patriotic claims. But the bloody repression of the French army found no other way to meet their legitimate demands that cause genocide. To show their patriotic commitment and sympathy, the leaders of the USMA decided to change their colours. The black is synonymous with grief and they have changed Maroon to red which represents the blood of martyrs who fell that day.
Shirt sponsor & kit manufacturer
[edit]
Sonelgaz is the main sponsor USM Algiers since the sports reform of 1977, the company logo is displayed on the front of team jersey as part of the sponsorship. And until 2011, this logo was even on the emblem of the USMA. The telecommunications company Djezzy sponsors the club since 2005.[27] On April 2, 2017, The contract was renewed for two seasons between the two sides for 100 million dinars annually.[28] On 21 April 2019 After 14 years of funding for the team, the partnership between Djezzy and USM Alger has been formally terminated, Djezzy demanded that the management of USM Alger withdraw the logo of the mobile phone operator from the shirt of the club and the perimeter of the stadium, in confirmation of its withdrawal from funding the team.[29] Ownership of the majority shareholder of the club, Ali Haddad, the construction company ETRHB, it is also sponsors since 2010.Other sponsors have sponsored the club in the past, such as: Canon Dekorex, Armedic ARTC Insurance, Sonatrach and Renault Trucks.[30]
The German company Adidas, was the equipment manufacturer of the club from July 2012 to December 2016 [31] when the USMA announced a partnership with the Spanish brand Joma. The agreement, which has lasted for three and a half years, took effect from January 2017.[32] On April 21, 2019, USM Alger opens, its first official store, USMA Store, in El Biar, this while waiting for the opening of a megastore to Bab Ezzouar, In addition to the range supplied by Joma, the USMA's boutique offers a wide range of by-products such as scarves, mugs and t-shirts in the colors of the club, The price range is quite affordable for such products, so USMA Joma official jerseys are sold at 4,600 DA (+/- €25 ) while T-shirts sell for 1,600 DA.[33] On September 8, 2020, USM Alger announced that they had signed a three-year contract with the Italian brand Kappa, It is the first Algerian club to contract with the original brand company.[34]
Historical kits
[edit]|
1963 |
1963 |
1969–70 |
1973 |
2001 |
|
2006 |
2007 |
2011 |
2012 |
2012–2016 |
Second half of the 2016–17 season |
2017/18 |
|
2018/19 |
2019/20 |
2020-2023 |
2023- |
Kit suppliers and shirt sponsors
[edit]| Period | Kit manufacturer | Shirt sponsor |
|---|---|---|
| 1970–1978 | Le Coq Sportif | — |
| 1978–1994 | Sonelgaz | |
| 1994–1995 | Uhlsport | |
| 1995–1997 | Kappa | |
| 1997–1998 | Virma | |
| 1998–1999 | Uhlsport | |
| 1999–2001 | Puma SE | |
| 2001–2005 | Uhlsport | |
| 2005–2008 | Lotto | Djezzy |
| 2008–2011 | Uhlsport | |
| 2011–2012 | Nike | ETRHB Haddad |
| 2012–2016 | Adidas | |
| 2017–2020 | Joma | |
| 2019– | Groupe SERPORT | |
| 2020–2023 | Kappa | |
| 2023– | Macron |
Grounds
[edit]
The 10,000-capacity Omar Hamadi Stadium, which was built in 1935, was the home ground of the team from its creation until 2022. They play their derbies and international games at Stade du 5 Juillet. In many times USM Alger were obliged to play in 20 August 1955 Stadium, Salem Mabrouki Stadium, Omar Benrabah Stadium and Nelson Mandela Stadium.
Since the closure of Omar Hamadi Stadium in 2022, USM Alger have been playing their domestic and international home games at Stade du 5 Juillet.
Training facility
[edit]In July 2011, the club began the construction of a training centre in Aïn Bénian, in Banlieue West of Algiers. This centre will extend over 4 hectares and will include a field in grass natural and another Artificial turf. To complete the construction of the structure, the Architect in charge of the project will be based on the plans of the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, famous training centre Barcelona. On March 15, 2021, the construction works of USM Alger's training center were officially launched, central technical director and production Rachid Douh stated that the plot contains 30,000 square meters, and will house the club's headquarters two playgrounds inside the hall two changing rooms and two playgrounds with artificial grass. The works will be carried out by EPE Batimetal.
Supporters
[edit]
Everyone knows the Algerian fans by their numbers and the way they support them and their loyalty to their teams, but when talking about supporters of USM Alger or as they are call them Almsamaah and this name was called to the bands singing women celebrate weddings and sing This name did not call them in a vacuum and grew to the quality of their songs and their horror, which prompted all the supporters of other Algerian clubs and even the supporters of some of the Arab nomads to quote their songs and replay The supporters of the Union were not distinguished from the rest of the other clubs' supporters, but in spite of that, they were known for their high sports spirit in accepting the loss and the style of their unique civilizational support, which made them outperform all the supporters of the other clubs
Most of the Union's supporters are based in the capital, but this has not prevented the supporters of the team in all parts of Algeria and even in some neighboring countries and the district of Soutara is the main stronghold and the main base for the supporters of the Union. From the top of the Sustara through the neighborhoods of Bab El-Oued, Bologhine and Saint-Eugène, and without forgetting the revival of the capital of the Eastern and Western, the phenomenon of Musamiya has become the hearts of the fans of the team. Even in the Kabylie region, we find many supporters of the team.
The team, founded in 1937, has 3 generations of supporters and still has the hearts and minds of many young people Everyone knows the USM Alger crowned the first tournament in the history of independent Algeria and the biggest trophy in Algeria But everyone also knows him by his extraordinary and amazing fans, The popularity of the fans was not only because of their wealth, but because of their quality and the quality of their method of advocacy they call themselves Melanesians or Rossoneri and they are already creative in the same way that the supporters of Milan
USM Alger is known for having the best supporters in Algeria, they are particularly known for their songs, their Sportsmanship, as well as their animations in the stands. The 26 November 2011 to Stade 5 Juillet 1962, on the occasion of an Algiers derby against the MC Alger, the Usmistes supporters became the first supporters in Algeria to make a tifo large-scale. This tifo sported the inscription UNITED by the colors of the club red and black.
At the level of celebrities many popular singers chaâbi encourage USMAlger, most notably El Hadj M'Hamed El Anka The Grand Master of Andalusian classical music and Algerian chaâbi music was one of the biggest fans of the club, also helping the club through his revenues from concerts.[35] Singers chaâbi, El Hachemi Guerouabi, was a famous supporter of the USM Alger and used to come many times to the stadium to watch his favorite team. also dedicated one of his songs to USMA.[35] There are many popular chaâbi singers who support the club, such as Abdelkader Chaou and Mourad Djaafri who presented many songs for USMA. At the level of politicians, the most prominent fan was the first President of Algeria, Ahmed Ben Bella, who was a former player during the French colonialism. Where was a player in Olympique de Marseille, Ben Bella attended the first championship final in Algeria and the winner was USM Alger where handed him the championship cup, after the coup against him and placed him under house arrest by Houari Boumediene. Ben Bella was always asking about USM Alger, Ben Bella was the honorary president of the club until his death in 2012.[36]
Ouled EL Bahdja
[edit]Is the best encourage football clubs in Algeria Group was founded in the nineties and the only one in that period, which was recorded with a sporty character songs, as they always give great pictures in the stands on the way the supporters of Milan because of the similarity of the colors red panels and black made the group Ouled EL Bahdja make a big gap in all stadiums inside and outside the home have made many tifo in the Ligue Professionnelle 1 or in continental competitions as for Music of Ouled EL Bahdja Every masses in Algeria frequency with the change of name of the club only because of her fame that went beyond the border in Tunisia and Morocco this famous their songs.
Accidents
[edit]On July 5, 1997, in the middle of the black decade, three USMA supporters who were celebrating the Algerian Cup won by their team are murdered in a false dam at Frais Vallon.[37]
On 21 September 2013 Died, two supporters of USM Alger attended the events of the match against MC Alger, after the collapse of part of the "Stade 5 Juillet 1962", The incident and the death of supporters Azeeb Sufyan and Saif al-Din Darhoum, and injuring several hundred others in Algiers spoiled the joy of winning the Darby supporters of the Union, The drama occurred ten minutes after the end of the match. Part of the 13th of the Stade 5 Juillet 1962 collapsed.[38][39] After this incident there was a plan to destroy the whole stadium, but they retreated and decided to remove only the upper terraces and renovate them completely, the local authorities decided to close the stadium, where an investigation was opened into the incident he was also sacked director of the compound Youcef Kara after that, the funeral was attended by officials of the USM Alger led by Rabouh Haddad, who conveyed condolences to the family of the deceased and their condolences.
On September 9, 2018, And in a match between USM Alger and Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya in the Arab Club Champions Cup at Omar Hamadi Stadium and in the 70th minute withdrawal of Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya's players in protest at offensive chants from spectators.[40] after mentioning the name of the former president Saddam Hussein and anti-Shia slogans angering Baghdad, The Iraqi ministry of foreign affairs summoned Algeria's ambassador in Baghdad over "sectarian chants" made by Algerian fans Ahmed Mahjoub, Iraq's foreign affairs spokesperson, said Baghdad had expressed "the government and the people of Iraq's indignation... at the glorification of the horrible face of Saddam Hussein's deadly dictatorial regime", which was toppled in 2003 during the United States' invasion of Iraq. later, general manager Abdelhakim Serrar said that the concerns of fans if bothered the Iraqi team, I offer my apologies. The goalkeeper and captain Mohamed Lamine Zemmamouche also apologized to the Iraqi delegation for the conduct of the supporters.[41]
Rivalries
[edit]MC Alger
[edit]The biggest rivalry is considered to be with the Mouloudia Algiers, both from the city of Algier. This rivalry has seen the two clubs contest the local dominance during the Algiers derby. This rivalry also dates back to the 1950s and resulted from a non-sports disputes during the Algerian War. In 1956, the National Liberation Front (FLN) ordered the cessation of all sports, and called to boycott competition by clubs that are related to or called "Muslim". "Mouloudia" unlike USM Alger and other Muslim clubs, refused to follow the instructions of the FLN and continued its sporting activities including football. This refusal generated several incidents to disrupt the meetings of MC Algiers, and thus, during halftime of the game between Mouloudia and AS Saint-Eugénoise at the municipal stadium of St. Eugene, violent clashes took place and forced the referee to stop the match. Following these incidents, Mohamed Tiar, then president of MCA, resigned to cease all sportive activities of the club and took the side of the FLN and other Muslim Algerian clubs.[42]
CR Belouizdad
[edit]The first meeting between the USM Alger and CR Belouizdad is a local derby in Algiers, Algeria and a fierce rivalry. The derby does not have a common name. From the first meetings in the 1960s, a sport rivalry settled between the two clubs. It slowly fades in the next two decades before being revived in the late 1990s and early twenty-first century.
JS Kabylie
[edit]The clasico kabylo-algérois is the name given to matches between USM Alger and JS Kabylie football clubs from Tizi Ouzou and Algiers, Algeria they are considered one of the most famous clubs in Algeria and their matches are given great attention by the Algerian media, The period between 1996 and 2010 is the most exciting between the two teams because of the great conflict between the heads of the two teams Saïd Allik and Mohand Chérif Hannachi, It is said that the reason for the enmity between the two when Said Alik bringing the star of JS Kabylie and national team at the time Mahieddine Meftah the two teams were both champions and runners-up in the same season five times, including three consecutive times between 2003–04 and 2005–06.
African rivalry
[edit]Rivalry between USM Alger and North Africa team considered as exciting, especially with Morocco and Tunisia, where he met USMA with Wydad Casablanca eight times, the first in the quarter-finals in the 1999 CAF Cup and win over Wydad 2–2 on aggregate, then in 2002 African Cup Winners' Cup in the semi-finals, Wydad winning 2–2 on aggregate again,[43] 15 years later and in the same role but in the CAF Champions League and once again defeated by a total of 3–1.[44] as for Esperance two teams met four times in all of the group stage in 2003 and 2004 three times won by Esperance[45] and a single win for USMA was 3–0,[46] there is a strong relationship of friendship between the two clubs Esperance and USMA at the level of administration and supporter.
Honours
[edit]USM Alger have won the Algerian national championship 8 times, with three Algerian Ligue 1 titles they are second only to JS Kabylie total of Fourteen (The first championship won by USM Alger was in 1963, before the professional era of Algerian football). USMA also have the record in Algerian Cup titles (with 8) Jointly with ES Sétif. USMA have achieved one Championship and Cup "Doubles" (in 2003).
Domestic
[edit]| Titles | Runners-up | |
|---|---|---|
| Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 1 (8) | 1962–63, 1995–96, 2001–02, 2002–03, 2004–05, 2013–14, 2015–16, 2018–19 | 1997–98, 2000–01, 2003–04, 2005–06 |
| Algerian Cup (9) | 1980–81, 1987–88, 1996–97, 1998–99, 2000–01, 2002–03, 2003–04, 2012–13, 2024–25 | 1968–69, 1969–70, 1970–71, 1971–72, 1972–73, 1977–78, 1979–80, 2005–06, 2006–07 |
| Algerian Super Cup (2) | 2013, 2016 | 1981, 2014, 2019 |
Confederation
[edit]| African competitions | Titles | Runners-up |
|---|---|---|
| CAF Champions League | 2015 | |
| CAF Confederation Cup (1) | 2022–23 | |
| CAF Super Cup (1) | 2023 |
Regional
[edit]| Arabian competitions | Titles | Runners-up |
|---|---|---|
| UAFA Club Cup (1) | 2012–13 | |
| Maghreb Cup Winners Cup | 1970 |
Doubles and Trebles
[edit]Performance in CAF competitions
[edit]USM Alger whose team has regularly taken part in Confederation of African Football (CAF) competitions. Qualification for Algerian clubs is determined by a team's performance in its domestic league and cup competitions, USM Alger have regularly qualified for the primary African competition, the African Cup, by winning the Ligue Professionnelle 1. USM Alger have also achieved African qualification via the Algerian Cup and have played in both the former African Cup Winners' Cup and the CAF Cup.[47]
The first match was against CARA Brazzaville and ended in victory for USM Alger 2–0 As for the biggest win result was in 2004 against ASFA Yennenga 8–1, and biggest loss first defeat in 1998 against Primeiro de Agosto club, and the second in 2013 against US Bitam 3–0.
First participation in International competition were in the African Cup Winners' Cup in 1982 and the maximum in the quarter-finals against Ghanaian club Hearts of Oak, in the 1989 version of the same competition and the club withdrew from the same role after the loss in the first leg against Malagasy club BFV at Stade Omar Hammadi, after that to miss the club's continental competitions for eight years until 1997 in the CAF Champions League for the first time, and almost USM Alger advance to the final match and goal difference in favor of Raja Casablanca.
Then he became the team participated in a systematic manner in various competitions such as African Cup Winners' Cup, CAF Cup, CAF Confederation Cup and the CAF Champions League until 2007 except in 2001 where the team disqualified in 2000 of the African Cup Winners Cup to be punished not to participate in any African competition for a whole year because of the participation an ineligible goalkeeper Burkinabé Siaka Coulibaly against JS du Ténéré from Niger in the second leg, In 2003 the team to reach the semi-finals of the African Champions League at the hands of ousts champion Enyimba, and after an absence of eight years from the African Champions League USM Alger managed to reach the final in 2015 for the first time in its history, but was defeated against TP Mazembe 4–1 on aggregate.
In 2017 USM Alger reach the semi-final in the CAF Champions League and lost to Wydad Casablanca 3–1 on aggregate.
In 2018 USM Alger lost to Al Masry in the quarter final of CAF Confederation Cup 0–1 on aggregate.
2019 CAF Champions League USM Alger could not qualify from the group stage.
In 2023 USM Alger returned to The CAF Confederation Cup and they beat the Moroccan TeamASFAR Rabat in the quarter final 4–3 on aggregate and then went on to the semi-final against ASEC Mimosa and beat them 2–0 on aggregate, in the end they were crowned as Champions They won the championship well-deservedly and won the first continental title in their history against The Tanzanian team Young Africans in the Final.
in 2023 USM Alger went on to win its second continental title in its history, this time it was The CAF Super Cup and they won it for the first time ever against Al Ahly, The Algerian team surprised and overthrew the Egyptian giant.
USM Alger is now one of the most successful teams in Africa.
Players
[edit]Algerian teams are limited to four foreign players. The squad list includes only the principal nationality of each player;
Current squad
[edit]As of 11 November 2025[update][48] Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
|
|
Personnel
[edit]Current technical staff
[edit]| Position | Staff |
|---|---|
| Head coach | Abdelhak Benchikha |
| Assistant coach | Arezki Remmane |
| Goalkeeping coach | Lies Benhaha |
| Fitness coach | Modjahed Belaid |
Management
[edit]| Position | Staff |
|---|---|
| President | Boubekeur Abid |
| General Director | |
| Sporting Director | Saïd Allik |
| General Secretary | Sid Ali Yahiaoui |
| Financial Director |
Notable players
[edit]Had senior international cap(s) for their respective countries. Players whose name is listed in bold represented their countries while playing for USM Alger.
Kamel Tchalabi
Ayoub Abdellaoui 13
Merouane Abdouni
Hocine Achiou 8
Tarek Hadj Adlane
Rachid Aftouche
Mouldi Aïssaoui
Saïd Allik
Djamel Amani
Amar Ammour
Salim Aribi 8
Ali Attoui
Youcef Belaïli
Boubekeur Belbekri 1
Farid Belmellat
Raouf Benguit 13
Fawzi Benkhalidi
Mohammed Benkhemassa 13
Mokhtar Benmoussa
Yacine Bentalaa
Abdelaziz Bentifour
Hamid Bernaoui
Omar Betrouni
Mohamed Boualem
Brahim Boudebouda
Isâad Bourahli
Salim Boutamine
Mehdi Cerbah
Farouk Chafaï
Noureddine Daham
Oussama Darfalou 13
Rabah Deghmani
Abderrahmane Derouaz 2 3
Farid Djahnine
Billel Dziri 4 7
Djamel El Okbi
Bouazza Feham
Zinedine Ferhat
Karim Ghazi
Tarek Ghoul 5
Nacer Guedioura
Abderrahmane Meziane 13
Abderrahmane Meziani
Moulay Haddou
Fayçal Hamdani 5
Mohamed Hamdoud
Djamel Keddou
Nacereddine Khoualed 10
Hamza Koudri
Abdelkader Laïfaoui
Khaled Lemmouchia
Mahieddine Meftah 5 6 7
Djamel Menad
Hocine Metref
Hichem Mezaïr 8
Amokrane Oualiken
Moncef Ouichaoui
Azzedine Rahim 4
Krimo Rebih
Smaïl Slimani 2
Saad Tedjar 11
Hamza Yacef
Mounir Zeghdoud 5 6 7
Lamine Zemmamouche 12
Djamel Zidane
Mohamed Rabie Meftah 14
Mohamed Benyahia 14
Daniel Moncharé
Freddy Zemmour
Mamadou Diallo 9
Mintou Doucoure
Carolus Andriamatsinoro
Abdoulaye Maïga 15
Michael Eneramo
Nacer Zekri 4
Muaid Ellafi
- Notes
- Note 1: played at the 1968 African Cup of Nations.
- Note 2: played at the 1980 African Cup of Nations.
- Note 3: played at the 1980 Summer Olympics.
- Note 4: played at the 1996 African Cup of Nations.
- Note 5: played at the 1998 African Cup of Nations.
- Note 6: played at the 2000 African Cup of Nations.
- Note 7: played at the 2002 African Cup of Nations.
- Note 8: played at the 2004 African Cup of Nations.
- Note 9: played at the 2004 Summer Olympics.
- Note 10: played at the 2011 African Nations.
- Note 11: played at the 2013 African Cup of Nations.
- Note 12: played at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
- Note 13: played at the 2016 Summer Olympics.
- Note 14: played at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.
- Note 15: played at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.
Records and statistics
[edit]
Mohamed Lamine Zemmamouche currently holds the team record for total number of games played with 400 matches until the end of the 2020–21 season, including 294 matches in the league. Nacereddine Khoualed has the second most appearances for the club with 286 matches. Karim Ghazi is the third most capped player with 241 matches. In the continental level, Hocine Achiou is the most capped player; involved in 38 matches, including 29 matches in the CAF Champions League. Malagasy Carolus Andriamatsinoro is the most capped foreign player with 132 matches in five seasons, also there is the French player Freddy Zemmour, who played with USMA six seasons immediately after the independence of Algeria and in unofficial statistics it is said that he played more than 200 matches with the team but can not be sure of that, Mahieddine Meftah is USM Alger's most capped international player. as for the scorers and beginning of the 1995–96 season Billel Dziri is the best scorer with 74 goals in all competitions and at the same time the best scorer in the League with 51 goals and in the continental competition with 16 goals, as for Tarek Hadj Adlane is the best scorer in the Algerian Cup with 11 goals also Moncef Ouichaoui is the only player of USM Alger in the history who won the league's top scorer in the 2002–03 season with 18 goals and at the continental level, Malian Mamadou Diallo won the top scorer of the CAF Champions League in 2004 with 10 goals.
USM Alger is the most team to reach the Algerian Cup final with 17 times, including five consecutive ones. The first cup achieved by the team was after seven finals in 1981 against ASM Oran, at that time the team was in the second division to become the first Algerian team to achieve the Algerian Cup at this level. The club is one of only four clubs to have won the Algerian Cup twice in succession, in 2003 and 2004. USMA share with ES Setif, MC Alger and CR Belouizdad the record of Algerian Cup titles with eight. USM Alger's biggest winning scoreline in a competitive match is 13–0, achieved against SO Berrouaghia in the Critériums d'Honneur in 1962 and League's biggest win was 11–0 against ASM Oran in the 1975–76 season. League's biggest loss was 1–7 against JS Kabylie in 1989 in Tizi Ouzou. USM Alger is the second most successful team in the Domestic League with (8) Titles. USM Alger have achieved "Doubles" once (in 2003). Every starting player in USM Alger's 48 games of the 2012–13 season was a full international – a new club record. USM Alger were also the second Algerian club to reach the final of the CAF Champions League, in 2015, losing 4–1 on aggregate to TP Mazembe. Noureddine Saâdi holds the record for most games managed with 133, winning two titles. Rolland Courbis is the first foreign coach to achieve a title with the team when he won the Algerian Cup in 2013. The 700,000 Euro transfer of Mamadou Diallo to Nantes in 2004 is the team's highest fee received for a player.[49] The 400,000 Euros transfer of Kaddour Beldjilali from Étoile du Sahel in 2014 is the team's highest fee paid for a player.[50]
Statistics
[edit]Recent seasons
[edit]The season-by-season performance of the club over the last ten years
| Season | League | Cup | Other | Africa | Top goalscorer(s)[A] | Ref. | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Pos | Pts | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | Name | Goals | |||||||
| 2014–15 | Ligue 1 | 8th | 41 | 30 | 10 | 11 | 9 | 35 | 27 | R16 | RU | Champions League | RU[note 1] | Youcef Belaïli | 8 | ||
| 2015–16 | Ligue 1 | 1st | 58 | 30 | 17 | 7 | 6 | 49 | 31 | R64 | Mohamed Seguer | 12 | |||||
| 2016–17 | Ligue 1 | 3rd | 50 | 30 | 14 | 8 | 8 | 50 | 31 | R16 | W | Champions League | SF[note 1] | Mohamed Rabie Meftah | 11 | ||
| 2017–18 | Ligue 1 | 6th | 42 | 30 | 11 | 9 | 10 | 43 | 35 | R16 | Confederation Cup | QF[note 1] | Oussama Darfalou | 26[51] | |||
| 2018–19 | Ligue 1 | 1st | 53 | 30 | 15 | 8 | 7 | 49 | 29 | R16 | Arab Club Champions Cup | R2 | Prince Ibara | 10 | |||
| 2019–20 | Ligue 1[note 2] | 6th[note 3] | 32 | 22 | 9 | 5 | 7 | 25 | 22 | R32 | Champions League | Grp | Aymen Mahious | 12 | |||
| 2020–21 | Ligue 1 | 4th | 65 | 38 | 19 | 8 | 11 | 62 | 39 | NP | RU | Ismail Belkacemi | 17 | ||||
| SF | |||||||||||||||||
| 2021–22 | Ligue 1 | 4th | 57 | 34 | 15 | 12 | 7 | 45 | 22 | NP | Mahious, Belkacemi | 8 | |||||
| 2022–23 | Ligue 1 | 11st | 40 | 30 | 11 | 7 | 11 | 31 | 27 | R64 | Confederation Cup | W | Aymen Mahious | 11 | |||
| 2023–24 | Ligue 1 | 4th | 49 | 30 | 15 | 4 | 11 | 40 | 32 | SF | Confederation Cup | SF | Ismail Belkacemi | 17 | |||
| CAF Super Cup | W | ||||||||||||||||
In Africa
[edit]As of 23 September 2023[update]:
| CAF competitions | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Competition | Seasons | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Last season played |
| Champions League | 9 | 80 | 37 | 19 | 24 | 132 | 82 | 2019–20 |
| CAF Cup Winners' Cup (defunct) | 5 | 25 | 13 | 4 | 8 | 40 | 25 | 2002 |
| CAF Confederation Cup | 7 | 42 | 19 | 13 | 9 | 49 | 31 | 2025–26 |
| CAF Cup (defunct) | 1 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 13 | 6 | 1999 |
| CAF Super Cup | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2023 |
| Total | 23 | 169 | 76 | 40 | 45 | 240 | 150 | |
Non-CAF competitions
[edit]As of 10 December 2018[update]:
| Non-CAF competitions | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Competition | Seasons | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Last season played |
| Arab Champions League | 5 | 29 | 14 | 8 | 7 | 46 | 34 | 2018–19 |
| Maghreb Cup Winners Cup | 2 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 1970 |
| Total | 7 | 33 | 15 | 8 | 10 | 49 | 38 | |
References
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Notes
[edit]- ^ a b c The competition ended in the following season
- ^ On March 15, 2020, the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) decided to halt the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Algeria.[52] On July 29, 2020, the LFP declared that season is over and CR Belouizdad to be the champion, the promotion of four teams from the League 2, and scrapping the relegation for the current season.[53]
- ^ USM Alger were deducted 3 points due to their withdrawal in their game against MC Alger.[54] The decision has been appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.[55] On August 28, 2020, after postponing several times the final decision was made without appeal, which is to return the three points and repeat the match.[56]
External links
[edit]USM Alger
View on GrokipediaHistory
Founding and pre-independence era (1937–1962)
Union Sportive Musulmane Algéroise (USM Alger) was established on 5 July 1937 in the Medina quarter of Algiers by Algerian Muslims aiming to foster sports and physical education among the indigenous population amid French colonial segregation of athletic clubs along ethnic lines.[9][10] The initiative faced scrutiny from colonial authorities over its explicitly Muslim designation, which evoked nationalist sentiments, but approval was secured following deliberations.[10] Meddad Arezki, a local café owner, served as the inaugural president, with Sid-Ahmed Kemmat later acting as general secretary; the club's office was initially located on Rue Divan.[10] Adopting red and black as its colors—shifting from an initial grenade motif—these hues commemorated victims of colonial massacres in May 1945, underscoring the club's ties to Algerian grievances.[10] In its formative seasons, USM Alger entered the third division of the Ligue d'Alger under the French Football Federation's structure, debuting competitively in 1937–1938 and gradually ascending through regional promotions via consistent performances against other Muslim and indigenous teams.[10] The club expanded beyond football to include athletics and other disciplines, promoting community cohesion in Algiers' working-class neighborhoods like Soustara and Casbah.[9] By the 1940s and 1950s, it contended in higher echelons of the Ligue d'Alger and inter-regional tournaments, though colonial frameworks precluded a unified Algerian championship, limiting successes to local honors amid infrastructural and discriminatory barriers.[10] As the Algerian War of Independence erupted in 1954, USM Alger embodied cultural resistance and national identity, with its matches serving as platforms for subtle defiance against French dominance; many affiliates sympathized with the Front de Libération Nationale (FLN), though direct involvement varied.[10] Operations persisted unevenly amid curfews, displacements, and boycotts of French-organized events, particularly during the 1956–1957 Battle of Algiers, when Muslim clubs faced heightened repression.[10] By 1962, with Algeria's independence, the club—rechristened Union Sportive de la Médina d'Alger—emerged as a pillar of the nascent nation's sporting heritage, its pre-war endurance reflecting broader indigenous resilience.[9]Post-independence development (1962–1994)
Following Algeria's independence in 1962, USM Alger quickly established itself as a competitive force in the newly organized national football structure, winning the inaugural Algerian Ligue 1 championship in the 1962–63 season under coach Abderrahmane Boubekeur.[11][12] This victory came in a transitional league format that unified regional competitions into a national framework, with USM Alger topping the standings ahead of rivals like MC Oran.[11] The early post-independence years brought inconsistent league results, as the club finished outside the top positions in subsequent seasons amid broader state control over football, including nationalization efforts that tied clubs to government sectors and restricted player transfers.[12] USM Alger reached multiple Algerian Cup finals in the late 1960s and early 1970s—losing to CR Belouizdad in 1969 (5–3 replay) and 1970 (4–1 replay), MC Alger in 1971 (2–0) and 1973 (4–2 after extra time), and Hamra Annaba in 1972 (2–0 after extra time)—but failed to claim the trophy during this stretch.[13] In 1977, under Algeria's National Sports Reform, the club was renamed US Kahraba to align with state-owned enterprises like the electricity sector, reflecting socialist policies that centralized sports management and limited professionalism.[12] A breakthrough came in the 1980–81 season when US Kahraba secured its first Algerian Cup title, defeating ASM Oran 2–1 in the final and ending a run of seven prior final defeats.[13] This success marked the club's debut in continental play the following year via the African Cup Winners' Cup.[2] The team repeated as cup winners in 1987–88, prevailing 6–5 on penalties against CR Belouizdad after a 0–0 draw, amid ongoing challenges from state interventions that occasionally blocked international moves, such as the 1976 case of player Djamel Zidane requiring FIFA arbitration for a transfer abroad.[13][12] By the early 1990s, the club had reverted to its original USM Alger name as economic reforms eased some restrictions, though it remained without additional league titles through 1994.[12]Saïd Allik leadership (1994–2010)
Saïd Allik assumed leadership of USM Alger in 1994 as chairman of the board of directors, inheriting a club that had been relegated to the Algerian second division following a poor performance in the prior season, where it finished last with 23 points and conceded 39 goals.[14] Under his guidance, the team secured promotion back to the Ligue Professionnelle 1 on May 26, 1995, after a key away victory that clinched the necessary points.[15] In their first season back in the top flight (1995–96), USM Alger captured its second Algerian Ligue 1 title in club history, marking the end of a 33-year national championship drought and establishing Allik's early success in revitalizing the squad.[16] The late 1990s and early 2000s represented a peak under Allik, with USM Alger winning three additional Ligue 1 titles in 2001–02, 2002–03, and 2004–05, bringing the total to four championships during his tenure.[17] The club also dominated the Coupe d'Algérie, securing five victories: in 1997 (1–0 over CA Batna on July 5), 1999 (2–0 over JS Kabylie on July 1), 2001 (1–0 over CR Méchria on July 10), 2003 (2–1 after extra time over CR Belouizdad on June 12), and 2004 (0–0, 5–4 on penalties over JS Kabylie on June 25).[13] These triumphs, totaling nine major domestic trophies, positioned USM Alger as one of Algeria's top clubs, with Allik's management emphasizing squad stability and competitive recruitment despite limited resources compared to state-backed rivals.[2] From 2005 onward, the club's performance declined amid internal challenges and intensified competition, failing to win any titles in the final five years of Allik's leadership and losing two Coupe d'Algérie finals.[15] USM Alger hovered mid-table in Ligue 1, with defensive vulnerabilities and coaching instability contributing to inconsistent results, though it avoided relegation. Allik stepped down on October 27, 2010, after 16 years, handing over to Rebouh Haddad amid fan pressure for renewal following a trophyless stretch that contrasted sharply with the prior decade's dominance.[1]Relegation risks and Haddad ownership (2010–2020)
In August 2010, Algerian businessman Ali Haddad, head of the construction firm ETRHB Haddad, acquired an 83% stake in USM Alger for 700 million Algerian dinars (approximately $9 million at the time), succeeding long-time president Saïd Allik and marking the club's transition to private majority ownership.[18] Haddad assumed the presidency, aiming to elevate the club to dominance in Algerian football through increased investments in players and infrastructure.[19] Early under Haddad's tenure, USM Alger encountered significant on-field struggles, culminating in a relegation battle during the 2011–12 Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 1 season. On April 14, 2012, the team secured a vital 1–1 draw away to MC Saïda in round 25, a match critical to maintaining their top-flight status amid a poor run of form that saw them hovering near the drop zone.[20] Despite these risks, the club stabilized and achieved successes, including the Algerian Cup in 2013, Ligue 1 title in 2014, and further domestic honors, with three major trophies secured by 2019.[19] Haddad's ownership brought financial backing that supported squad improvements and continental participation, but it also exposed the club to vulnerabilities tied to his personal business dealings. In March 2019, Haddad was arrested at the Tunisia border on charges of corruption, fraud, and money laundering, linked to his ties with the Bouteflika regime; he was detained with undeclared currency and foreign passports.[21] This led to frozen bank accounts and severe cash flow issues for USM Alger, threatening player salaries, transfers, and even participation in the 2019 CAF Champions League, while the defending champions risked operational collapse.[19][18] The crisis persisted into 2020, prompting interim management and eventual sale to new owners, as Haddad's legal troubles—resulting in a prison sentence—undermined the club's stability despite prior sporting gains.[22]Groupe SERPORT acquisition and recent resurgence (2020–present)
In February 2020, Groupe SERPORT, a company specializing in port logistics and services, reached an agreement to acquire the Société Sportive par Actions (SSPA) of USM Alger from the previous majority owner, Groupe ETRHB Haddad.[23] The deal was finalized on March 2, 2020, with SERPORT purchasing 94.34% of the club's shares for approximately 200 billion Algerian dinars (over 13 million euros at the time), marking a shift from the prior ownership under Ali Haddad, who faced legal issues related to corruption allegations.[24] SERPORT committed an initial investment of around 20 million euros to stabilize finances and support operations, including player contracts and infrastructure, amid the club's recent struggles with relegation threats and internal instability.[25] Under SERPORT's ownership, USM Alger experienced initial challenges, including the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on domestic and continental competitions, but began a resurgence through targeted investments in coaching and squad rebuilding. The club did not secure the Algerian Ligue 1 title in the 2020–2025 period, with CR Belouizdad and MC Alger dominating domestically, yet achieved notable success in cup competitions.[17] In 2023, USM Alger won its first CAF Confederation Cup, defeating Young Africans SC of Tanzania 2–2 on aggregate (advancing on away goals after a 2–1 away win and 0–1 home loss in the final), securing the club's inaugural continental trophy and qualification for the subsequent CAF Super Cup.[26] Building on this momentum, USM Alger claimed the 2023 CAF Super Cup on September 15, 2023, defeating African champions Al Ahly SC of Egypt 1–0 in a penalty shootout following a goalless draw, with Oussama Belaïl scoring the decisive spot-kick.[27] Domestically, the resurgence culminated in the 2024–25 Algerian Cup victory on July 5, 2025, where a 2–0 win over Chabab Belouizdad at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers ended a 12-year title drought and marked the club's ninth cup triumph overall.[5] These achievements, driven by SERPORT's financial backing and strategic hires like coach Denis Lavagne in prior years transitioning to newer management, repositioned USM Alger as a competitive force in African football, evidenced by progression to the 2024–25 CAF Confederation Cup group stage after a 3–1 aggregate win over AS FAR Rabat in preliminaries, though early 2025 Ligue 1 form showed inconsistencies with mid-table positioning.[28]Club Identity
Colours, badge, and symbolism
The official colours of USM Alger are red and black, which form the basis of the club's traditional home kit featuring vertical red-and-black stripes on the jersey, paired with black shorts and red socks. These colours were formalized in the mid-1940s, with historical accounts linking their adoption to the Sétif, Guelma, and Kherrata massacres of May 1945, during which French colonial forces killed thousands of Algerian protesters; red evokes the blood of the martyrs, while black signifies mourning and resolute opposition to colonial rule.[29] Earlier kits reportedly incorporated green and white elements, reflecting initial equipment choices amid resource constraints in the club's founding years.[30] The club's badge depicts a shield divided into alternating red and black vertical stripes, overlaid with the initials "USMA" in white lettering and crowned by stars representing major titles, such as Algerian league championships and African confederation cups. This design draws from the club's roots in the historic Medina quarter of Algiers, emphasizing local identity and sporting heritage without explicit religious motifs, unlike some rival emblems. The red-and-black palette in the badge reinforces themes of passion, courage, and unyielding determination, aligning with the club's historical role in fostering Algerian resilience during the pre-independence era.[31] No definitive origin for the pre-1945 colour preferences exists in primary records, underscoring the emblem's evolution as a practical emblem of communal solidarity rather than contrived symbolism.[32]Kit evolution and commercial partnerships
The kit manufacturer for USM Alger transitioned through several brands beginning in the early 2000s. Lotto supplied the club's kits from 2005 to 2008, followed by Uhlsport from 2008 to 2010.[33] Nike became the supplier for the 2011–2012 season under an indefinite sponsorship agreement signed on July 28, 2011, marking a period of renewed investment in branding.[33] Adidas then provided kits from 2012 to 2016, succeeded by Joma from 2016 to 2020.[33] Kappa handled production from 2020 to 2023, after which Macron assumed the role starting in the 2023–24 season, aligning with the club's shift to new designs featuring the supplier's logo prominently on traditional black-and-red striped home jerseys.[33][34] Home kits have consistently emphasized vertical black and red stripes since the club's early years, symbolizing its foundational colors, while away kits often incorporate white or inverted patterns for contrast, with evolutions primarily driven by supplier innovations in materials and fit rather than radical design overhauls.[33] Commercial partnerships have centered on shirt sponsorships from Algerian state-linked firms. Sonelgaz, the national energy company, has served as the primary sponsor since the 1977 sports reform, displaying its logo on kits to support club operations amid government involvement in Algerian football.[14] Djezzy, a telecommunications provider, sponsored the shirts from 2005 to 2019, contributing to financial stability during competitive peaks.[35] Additional deals, such as with Renault Trucks, have supplemented revenue, though specifics on durations remain tied to periodic renewals amid the club's ownership changes. These partnerships reflect broader trends in Algerian club financing, reliant on domestic corporate ties rather than extensive international branding.Facilities
Primary stadium and matches
The primary stadium of USM Alger is the Stade Omar Hamadi, situated in the Bologhine district of Algiers, Algeria. Originally built in 1935 as the Stade communal de Saint Eugène during the French colonial period, it has served as the club's main venue for domestic competitions since independence.[36][37] The facility accommodates approximately 17,000 spectators and features standard football pitch dimensions, though it lacks modern amenities like undersoil heating. In 1998, it was renamed in tribute to Omar Hamadi, a longstanding club administrator and key figure in the Algerian independence struggle, who faced a death sentence during the war.[36][38] The stadium occasionally shares usage with nearby clubs like Paradou AC, reflecting limited infrastructure in Algerian football.[39] USM Alger has hosted the majority of its Ligue Professionnelle 1 home fixtures at Stade Omar Hamadi, including high-attendance derbies against rivals MC Alger and CR Belouizdad. Notable events include the 1970 Algerian Cup final, where the club secured a 4–1 victory over CR Belouizdad to claim the title. The venue has also supported continental CAF Champions League qualifiers and group stage matches when capacity and security standards permitted.[40][38] As of 2025, plans are underway for the stadium's potential demolition to make way for urban development or upgrades, with a new dedicated USMA Stadium project aiming for 25,000 seats, though construction delays have kept Omar Hamadi operational as the primary site.[41]Training academy and infrastructure
The Centre d'entraînement et de formation de l'USM Alger, situated in Aïn Benian on the outskirts of Algiers, represents the club's dedicated training and youth academy infrastructure, with construction initiated in March 2021 under contractor Batimetal on a timeline originally projected at 20 months.[42] The facility encompasses club headquarters, specialized training zones, and residential components to support professional player development and youth scouting programs. By November 2024, works had advanced notably, surmounting hurdles encountered since July 2024, including structural and logistical challenges.[42] However, delays extended into mid-2025, leading the club to formally warn primary constructor Cosider and engineering firm AVMETAL on July 15, 2025, citing substandard execution, insufficient resources, coordination failures, and contractual breaches; an eight-day remediation period was mandated, with threats of penalties, fines, and litigation if unmet.[43] Upon completion, the center will house 162 trainees—62 residents across 62 rooms providing 120 beds (including four VIP suites) and 100 external athletes—bolstered by a 150-seat restaurant, 55-seat cafeteria, and 40-seat fast-food outlet for daily operations.[42] Pitch infrastructure features one homologated natural grass field for competitive standards, four synthetic turf surfaces for intensive drills, and two futsal courts, complemented by two dressing rooms, a boutique accommodating 50 clients, and an equipment storage area for 26 staff.[42] Ancillary elements include revenue-oriented amenities to promote financial self-sufficiency, alongside plans for an integrated football stadium to host academy matches and events.[42] In the interim, first-team and youth sessions occur at the adjacent Omar Hamadi Stadium in Bologhine, a multi-purpose venue with basic training capabilities but constrained by urban density and shared usage, necessitating the shift to Aïn Benian for optimized, purpose-built operations once finalized.[44]Supporter Base
Core fan groups and culture
The core supporter group for USM Alger is Ouled El Bahdja, established in the 1990s by fans originating from Algiers' Casbah district, who emphasize the club's roots as a symbol of Muslim identity during colonial times.[45] This group has been central to the club's fanbase, producing provocative chants and music that blend stadium anthems with socio-political commentary, often critiquing government authority through lyrics addressing corruption and repression.[46] Their repertoire includes songs like those adapted for the 2019 Hirak protests, where USM Alger fans, including Ouled El Bahdja members, popularized anti-regime slogans such as "Yennal" (he will leave), influencing broader demonstrations against President Abdelaziz Bouteflika's regime.[47] [48] USM Alger's fan culture traces its musical traditions to the 1969 Algerian Cup final, when supporters in the Virage Electrique section formed an impromptu orchestra, establishing a legacy of coordinated chanting and percussion that persists in modern displays of tifos and pyrotechnics.[47] The supporters, often self-identifying as "Ouled El Bahdja" (Sons of the Radiant City, referencing Algiers), exhibit intense loyalty marked by organized travel to away matches and rival derbies, though this has occasionally led to controversial expressions, such as chants praising Saddam Hussein during a 2018 friendly against Iraq's Air Force Club, which prompted the opponents to walk off and sparked diplomatic tensions between Algeria and Iraq.[6] [49] Earlier ultras groups like Ultras Diablos and I Rossi Algeri contributed to this culture in the 2000s but largely disbanded by 2010, leaving Ouled El Bahdja as the enduring emblem of fervent, politically charged support.[47]Incidents involving violence and safety concerns
In November 2018, following a top-flight match between USM Alger and CS Constantine, crowd violence erupted, resulting in ten police officers injured and thirty arrests. Reports indicated clashes involving supporters, with video footage showing a young fan being beaten by apparent police officers amid the disorder.[50][51] During a April 2025 CAF Confederation Cup match against CS Constantine, USM Alger supporters were fined 20,000 Algerian dinars by local authorities for deploying and throwing smoke bombs onto the pitch, contributing to match disruptions and heightened safety risks from pyrotechnics. CS Constantine faced heavier penalties for broader misconduct, underscoring mutual supporter infractions in the fixture.[52] In the December 8, 2024, CAF Confederation Cup group stage encounter at ASC Jaraaf in Senegal, post-match clashes involved USM Alger supporters initially confronting security forces, escalating into broader violence with home fans joining, leading to injuries among Algerian players, staff, and supporters. USM Alger filed a formal complaint citing attacks on their contingent, while CAF launched an investigation into fan behavior and security lapses; reports noted USM Alger fans had disregarded protocols, provoking the home crowd.[53][54][55] Algerian football authorities have repeatedly warned USM Alger supporters against pyrotechnics and projectiles, as seen in club advisories before December 2024 home fixtures, reflecting ongoing concerns over flare usage that poses fire and visibility hazards in crowded stadiums. Such incidents align with broader patterns in Algerian leagues, where ultras groups, including those supporting USM Alger, have been linked to disciplined actions for safety violations rather than direct physical assaults.[56]Rivalries and Derbies
Algiers derbies against MC Alger and CR Belouizdad
The Algiers Derby between USM Alger and MC Alger constitutes one of Algerian football's most storied local rivalries, marked by competitive balance and fervent supporter engagement. In 53 recorded competitive fixtures, MC Alger has secured 19 victories, USM Alger 17, with goals tallied at 52 for USM Alger against 51 for MC Alger.[57] League encounters alone, spanning 97 meetings including second-division games, show MC Alger leading with 31 wins to USM Alger's 28.[58] Matches often feature low-scoring affairs, exemplified by the 0-0 draw on September 1, 2025, at Stade du 5 Juillet, which drew criticism for lacking intensity despite the anticipated atmosphere.[59] High-attendance clashes, such as the December 30, 2023, league game, have highlighted supporter pyrotechnics and passion, contributing to the derby's reputation for electric environments.[60]| Head-to-Head Summary (All Competitions, per Transfermarkt data) | USM Alger | MC Alger |
|---|---|---|
| Matches Played | 53 | 53 |
| Wins | 17 | 19 |
| Goals Scored | 52 | 51 |
| Head-to-Head Summary (All Competitions, per AiScore data) | USM Alger | CR Belouizdad |
|---|---|---|
| Matches Played | 42 | 42 |
| Wins | 22 | 8 |
| Draws | 12 | 12 |
| Goals Scored | 57 | 34 |
Regional rivalries including JS Kabylie
The rivalry between USM Alger and JS Kabylie constitutes a significant regional contest in Algerian football, pitting the Algiers-based club against its counterpart from Tizi Ouzou in the Kabylia region of northern Algeria. These matches often highlight contrasts between the urban capital's team and JS Kabylie's representation of regional identity, contributing to heightened fan engagement and competitive stakes in domestic competitions.[65] In head-to-head encounters, USM Alger holds the advantage, securing 14 wins compared to JS Kabylie's 8 across 35 matches, with 13 ending in draws; the average goals per game is 1.66, reflecting defensively oriented clashes.[66] Since 2005, the clubs have met 41 times, during which USM Alger recorded 17 victories to JS Kabylie's 10.[67] Recent fixtures underscore the parity, including a 0-1 home defeat for USM Alger on April 19, 2025, a 0-0 draw at JS Kabylie on November 9, 2024, and a 2-2 stalemate at home on May 6, 2024.[68] This fixture's importance stems from both clubs' status as multi-time Algerian Ligue 1 champions—USM Alger with 8 titles and JS Kabylie with 14 as of 2025—frequently influencing title races or cup progressions, though it ranks below the intensity of USM Alger's intra-Algiers derbies.[69] No other prominent regional rivalries for USM Alger rival this matchup in frequency or historical depth, with JS Kabylie encounters drawing substantial attendance and media focus due to geographic proximity and shared league prominence.[70]Continental competitions tensions
In the 2023–24 CAF Confederation Cup semi-finals, USM Alger faced significant tensions with Moroccan club RS Berkane over the latter's kit design, which featured a map of Morocco incorporating Western Sahara—a territory disputed between Morocco and Algeria, with the latter supporting the Polisario Front's independence claim.[8] The first leg, scheduled for April 21, 2024, at Stade du 5 Juillet in Algiers, was abandoned after Berkane refused to wear alternative plain jerseys provided by USM Alger to avoid the contentious map; CAF's organizing committee subsequently awarded Berkane a 3–0 victory and fined USM Alger $10,000 for the forfeiture.[71] [72] The second leg on April 28, 2024, in Berkane, Morocco, escalated the dispute as USM Alger declined to play unless CAF prohibited the disputed kit, citing violations of competition neutrality; after USM Alger's delegation left the stadium without taking the field, the match was also forfeited, leading CAF to award Berkane another 3–0 win, a $30,000 fine to USM Alger, and advancement to the final against Zamalek.[73] [74] USM Alger appealed CAF's rulings to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), arguing procedural irregularities and political interference, but CAS rejected the claim on February 26, 2025, upholding the disqualifications and emphasizing CAF's authority over kit approvals pre-tournament.[74] These events highlighted broader Algeria-Morocco geopolitical frictions spilling into African football, with USM Alger's Algerian Football Federation (FAF) initially petitioning CAF unsuccessfully to ban the kit; CAF maintained that the design complied with prior approvals and urged clubs to prioritize sporting integrity over national disputes.[75] Separate incidents, such as post-match violence following a 0–0 draw against Senegal's ASC Jaraaf in the 2024–25 Confederation Cup group stage on December 8, 2024, involved clashes injuring players and fans, prompting CAF investigations into supporter conduct but not directly tied to kit or geopolitical issues.[54]Achievements
Domestic honours and title counts
USM Alger has won the Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 1 eight times, placing it second behind JS Kabylie's fourteen titles in the top flight.[2][4] The club's league successes span from the early post-independence era through modern professional seasons, contributing to its status as a dominant force in Algerian domestic football.[76] In the Algerian Cup, USM Alger holds the outright record with nine victories, including the 2025 edition secured via a 2–0 final win over CR Belouizdad on July 5 at Nelson Mandela Stadium, ending a twelve-year drought since 2013.[5][77][2] This tally underscores the club's proficiency in knockout formats, with triumphs dating back to 1981.[4] USM Alger has claimed the Algerian Super Cup on two occasions, a match pitting league and cup winners against each other.[2][4]| Competition | Titles |
|---|---|
| Algerian Ligue 1 | 8 |
| Algerian Cup | 9 |
| Algerian Super Cup | 2 |
Continental successes and records
USM Alger secured its inaugural major continental title in the 2022–23 CAF Confederation Cup, triumphing over Tanzania's Young Africans on the away goals rule following a 2–2 aggregate scoreline in the final on June 3, 2023, at the Stade du 7 Mars in Rades, Tunisia.[78][79] This victory marked the club's first success in a CAF club competition after multiple prior participations without silverware. Building on this, USM Alger claimed the 2023 CAF Super Cup on September 15, 2023, defeating Egyptian giants Al Ahly 1–0 at the 7 November 5,000 Seat Stadium in Cairo, with the lone goal scored in the first half.[27] In the premier CAF Champions League, USM Alger's peak achievement came in the 2015 edition, where they advanced to the final but fell 4–1 on aggregate to Congolese side TP Mazembe, losing 1–0 in the first leg in Lubumbashi and 3–1 in the return leg in Algiers.[79] The club has qualified for the tournament multiple times, including group stage appearances in 2017 (12 matches: 4 wins, 5 draws, 3 losses) and earlier rounds in other years, demonstrating consistent continental engagement since the 1970s.[80] No victories in the defunct African Cup Winners' Cup or CAF Cup are recorded, though USM Alger competed in these formats during their early international phases.[2] Among club records in CAF competitions, USM Alger holds 18 away wins, ranking second among Algerian teams behind JS Kabylie's 23, reflecting defensive resilience on foreign soil.[81] Goalkeeper Lamine Zemmamouche leads the club's all-time appearances in African matches with 49, underscoring squad depth in prolonged campaigns.[82] These accomplishments position USM Alger as one of Algeria's more successful continental participants, with two CAF trophies amassed by 2023, though trailing perennial powerhouses in Champions League dominance.[4]Notable doubles, trebles, and milestones
USM Alger secured its sole domestic double during the 2002–03 season, clinching both the Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 1 title and the Algerian Cup, marking the club's first such achievement and the fifth instance of a double in Algerian football history.[83] No trebles—comprising the league, cup, and either the Super Cup or a continental title in the same season—have been recorded for the club.[2] Key milestones include winning the inaugural post-independence Algerian championship in the 1962–63 season, defeating rival MC Alger 3–0 in the final to establish early dominance in the national league structure.[84] The club holds the record for the most Algerian Cup victories with nine titles, the latest secured on July 5, 2025, via a 2–0 win over CR Belouizdad in the final at Nelson Mandela Stadium.[85][2] On the continental stage, USM Alger claimed the 2022–23 CAF Confederation Cup and followed with the 2023–24 CAF Super Cup, contributing to Algeria's tally of major African club honors.[2] The club has also reached a national-record 17 Algerian Cup finals, underscoring its consistent knockout-stage prowess.[86]Controversies and Disputes
Geopolitical incidents in African competitions
In the 2024 CAF Confederation Cup semi-finals, USM Alger faced Moroccan club Renaissance Sportive de Berkane (RS Berkane), leading to a dispute rooted in the longstanding territorial disagreement between Algeria and Morocco over Western Sahara.[73][87] For the first leg on April 21, 2024, in Algiers, Algerian customs authorities confiscated RS Berkane's match kits upon arrival at the airport, citing the inclusion of a map of Morocco that encompassed Western Sahara—a region internationally disputed and not recognized as Moroccan territory by Algeria.[88][89] CAF's interclub competitions committee subsequently awarded RS Berkane a 3-0 victory by forfeit, ruling that the kit design complied with regulations, as the map reflected Morocco's official national emblem without violating confederation rules on political symbols.[87][90] The second leg, scheduled for April 28, 2024, in Berkane, Morocco, was abandoned after USM Alger players refused to enter the pitch, protesting RS Berkane's decision to wear replacement kits featuring the same map-inclusive design.[73][89] USM Alger formally withdrew from the tie on April 28, 2024, stating that participation would imply acceptance of what they viewed as a provocative political statement undermining Algerian sovereignty claims.[91][92] CAF advanced RS Berkane to the final with another 3-0 forfeit win, emphasizing that clubs must adhere to fixture schedules regardless of external disputes.[8] On October 9, 2024, CAF's disciplinary committee fined USM Alger $40,000 for forfeiting both legs, classifying the withdrawal as a violation of competition protocols, though it noted the geopolitical context without altering the sporting outcome.[93][94] USM Alger appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which in February 2025 ruled in the club's favor, overturning aspects of CAF's decisions and affirming that the kit map constituted an impermissible political element in the context of the Algeria-Morocco rivalry.[95][96] This episode highlighted how bilateral tensions, exacerbated by Algeria's severance of diplomatic ties with Morocco in 2021, can infiltrate club-level African football, prompting CAF to reiterate bans on attire promoting disputed territorial claims.[97] No prior geopolitical incidents involving USM Alger in CAF competitions have been documented at this scale, though the event echoed broader patterns of match disruptions in Algeria-Morocco encounters.[73][88]Internal management and player signing criticisms
In 2019, USM Alger encountered severe internal management challenges following the arrest of its owner, Ali Haddad, on charges of corruption, fraud, money laundering, and possession of multiple passports. Haddad, a prominent Algerian businessman and ally of former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, was detained in April 2019 while attempting to cross into Tunisia, amid a broader anti-corruption crackdown in Algeria.[98][99] His subsequent conviction in June 2019, initially resulting in an 18-year prison sentence later reduced to 12 years, led to the freezing of the club's bank accounts and exacerbated financial instability.[22][100] The fallout manifested in acute operational disruptions, including the inability to pay players and staff salaries, prompting protests and near-strikes among the squad. By October 2019, as defending Algerian champions, the club risked forfeiting matches and even withdrawal from the CAF Champions League due to these liquidity constraints, with a player strike averted only through intervention by a wealthy supporter providing temporary funds.[19] Management scrambled to stabilize operations, but the crisis highlighted over-reliance on Haddad's personal funding and lack of diversified revenue streams, drawing criticism for poor governance and risk exposure in club ownership.[18] Player signing practices faced scrutiny amid the turmoil, as financial shortfalls hampered retention and recruitment efforts, leading to reliance on short-term fixes rather than strategic acquisitions. Critics pointed to hasty decisions, such as high-profile foreign signings that strained already compromised budgets, contributing to ongoing debt rumors—though club officials denied exaggerated claims of liabilities exceeding routine operational costs.[19] In more recent instances, fan backlash erupted over the September 2025 signing of Liberian forward Emmanuel Ernest, viewed as an unproven and risky investment given his limited international exposure and the club's history of transfer missteps during fiscal pressures.[101] These episodes underscored persistent concerns over due diligence in player evaluations and alignment with long-term financial health.Stadium access and regulatory conflicts
USM Alger has encountered persistent difficulties in securing consistent stadium access, primarily due to safety deficiencies at its home ground, Stade Omar Hamadi, and subsequent regulatory sanctions from the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP). The stadium, originally built in 1935 and renamed in 1998 after club leader Omar Hamadi, holds a capacity of around 10,000 but features deteriorated infrastructure, including unsafe stands that have mandated behind-closed-doors matches to comply with occupancy and security regulations until full renovations occur.[102] Plans for complete demolition and reconstruction of Stade Omar Hamadi to meet modern standards were advanced in 2025, exacerbating relocation needs and forcing reliance on temporary venues such as Stade Mustapha Tchaker in Blida, Stade 20 Août 1955, and others.[103] Regulatory conflicts intensified in September 2025 when the LFP sanctioned USM Alger with two behind-closed-doors home matches—one firm and one suspended—plus a 200,000 Algerian dinar fine, following fan clashes and seat destruction during a league fixture against USM Khenchela at Stade Mustapha Tchaker. The club was also ordered to reimburse the stadium operator for repair costs, highlighting tensions over liability for supporter damage under LFP disciplinary codes. Assistant coach Hadj Adlane's post-match criticism of the pitch quality further escalated the dispute, prompting Blida authorities to bar USM Alger from future use of the venue, leaving the club with a two-week deadline to identify alternatives ahead of subsequent fixtures.[104][105] These incidents reflect broader patterns in Algerian football governance, where clubs like USM Alger face suspensions or venue relocations for non-compliance with safety protocols and crowd control measures, often compounded by inter-supporter rivalries. Earlier precedents include a 1,000,000 dinar fine and additional closed-door penalties in prior seasons for similar refusals to adhere to post-match protocols, underscoring the LFP's enforcement of regulations aimed at curbing hooliganism and infrastructure abuse.[106] Such conflicts have disrupted home advantage and fan attendance, with USM Alger historically adapting by hosting games at neutral or provisional sites to fulfill league and continental commitments.[105]Current Personnel and Squad
Coaching and technical staff
Paul Put, a Belgian coach born on 26 May 1956, was appointed head coach of USM Alger on 24 October 2025, signing a two-year contract and replacing Jean-Michel Cavalli ahead of the club's next league fixture.[107] This marks Put's return to the club, where he previously managed from November 2016 to November 2017.[108] The supporting technical staff, as of late October 2025, includes assistant manager Toufik Kabri (age 51, Algerian), goalkeeping coaches Lyès Benhaha (age 46, Algerian) and Hamed Abdelouahab (age 40, Algerian), and fitness coach Modjahed Belaid (age 37, Algerian).[109][110] These roles were in place under the prior regime, with no immediate announcements of alterations following Put's arrival; transitions in assistant personnel often occur in subsequent weeks for newly appointed managers in Algerian Ligue 1 clubs.[109]| Position | Name | Age | Nationality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head Coach | Paul Put | 69 | Belgium |
| Assistant Manager | Toufik Kabri | 51 | Algeria |
| Goalkeeping Coach | Lyès Benhaha | 46 | Algeria |
| Goalkeeping Coach | Hamed Abdelouahab | 40 | Algeria |
| Fitness Coach | Modjahed Belaid | 37 | Algeria |
First-team roster and key transfers
As of October 2025, USM Alger's first-team squad comprises 25 players across goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards, emphasizing a balance of experienced Algerian nationals and recent international acquisitions for the 2025–26 Ligue Professionnelle 1 season.[111] The goalkeepers include Oussama Benbot (age 31, #25), Kamel Soufi (29, #16), and Abdelmoumen Sifour (27, #1). Defenders consist of centre-backs Adem Alilet (26, #21), Hocine Dehiri (25, #13), Safi Eddine Atmania (20, #3), and Che Malone (26, #4); left-backs Rayane Abdelmadjid Mahrouz (20, #20) and Ilyes Chetti (30, #23); and right-backs Saâdi Radouani (30, #19) and Haithem Loucif (29, #12). Midfielders feature defensive options Zakaria Draoui (31, #6) and Salim Boukhanchouche (34, #18); central midfielders Brahim Benzaza (28, #14), Islam Merili (27, #8), and Glody Likonza (27, #11); and attacking midfielder Aimé Tendeng (24, #30). Forwards include left wingers Ghiles Guenaoui (27, #10), Khaled Bousseliou (28, #17), and Mohamed Bouderbala (20, #24); right wingers Houssam Ghacha (30, #27), Ahmed Khaldi (27, #7), and Diaa Eddine Mechid (19, #55); and centre-forwards Riad Benayad (28, #9) and Emmanuel Ernest (24, #15).[111]| Position Category | Players |
|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Oussama Benbot (#25), Kamel Soufi (#16), Abdelmoumen Sifour (#1) |
| Defenders | Adem Alilet (#21, CB), Hocine Dehiri (#13, CB), Safi Eddine Atmania (#3, CB), Che Malone (#4, CB), Rayane Abdelmadjid Mahrouz (#20, LB), Ilyes Chetti (#23, LB), Saâdi Radouani (#19, RB), Haithem Loucif (#12, RB) |
| Midfielders | Zakaria Draoui (#6, DM), Salim Boukhanchouche (#18, DM), Brahim Benzaza (#14, CM), Islam Merili (#8, CM), Glody Likonza (#11, CM), Aimé Tendeng (#30, AM) |
| Forwards | Ghiles Guenaoui (#10, LW), Khaled Bousseliou (#17, LW), Mohamed Bouderbala (#24, LW), Houssam Ghacha (#27, RW), Ahmed Khaldi (#7, RW), Diaa Eddine Mechid (#55, RW), Riad Benayad (#9, CF), Emmanuel Ernest (#15, CF) |
Reserve and youth development
USM Alger operates a reserve team primarily composed of under-21 players, which competes in the Algerian U21 League 1, providing a competitive platform for transitioning talents to the senior squad.[113] In one recent season, the U21 side achieved 13 wins, 10 draws, and 7 losses across 30 matches, demonstrating competitive form in domestic youth competition.[114] The club's youth development extends to structured academies covering age groups such as U19, U17, U15, and younger categories like U13, with scouting and prospection efforts targeting promising local talents.[115] These teams participate in regional and national tournaments, emphasizing technical and tactical growth; for instance, the U13 academy secured victory in the inaugural National Tournament for Professional Academies on June 1, 2025.[116] Central to these efforts is the Centre d'entraînement et de formation in Aïn Benian, serving as the primary academy and training hub. Launched in March 2021 on a 30-hectare site, it encompasses facilities including two futsal pitches, a homologated natural grass field, four synthetic fields, 62 residence rooms accommodating up to 120 trainees, a 150-seat restaurant, and administrative structures like the club headquarters.[42] Construction advanced notably from July 2024 under supervision of president Othmane Sahebane, with contractor Batimetal targeting completion within 20 months to support 162 trainees and generate revenue through additional amenities.[42] Earlier plans dating to 2011 had stalled, but relaunch under recent management has prioritized infrastructure to bolster long-term player pipelines.[117]Notable Players
Historical icons and contributors
Abdelaziz Ben Tifour (1927–1970), a Franco-Algerian midfielder known for his dribbling and left foot, captained and coached USM Alger to the inaugural Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 1 title in the 1962–63 season following independence, marking the club's first national championship.[118] Born in Hussein Dey, Ben Tifour had prior experience with French clubs like AS Monaco and OGC Nice before returning to lead USM Alger's post-colonial transition, symbolizing continuity amid Algeria's nascent football federation.[119] Djamel Keddou (1952–2011), a commanding central defender from Bab El Oued, anchored USM Alger's defense through the 1970s, contributing to four Algerian Cup final appearances (1972, 1973, 1978, 1980) and securing the 1981 edition as a player.[120] Transitioning to management, Keddou guided the club to another Algerian Cup victory in 1988 against CR Belouizdad, leveraging his 1.90m stature and tactical acumen to foster defensive solidity during a period of domestic resurgence.[121] Billel Dziri (b. 1972), the club's all-time leading scorer with 74 goals (51 in league play), epitomizes loyalty as a playmaking midfielder who amassed four Ligue 1 titles and five Algerian Cups from 1999 to 2007, earning Algerian Footballer of the Year and Player of the Year honors.[122] His tenure included pivotal contributions to continental campaigns, such as the 2003 CAF Cup semi-final run, before returning as coach in 2019 to stabilize the squad amid internal transitions.[122] Other enduring contributors include Tarek Hadj Adlane, second on the all-time scoring list, whose attacking prowess fueled multiple cup successes in the 1990s, and Abderrahmane Derouaz, a versatile stalwart whose longevity in the 1960s–1970s helped embed USM Alger's competitive ethos post-independence. These figures, drawn from club records and match archives, underscore USM Alger's reliance on homegrown talent for eight league titles and a record eight cups by prioritizing tactical discipline over imported stars.[123]International representatives and achievements
Mahieddine Meftah holds the record for the most international caps earned while playing for USM Alger, with 41 appearances for the Algeria national team between 1996 and 2007 during his 11-year tenure at the club. Overall, Meftah accumulated 77 caps and scored four goals for Algeria, including participation in the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations, where the team advanced to the quarter-finals before elimination by Gabon.[124][125] Billel Dziri, who featured for USM Alger in the late 1990s, represented Algeria at the 2000 Africa Cup of Nations and earned several caps across friendlies and qualifiers, later receiving the 2005 Algerian Ballon d'Or for his domestic and international contributions.[126][127][128] Fayçal Hamdani secured 28 caps for Algeria, including matches in the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations, while affiliated with USM Alger during the 2000–01 and 2001–02 seasons.[129] Tarek Ghoul, active with the club around 2002–03, earned at least 10 caps for Algeria in qualifiers and friendlies during the late 1990s and early 2000s.[130][131] More recently, Houssam Ghacha has debuted for Algeria in 2018, accumulating two caps while remaining a key winger for USM Alger as of 2025.[132][133] The club has also produced representatives for other nations, such as Jerry Adriano, who earned caps for Cape Verde during his time at USM Alger.Records and Statistics
All-time domestic performance metrics
USM Alger has won the Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 1 on eight occasions, establishing it as one of the competition's most decorated clubs: in the 1962–63, 1995–96, 2001–02, 2002–03, 2004–05, 2013–14, 2015–16, and 2018–19 seasons.[134] The club has also triumphed in the Algerian Cup nine times, a tally that places it joint-second in the tournament's history behind MC Alger's ten victories, with wins recorded across various editions including 1965–66, 1966–67, 1980–81, 1982–83, 1985–86, 1996–97, 1998–99, 2003–04, and 2012–13.[135][136] Additionally, USM Alger has claimed the Algerian Super Cup twice, in 2014 and 2016, both times as league champions defeating cup winners.[134]| Competition | Titles | Years Won |
|---|---|---|
| Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 1 | 8 | 1962–63, 1995–96, 2001–02, 2002–03, 2004–05, 2013–14, 2015–16, 2018–19 |
| Algerian Cup | 9 | 1965–66, 1966–67, 1980–81, 1982–83, 1985–86, 1996–97, 1998–99, 2003–04, 2012–13 |
| Algerian Super Cup | 2 | 2014, 2016 |
Continental competition outcomes
USM Alger's most significant continental achievement occurred in the 2023 CAF Confederation Cup, where the club secured its inaugural African title by defeating Young Africans SC of Tanzania 2–2 on aggregate in the final on July 2, 2023, advancing via the away goals rule after a 2–1 second-leg victory in Dar es Salaam.[138][79] This success followed a semifinal triumph over SuperSport United of South Africa (3–1 aggregate) and a quarterfinal win against Al-Hilal of Sudan (4–2 aggregate).[139] As Confederation Cup champions, USM Alger contested the 2023 CAF Super Cup on September 15, 2023, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, defeating CAF Champions League winners Al Ahly SC of Egypt 1–0 through a first-half penalty converted by Zineddine Belaïd.[140][141] This marked the club's first Super Cup victory and its second consecutive continental honor. In the CAF Champions League, USM Alger's peak performance came in 2015, reaching the final but falling to TP Mazembe of the Democratic Republic of the Congo 1–3 on aggregate, with losses of 1–2 in the first leg and 0–2 in the second leg on November 8, 2015.[142] The club has qualified for the tournament multiple times, including group stage advancement in select editions, but has not secured the title. Earlier participations, such as the 1997 edition, ended at the group stage.[2]| Competition | Best Outcome | Year(s) |
|---|---|---|
| CAF Champions League | Runners-up | 2015 |
| CAF Confederation Cup | Winners | 2023 |
| CAF Super Cup | Winners | 2023 |
Recent seasons and attendance data
In recent seasons, USM Alger has experienced fluctuating performance in the Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 1, finishing 4th in both the 2020–21 and 2021–22 campaigns amid the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which limited or eliminated spectator access.[144] The 2022–23 season saw a decline to 12th place with 11 wins, 7 draws, and 12 losses, though the club achieved a historic breakthrough by winning the CAF Confederation Cup on June 3, 2023, defeating Young Africans of Tanzania 1–0 in the final to claim their first title in the competition and qualify for the subsequent CAF Super Cup, which they also won against Al Ahly.[145][144] In 2023–24, USM Alger improved to 7th position with 40 points from 30 matches (10 wins, 10 draws, 10 losses), while reaching the quarter-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup.[146] The ongoing 2024–25 season has positioned them mid-table as of October 2025, with early results including draws and losses in Ligue 1 and a preliminary round exit in the CAF Confederation Cup against Academie de FAD.[147] Domestically, USM Alger ended a 12-year wait for the Algerian Cup by defeating CR Belouizdad 2–0 in the 2025 final on July 5, 2025, at Nelson Mandela Stadium, with goals from Benayad and Khaldi securing their ninth title overall.[5] This victory provided qualification for the 2025–26 CAF Confederation Cup, following their continental successes in 2023. No major league titles were secured in this period, with championships going to CR Belouizdad (2019–20), MC Alger (2020–21 and 2022–23), and JS Kabylie (2021–22).[17] Attendance at Omar Hamadi Stadium, which has a capacity of approximately 17,000, has remained modest in recent post-COVID seasons, reflecting broader trends in Algerian football where average figures hover below 5,000 per match for most clubs outside high-profile derbies.[148] Data from verified match reports indicate the following averages for home Ligue 1 games:| Season | Matches | Total Spectators | Average Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020–21 | 15 | 0 | 0 (COVID restrictions)[149] |
| 2021–22 | 15 | 30,000 | 2,000[149] |
| 2022–23 | 15 | 37,500 | 2,500[149] |
| 2023–24 | 15 | 45,000 | 3,000[149] |
| 2024–25 | 15 | 60,000 | 4,000 (1 sold-out match)[149] |