Rachid Harkouk

Rachid Peter Harkouk is an English-born former professional footballer who played as a forward. Though born in Chelsea, London, he chose to represent Algeria on the international stage, earning over 20 caps for the national team. His club career spanned England, Belgium, and France, with his most notable achievement being the Belgian First Division title with RWD Molenbeek in 1975.

Harkouk's playing style combined pace with clinical finishing, making him a consistent goal threat throughout his career. He is remembered fondly by supporters of Crystal Palace, where he was part of the promotion-winning team of 1977, and by Notts County fans for the 1980-81 Second Division title-winning squad. His international highlights include the 1980 Olympics, the 1982 Africa Cup of Nations, and the 1986 World Cup in Mexico.

After retiring from football, Harkouk transitioned into business, holding a directorship at CASHFORJEWELLERY LIMITED in Nottingham. As of 2026, he remains a respected figure in football history, particularly among fans of the clubs he represented. [edit]

Rachid Harkouk grew up in Chelsea, London, in the 1950s and 60s, the son of an Algerian father and an English mother of Welsh descent. This dual heritage would later shape his international career choice. He first played football in local Sunday league competitions, where his natural talent quickly caught the attention of scouts.

Details of his formal education are scarce, but his football development was rooted in the competitive youth scene of London. His early promise led to a move to Crystal Palace, where he began his professional career in the mid-1970s. By the 1975-76 season, he was part of the first-team squad, laying the foundation for his future success. [edit]

Harkouk's breakthrough came with RWD Molenbeek in Belgium, where he helped the club win the Belgian First Division title in 1975. Returning to England, he played for Crystal Palace and was instrumental in the team's promotion from the Third Division in 1977, including a memorable 4-2 victory at Wrexham. He later moved to Notts County, where he was part of the squad that won the Second Division title in 1980-81.

Internationally, Harkouk represented Algeria at the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow, the 1982 Africa Cup of Nations where they reached the semifinals, and the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, wearing jersey number 13. His career also included stints at Queens Park Rangers and clubs in France, amassing over 50 league goals across all his clubs. [edit]

Harkouk is remembered as a skilled and versatile forward who brought flair to the teams he played for. Fans of Crystal Palace hold him in high regard, with the supporters' website Holmesdale.net featuring his profile and ranking him among the top foreign players in the club's history. His legacy is tied to the successful sides of the 1970s and 1980s, and he is celebrated in retro football communities for his contributions. [edit]

Rachid Harkouk remains a revered figure within the specific historical archives of English lower-league football, particularly among the loyal supporters of Notts County and Crystal Palace. His legacy is not defined by modern viral fame or organized global campaigns, but rather by the enduring respect of club communities that witnessed his pivotal role in their most successful eras. At Notts County, he earned the moniker "Rash the Smash" for his impact during the 1980–81 title-winning campaign, a story fans still retell with pride when discussing the club's promotion to the First Division. Similarly, Palace supporters hold him in high regard for his contribution to their 1977 promotion squad, a fact celebrated on dedicated fan sites like Holmesdale.net. While some early online discussions occasionally confused his heritage, mistaking him for Turkish, the verified record of his Algerian descent and his service to the national team at the 1986 World Cup has cemented his place as a unique bridge between English club history and international representation. The audience surrounding his memory is deeply knowledgeable but lacks a formal, named fandom; instead, appreciation exists through retro football circles and local club folklore. There are no documented instances of fan-funded projects or large-scale gatherings centered on his person today. Regarding his standing in the broader landscape of global celebrity, Rachid Harkouk is currently evaluated by iFANN but does not hold a placement in the published Global Top 1,000 rankings or any Top-100 scope list.[edit]

Rachid Harkouk's name occasionally appears as 'Rashid Peter Harkouk' in various official records, a minor variation that often trips up casual researchers. A persistent myth suggests he was Turkish, yet he was actually of Algerian descent through his father, a detail that fueled his selection for the national side despite being born in Chelsea, London. He famously wore the number 13 jersey while representing Algeria at the 1986 World Cup Finals in Mexico.

After hanging up his boots, Harkouk transitioned into business as a director of CASHFORJEWELLERY LIMITED, a jewellery and precious metals company based in Nottingham. His sporting legend is anchored by his time at Notts County, where he scored 52 goals in 169 appearances after joining from Queens Park Rangers for £50,000 in August 1980. Fans frequently cite a legendary moment when his side defeated Aston Villa 1-0 at Villa Park, a match now listed among the club's most memorable victories. This victory highlighted his crucial role in the team's historic promotion season, securing his status as a true icon of that era.[edit]

Rachid Harkouk was born to an Algerian father and an English mother of Welsh descent. His father's heritage influenced his decision to play for Algeria internationally. Details about his siblings or his own family are not publicly documented, and he has kept his personal life private. [edit]

Rachid Harkouk played alongside notable teammates such as Jeff Bourne, Mickey Droy, and Don Rogers at Crystal Palace, under manager Terry Venables. He also featured in the Notts County promotion-winning squad of 1980-81, managed by Jimmy Sirrel. [edit]

Public information about Rachid Harkouk's romantic relationships is extremely limited. He has kept his personal life private, and no credible sources document any marriages, long-term partnerships, or children. As of 2026, his relationship status remains unknown, consistent with his low-profile post-football life. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Rachid Harkouk's net worth at $1 Million as of 2026. His earnings primarily stem from his professional football career in the 1970s and 1980s, a period before the era of astronomical salaries. After retiring, he has been involved in business, notably as a director of CASHFORJEWELLERY LIMITED, a jewellery and precious metals company based in Nottingham. This venture, along with prudent financial management, has contributed to his current wealth.[edit]