Hillal Soudani

El Arabi Hilal Soudani is an Algerian professional footballer who plays as a winger. Born on November 25, 1987, in Chlef, he has built a career across top European leagues and remains a respected figure in Algerian football. As of 2026, he is 38 years old and currently plays for Kustošija in the Croatian First Football League.

Soudani has earned 56 caps for Algeria, scoring 24 goals, making him the nation's eighth-highest scorer of all time. He represented his country at three Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Known for his pace, dribbling, and eye for goal, he has been a consistent performer at club level for Dinamo Zagreb, Nottingham Forest, Olympiacos, and others.

His career highlights include winning multiple league titles and cups in Croatia and Greece. Fans appreciate his direct style and his commitment to the national team, where he has been a key figure for over a decade. [edit]

Hillal Soudani grew up in Chlef, a city in northwestern Algeria. From a young age, he showed a natural talent for football, playing on the streets and local pitches. His early promise led him to join the youth academy of ASO Chlef, the city's main club.

He made his senior debut for ASO Chlef in 2006, at the age of 18. Over the next few seasons, he developed into a key player, helping the club win the Algerian Cup in 2008. His performances caught the attention of scouts from bigger clubs, and in 2011 he moved to Croatia to join GNK Dinamo Zagreb.

Before that move, he had already made his mark in Algerian football, scoring regularly and earning a reputation as a dangerous winger. His international debut came in 2010, and he quickly became a regular in the national team setup. [edit]

Soudani's breakthrough came when he signed for Dinamo Zagreb in 2011. He spent five seasons there, winning four Croatian First League titles and three Croatian Cups. He scored 45 goals in 91 league appearances, establishing himself as one of the most effective wingers in the league.

In June 2018, he moved to Nottingham Forest in the English Championship on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee. He spent a season there, scoring regularly in a challenging league. In June 2019, he transferred to Olympiacos in Greece, where he continued his winning ways, adding a Greek Super League title and a Greek Cup to his collection.

After leaving Olympiacos, he had spells with Damac FC in Saudi Arabia and then returned to Croatia, joining Kustošija in 2024. His international career has been equally notable: he played in the 2013, 2015, and 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, and was part of Algeria's squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. [edit]

Soudani is seen as a hard-working, dedicated professional who gives his all on the pitch. Fans admire his direct playing style and his willingness to track back and defend. He is known for his positive attitude and team-first mentality.

On social media, he shares training clips and match highlights, but he keeps his personal life out of the spotlight. His Instagram account, @hillalsoudani, has a modest following compared to top stars, but he engages with fans regularly.

In Algeria, he is a national hero for his contributions to the national team, and his goals have often been celebrated across the country. [edit]

Support for El Arabi Hilal Soudani flows through the traditional channels of football rather than a distinct cultural movement. Fans rally behind him as a key figure for Dinamo Zagreb, Nottingham Forest, and the Algerian national team, but no specific moniker like 'Soudani Squad' or organized fan rituals define his following. His digital presence on Instagram remains a standard professional portfolio where he shares match highlights without fostering a unique subculture or viral campaigns. The iFANN Global Fame Engine evaluated his profile in August 2026 and determined that Hillal Soudani is currently EVALUATED_UNRANKED, meaning he does not hold a placement in the published Global Top 1,000 or any scope-specific list. This absence of a numeric rank reflects a career built on consistent athletic performance rather than global celebrity status driven by media saturation or pop culture phenomena. While his name carries weight across North Africa and parts of Europe, the scale of his fame remains anchored in sporting achievement rather than the broader metrics used to rank global icons. Legends surrounding his career are grounded in verified milestones like his 2014 Europa League hat-trick or his last-gasp equalizer for Nottingham Forest, moments celebrated by club supporters rather than a fandom with its own mythology. There are no recorded instances of fan-led charity drives, billboard projects, or ritualistic celebrations dedicated solely to his personal brand. The audience for Soudani is simply those who follow the clubs he represents and the national team he serves, viewing him as a respected veteran rather than a global superstar requiring a dedicated fan identity.[edit]

Despite many platforms spelling his name as Hillal, his full legal name is El Arabi Hilal Soudani. He is right-footed yet equally comfortable operating on either wing. A permanent tattoo of the Algerian flag marks his right arm, and he often kisses his national team badge after scoring goals. In 2018, he made history as the first Algerian player to score a hat-trick in the English Championship. His favorite meal remains couscous, a staple of Algerian cuisine. Beyond these facts, specific moments have cemented his legacy among fans. He delivered a defining performance by netting a hat-trick for Dinamo Zagreb against Astra Giurgiu in the UEFA Europa League, showcasing his continental prowess. Another iconic memory occurred during his time at Nottingham Forest when he scored a dramatic last-gasp equalizer against Wigan Athletic, securing a vital draw and earning praise from managers and supporters alike. These feats are not just statistics; they are the stories that define his reputation as a clutch performer who delivers when it matters most.[edit]

Not much is publicly known about Soudani's family. He keeps his personal life private, rarely sharing details in interviews or on social media. He has mentioned in passing that his family has been supportive of his career, but he has not disclosed names or professions.

He is believed to be unmarried and has no publicly known children. He has a close relationship with his parents, who still live in Algeria. He often visits them during the off-season. [edit]

Hillal Soudani has been associated with several notable clubs and figures in football. He played under managers like Zoran Mamić at Dinamo Zagreb and Aitor Karanka at Nottingham Forest. He has been teammates with players like Marcelo Brozović and Alen Halilović at Dinamo, and with Yacine Brahimi on the Algerian national team.

His move to Nottingham Forest drew attention from English media, and he was part of a wave of Algerian players moving to European leagues in the 2010s. [edit]

There is no public information about Hillal Soudani's romantic relationships. He has never been married, and he keeps his personal life out of the media. He has not been linked with any high-profile partners, and he prefers to focus on his career.

As of 2026, he is reportedly single, but this is based on the lack of public information rather than any official confirmation. [edit]

Per iFANN's editorial analysis, Hillal Soudani's net worth stands at $3 Million as of 2026. This valuation stems from nearly two decades of earnings accumulated through club contracts, salaries, and performance bonuses across top European leagues. His most significant financial gains occurred during his tenure at Dinamo Zagreb, where he ranked among the highest earners, followed by a reported deal at Olympiacos valued at over €1 million annually. His subsequent move to Nottingham Forest also secured a substantial salary for a Championship-level player. While endorsement deals and personal appearances have contributed to his income, these sources remain less documented compared to his playing fees. Soudani has not pursued major business ventures outside of football, meaning his wealth is almost entirely derived from his professional athletic career.[edit]