Ahmad Benali
{{Short description|Footballer (born 1992)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2022}}
{{Use British English|date=April 2016}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Ahmad Benali
| image =
| fullname = Ahmad Benali
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1992|2|7|df=y}}
| birth_place = Manchester, England
| height = 1.73 m
| position = Central midfielder
Attacking midfielder
| currentclub = Bari
| clubnumber = 8
| youthyears1 = 2001–2010
| youthclubs1 = Manchester City
| years1 = 2010–2012
| clubs1 = Manchester City
| caps1 = 0
| goals1 = 0
| years2 = 2011–2012
| clubs2 = → Rochdale (loan)
| caps2 = 2
| goals2 = 0
| years3 = 2012–2015
| clubs3 = Brescia
| caps3 = 79
| goals3 = 13
| years4 = 2015–2016
| clubs4 = Palermo
| caps4 = 0
| goals4 = 0
| years5 = 2015–2016
| clubs5 = → Pescara (loan)
| caps5 = 35
| goals5 = 4
| years6 = 2016–2018
| clubs6 = Pescara
| caps6 = 48
| goals6 = 10
| years7 = 2017–2018
| clubs7 = → Crotone (loan)
| caps7 = 10
| goals7 = 1
| years8 = 2018–2022
| clubs8 = Crotone
| caps8 = 80
| goals8 = 14
| years9 = 2022
| clubs9 = → Pisa (loan)
| caps9 = 14
| goals9 = 1
| years10 = 2022–2023
| clubs10 = Brescia
| caps10 = 13
| goals10 = 0
| years11 = 2023–
| clubs11 = Bari
| caps11 = 77
| goals11 = 2
| nationalyears1 = 2008–2009
| nationalteam1 = England U17
| nationalcaps1 = 5
| nationalgoals1 = 0
| nationalyears2 = 2012–2017
| nationalteam2 = Libya
| nationalcaps2 = 8
| nationalgoals2 = 3
| club-update = 17 May 2025
| nationalteam-update = 16 October 2018
}}
Ahmad Benali ({{langx|ar|أحمد بن علي}}; born 7 February 1992) is a professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for Italian {{Italian football updater|Bari}} club Bari. Born in England, he represents Libya at international level.
Club career
=Manchester City=
Benali started his career in the youth team of Manchester City since joining the club at eight,{{Cite web|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/man-city-ahmad-benali-pescara-11840726|title = Meet Ahmad Benali, the former Man City prospect now thriving in Serie A|date = 5 September 2016}} and signed his first professional contract on his 17th birthday.{{Cite news |url=http://mcfcreservesandacademy.co.uk/news/may-2010/ |title=Elite Squad In-Take |date=29 May 2010 |accessdate=26 October 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101207161431/http://mcfcreservesandacademy.co.uk/news/may-2010 |archivedate=7 December 2010 |url-status=dead }} While at the Manchester City youth team, Benali was given the captaincy.
On 31 August 2011, Benali was loaned out to League One club Rochdale, along with his former teammate David Ball, until 1 January 2012.{{cite news|title=Rochdale snap up David Ball and Ahmed Benali|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14740833.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=31 August 2011|accessdate=1 September 2016}} After being absent from the first team for a month, Benali made his Rochdale debut on 4 October 2011, where he made his first start and played 72 minutes, in a 1–1 draw against Scunthorpe United in the second round of the Football League Trophy and progressed through to the next round after winning 3–1 in the penalty shoot–out.{{cite news|title=Rochdale 1 – 1 Scunthorpe United|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/15071262|publisher=BBC Sport|date=4 October 2011|accessdate=1 September 2016}} Benali then made his league debut eleven days later on 15 October 2011, where he provided assist for Gary Jones, in a 2–2 draw against Colchester United.{{cite news|title=Jones rescues point for Dale|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/rochdale-vs-colchester/238959|publisher=Sky Sports|date=15 October 2011|accessdate=1 September 2016}} After making two appearances for Rochdale, Benali returned to his parent club in late–December when it came to an end.{{cite news|title=Walsall v Rochdale: Match Preview|url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/walsall-v-rochdale-preview-879438|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=30 December 2011|accessdate=1 September 2016}}
At the end of the 2011–12 season, Benali was released by Manchester City following his end to his contract. By the time he was released, Benali made no appearances for the club.{{cite web|url=http://www.mcfc.co.uk/News/Team-news/2012/May/Players-released-by-Manchester-City |title=Hargreaves heads City's released list |publisher=Manchester City F.C. |date=22 May 2012 |accessdate=1 September 2016 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120525060832/http://www.mcfc.co.uk/News/Team-news/2012/May/Players-released-by-Manchester-City |archivedate=25 May 2012 |url-status=live }}
=Brescia=
After leaving Manchester City, Benali played abroad for the first time when he moved to Italy to join the Serie B club Brescia in the summer of 2012.{{cite news|title= Football Brescia: taken BENALI, FINAZZI, PICCI, RUSSO|url=http://www.bresciatoday.it/sport/calciomercato/brescia-ahmad-benali-lucas-finazzi-antonio-picci-stefano-russo.html|publisher=Brescia Today|language=Italian|date=11 July 2012|accessdate=1 September 2016}}
Benali made his Brescia Calcio debut, where he played 77 minutes, in a 2–1 loss against Cremonese in the second round of Coppa Italia.{{cite news|title=UN DERBY GRIGIO...ROSSO: DRAMMI NO, PREOCCUPAZIONE SI'|url=http://www.bresciaingol.com/news.asp?id_news=16002|publisher=Brescia in Goal|language=Italian|date=13 August 2012|accessdate=1 September 2016|archive-date=11 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011005617/http://www.bresciaingol.com/news.asp?id_news=16002|url-status=dead}} Benali made his league debut for Brescia debut, where he came on as a substitute in the 88th minute, in a 4–2 loss against Novara Calcio.{{cite news|title=Serie B: Mbakogu e Gonzalez lanciano Juve Stabia e Novara|url=http://sport.sky.it/sport/calcio_italiano/2012/10/13/serie_b_commento_anticipo_nona_giornata.html|publisher=Sky Italia|language=Italian|date=13 October 2012|accessdate=1 September 2016|archive-date=1 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160901203410/http://sport.sky.it/sport/calcio_italiano/2012/10/13/serie_b_commento_anticipo_nona_giornata.html|url-status=dead}} Benali went on to make nine appearances in his first season at Brescia, with injuries restricted his appearance.{{cite web|url=http://bresciacalcio.it/stagione/news/656-notiziario-sabato-12-gennaio-2013.html |title=Notiziario sabato 12 gennaio 2013 |publisher=Brescia Calcio |language=Italian |date=12 January 2013 |accessdate=1 September 2016 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116031954/http://bresciacalcio.it/stagione/news/656-notiziario-sabato-12-gennaio-2013.html |archivedate=16 January 2013 |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=http://www.bresciacalcio.it/stagione/news/1139-benali-una-vittoria-per-i-play-off.html |title=BENALI: UNA VITTORIA PER I PLAY OFF |publisher=Brescia Calcio |language=Italian |date=4 May 2013 |accessdate=1 September 2016 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130507200016/http://www.bresciacalcio.it/stagione/news/1139-benali-una-vittoria-per-i-play-off.html |archivedate=7 May 2013 |url-status=live }}
In the 2013–14 season, Benali managed to regain his first team place at the club and scored his first goal of the season, in a 4–1 win over Cittadella on 19 October 2013.{{cite news|title=Serie B, il Lanciano si conferma a Crotone. Empoli e Avellino si riscattano|url=http://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-b/2013/10/19/news/il_lanciano_passa_pure_a_crotone_empoli_e_avellino_si_riscattano-68956123/|publisher=Repubblica|language=Italian|date=19 October 2013|accessdate=1 September 2016}} Then on 9 November 2014, Benali was sent–off in the 77th minute, in a 2–0 loss against Avellino.{{cite news|title=Corioni è una furia "Brescia bruttissimo arbitro scandaloso"|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it//2013/novembre/10/Corioni_una_furia_Brescia_bruttissimo_ga_0_20131110_01677efc-49d4-11e3-9ecb-1e1bf757e3bc.shtml|publisher=La Gazzetta Dello Sport|language=Italian|date=10 November 2013|accessdate=1 September 2016}} This was his return after earning a yellow card for the fourth time against AS Siena on 1 November 2013.{{cite news|title=Serie B, Lanciano avanti con Thiam. Empoli, 2-0 alla Juve Stabia. Palermo frena|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Squadre/SerieB/26-10-2013/serie-b-lanciano-avanti-thiam-empoli-2-0-juve-stabia-201438628653.shtml|publisher=La Gazzetta Dello Sport|language=Italian|date=26 October 2013|accessdate=1 September 2016}} Benali then scored his second goal on 26 December 2013, in a 2–1 win over Juve Stabia{{cite news|title=Serie B, le partite del 26 dicembre 2013: il Palermo si riprende la vetta|url=http://www.calcioblog.it/post/317251/serie-b-le-partite-del-26-dicembre-2013-il-programma-della-20esima-giornata|publisher=Calcio Blog|language=Italian|date=26 December 2013|accessdate=1 September 2016}} and his third goal came on 29 March 2014, in a 2–1 loss against Siena.{{cite news|title=Serie B: i risultati della 32°giornata|url=http://www.lagazzettapalermitana.it/serie-b-i-risultati-della-32giornata/|publisher=La Gazzetta Palermitana|language=Italian|date=29 March 2014|accessdate=1 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190712104702/http://www.lagazzettapalermitana.it/serie-b-i-risultati-della-32giornata/|archive-date=12 July 2019|url-status=dead}} Benali scored his fourth goal in another encounter, in a 4–1 win against Juve Stabia on 25 May 2014.{{cite news|title=Calcio, Serie B, 41ª giornata: Cittadella-Empoli 2-2, Cesena-Latina 1-3, Spezia-Bari 2-0, Crotone-Trapani 2-1|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-B/25-05-2014/calcio-serie-b-41-giornata-pescara-modena-2-2-80756957330.shtml|publisher=La Gazzetta Dello Sport|language=Italian|date=25 May 2014|accessdate=1 September 2016}} Benali went on to make thirty–six appearances and scoring nine times for the club in the 2013–14 season.
In the 2014–15 season, Benali started well when he remained in the first team and scored his first goal of the season in a 2 –1 win over Pro Vercelli.{{cite news|title=Brescia, Benali: "Importante tornare a vincere nel nostro stadio"|url=http://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/altre-notizie/brescia-benali-importante-tornare-a-vincere-nel-nostro-stadio-604662|publisher=Tutto Mercato Web|language=Italian|date=19 October 2014|accessdate=1 September 2016}} Benali then scored three goals in three games between 28 October 2014 and 6 November 2014 against Crotone,{{cite news|title=Carpi, tris e vetta. Stop del Frosinone, pari del Livorno. Il Catania ne fa cinque|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-B/28-10-2014/serie-b-giornata-11-carpi-tris-vetta-stop-frosinone-pari-livorno-catania-ne-fa-cinque-90876910601.shtml|publisher=La Gazzetta Dello Sport|language=Italian|date=28 October 2014|accessdate=1 September 2016}} Trapani{{cite news|title=Quanti errori E non solo nostri|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it//2014/novembre/02/Quanti_errori_non_solo_nostri_ga_0_20141102_1fa687b8-625c-11e4-9964-7e070ceaa046.shtml|publisher=La Gazzetta Dello Sport|language=Italian|date=2 November 2014|accessdate=1 September 2016}} and Pescara.{{cite news|title=CM STADIO: Brescia-Pescara 1-3|url=http://www.calciomercato.com/news/cm-stadio-brescia-pescara-1-3-118919|publisher=Calcio Mercato|language=Italian|date=7 November 2014|accessdate=1 September 2016}} Benali went on to score five more goals later in the season against Virtus Entella,{{cite news|title=Serie B: il Carpi vola e allunga sul Bologna. Il Catania va, Livorno k.o.|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-B/31-01-2015/serie-b-24-giornatacarpi-vola-allunga-bologna-catania-va-livorno-ko-100705695385.shtml|publisher=La Gazzetta Dello Sport|language=Italian|date=31 January 2015|accessdate=1 September 2016}} Varese,{{cite news|title=Il Frosinone passa a Catania, Manita del Pescara|url=http://it.eurosport.com/calcio/serie-b/2014-2015/modello-serie-a_sto4620425/story.shtml|publisher=Eurosport|language=Italian|date=28 February 2015|accessdate=1 September 2016}} Vicenza,{{cite news|title=Serie B: Carpi, storica promozione. Il Frosinone sale al 2° posto|url=http://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-b/2015/04/28/news/serie_b_carpi_storica_promozione_il_frosinone_sale_al_2_posto-113093176/|publisher=Repubblica|language=Italian|date=28 April 2015|accessdate=1 September 2016}} Catania{{cite news|title=Catania strapazzato, al Rigamonti il Brescia si impone 4-2|url=http://www.siciliajournal.it/catania-strapazzato-al-rigamonti-il-brescia-si-impone-4-2/|publisher=Sicilia Journal|language=Italian|date=9 May 2015|accessdate=1 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160901215506/http://www.siciliajournal.it/catania-strapazzato-al-rigamonti-il-brescia-si-impone-4-2/|archive-date=1 September 2016|url-status=dead}} and Bari.{{cite news|title=Catania strapazzato, al Rigamonti il Brescia si impone 4-2|url=http://www.baritoday.it/sport/bari-brescia-3-2-tabellino-16-maggio-2015.html|publisher=Bari Today|language=Italian|date=16 May 2015|accessdate=1 September 2016}} Despite being suspended three times,{{cite news|title=Brescia-Trapani, altro pari: 1-1|url=http://www.si24.it/2015/03/29/brescia-e-trapani-altro-pari-1-1/85925/|publisher=Si 24.it|language=Italian|date=29 March 2015|accessdate=1 September 2016}} Benali went on to make thirty–six appearances and scoring nine times for the club in the 2014–15 season.
However, at the end of the 2014–15 season, Benali's contract at Brescia was expecting to end, as well as, the club began having financial problem.{{cite news|title= Brescia, un'inglese su Benali|url=http://www.calciomercato.com/news/brescia-un-inglese-su-benali-424375|publisher=Calcio Mercato|language=Italian|date=14 January 2015|accessdate=1 September 2016}} Benali had attracted interests from Inter Milan,{{cite news|title=ESCLUSIVA TMW – Brescia, c'è la fila per Benali: ci pensa anche l'Inter|url=http://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/serie-a/esclusiva-tmw-brescia-c-e-la-fila-per-benali-ci-pensa-anche-l-inter-614361|publisher=Tutto Mercato Web|language=Italian|date=17 November 2014|accessdate=1 September 2016}} Sampdoria,{{cite news|title= Inter su Benali e Samp su H'Maidat: caccia ai gioielli del Brescia|url=http://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/serie-a/inter-su-benali-e-samp-su-h-maidat-caccia-ai-gioielli-del-brescia-628871|publisher=Tutto Mercato Web|language=Italian|date=30 December 2014|accessdate=1 September 2016}} Sassuolo,{{cite news|title= ESCLUSIVA TMW - Sassuolo, inserimento per Benali: oggi incontro col Brescia|url=http://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/serie-a/esclusiva-tmw-sassuolo-inserimento-per-benali-oggi-incontro-col-brescia-630397|publisher=Tutto Mercato Web|language=Italian|date=5 January 2015|accessdate=1 September 2016}} Chievo,{{cite news|title=ESCLUSIVA TMW - Chievo Verona, sondaggio per Benali|url=http://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/serie-a/esclusiva-tmw-chievo-verona-sondaggio-per-benali-631489|publisher=Tutto Mercato Web|language=Italian|date=7 January 2015|accessdate=1 September 2016}} Celtic{{cite news|title=Celtic eye shock swoop on Serie B side Brescia for Libyan midfielder Ahmad Benali|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-transfer-news/celtic-eye-shock-swoop-serie-4930242|publisher=Daily Record|date=7 January 2015|accessdate=1 September 2016}} and Everton.{{cite news|title=Everton eye transfer of Ahmad Benali as Italians Brescia face financial disaster|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/everton-eye-transfer-ahmad-benali-4973158|publisher=Daily Mirror|date=13 January 2015|accessdate=1 September 2016}}
= Palermo =
In the summer of 2015, after three seasons playing for Brescia, he moved to the Serie A club Palermo on a free transfer signing a four-year contract.{{Cite news|title=ACCORDO RAGGIUNTO CON BENALI, IN ROSANERO DALL'1 LUGLIO |url=http://palermocalcio.it/it/1415/news/scheda.php?id=31576 |publisher=U.S. Città di Palermo |date=8 June 2015 |accessdate=8 June 2015 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150710060453/http://palermocalcio.it/it/1415/news/scheda.php?id=31576 |archivedate=10 July 2015 |url-status=live }}
However, Benali struggled to make a break into the Palermo's first team and was expected to be loaned out by Manager Maurizio Zamparini.{{cite news|title=ESCLUSIVA TMW - Intuizione Zamparini su Benali. Era ad un passo dal Chievo|url=http://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/serie-a/esclusiva-tmw-intuizione-zamparini-su-benali-era-ad-un-passo-dal-chievo-707952|publisher=Tutto Mercato Web|language=Italian|date=23 July 2015|accessdate=1 September 2016}}
=Pescara=
Shortly after joining Palermo, Benali was loaned out Pescara immediately until the end of the 2015–16 season on 29 August 2015.{{cite news|title=BENALI IN PRESTITO AL PESCARA |url=http://palermocalcio.it/it/1516/news/scheda.php?id=31822 |publisher=U.S. Città di Palermo |language=Italian |date=29 August 2015 |accessdate=1 September 2016 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150901035726/http://palermocalcio.it/it/1516/news/scheda.php?id=31822 |archivedate=1 September 2015 |url-status=live }}
Benali made his Pescara debut in the opening game of the season, making his first start, in a 4–0 loss against Livorno.{{cite news|title=Serie B, il calendario 2015/2016: tutte le partite delle 42 giornate|url=http://www.si24.it/2015/08/25/calendario-serie-b-20152016-diretta-live-pescara/110693/|publisher=Si 24|language=Italian|date=25 August 2015|accessdate=1 September 2016}} Benali established himself in the first team at Pescara and scored his first Pescara goal on 17 October 2015, in a 3–0 win over Trapani.{{cite news|title=CM STADIO: Trapani-Pescara 0-3|url=http://www.calciomercato.com/news/cm-stadio-trapani-pescara-0-3-898982|publisher=Calcio Mercato|language=Italian|date=17 October 2015|accessdate=1 September 2016}} Benali's second goal came on 24 January 2016, in a 4–0 win over Perugia.{{cite news|title=Perugia-Pescara 0-4: Oddo stacca di nuovo il Bari, Bisoli fuori dalla zona playoff|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-B/24-01-2016/serie-b-perugia-pescara-0-4-oddo-stacca-nuovo-bari-bisoli-fuori-zona-playoff-140389902825.shtml|publisher=La Gazzetta Dello Sport|language=Italian|date=24 January 2016|accessdate=1 September 2016}} Benali then scored his third goal of the season, in a 5–2 loss against Pro Vercelli on 5 March 2016.{{cite news|title=Serie B, Pro Vercelli da sogno: 5-2 contro il Pescara|url=http://www.tuttosport.com/news/calcio/serie-b/2016/03/05-9179792/serie_b_pro_vercelli_da_sogno_5-2_contro_il_pescara/|publisher=Tutto Sport|language=Italian|date=5 March 2016|accessdate=1 September 2016}} However, Benali was sent–off on 2 April 2016, in a 2–1 win over Calcio Como{{cite news|title=CM STADIO: Pescara-Como 2-1. Oddo: 'Quell'abbraccio...'|url=http://www.calciomercato.com/news/cm-stadio-pescara-como-2-1-339457|publisher=Calcio Mercato|language=Italian|date=2 April 2016|accessdate=1 September 2016}} and was banned for four matches as a result.{{cite news|title=Serie B, le decisioni del Giudice Sportivo: quattro turni per Benali|url=http://www.calciomercato.com/news/serie-b-le-decisioni-del-giudice-sportivo-quattro-turni-per-bena-911269|publisher=Calcio Mercato|language=Italian|date=5 April 2016|accessdate=1 September 2016}} After serving four matches, Benali returned to the first team and scored after two weeks from his return,{{cite news|title=Convocati Pescara: tornano Benali e Aresti, out Verre|url=http://www.calciomercato.com/news/convocati-pescara-tornano-benali-e-aresti-out-verre-819062|publisher=Calacio Mercato|language=Italian|date=29 April 2016|accessdate=1 September 2016}} in a 5–2 win over Modena on 14 May 2016.{{cite news|title=Al Cesena lo spareggio playoff col Novara, Pescara cinquina a Modena e 3° posto ipotecato|url=http://it.eurosport.com/calcio/serie-b/2015-2016/al-cesena-lo-spareggio-playoff-col-novara-pescara-cinquina-a-modena-e-3-posto-ipotecato_sto5571876/story.shtml|publisher=Eurosport|language=Italian|date=14 May 2016|accessdate=1 September 2016}} Benali then played a role for the club when he scored in the first leg of the promotion play-offs, in a 2–0 win over Trapani and the club would go on to be promoted to Serie A after drawing 1–1.{{cite news|title=Serie B, Pescara-Trapani 2-0: Benali-Lapadula, gli abruzzesi vedono la A|url=http://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-b/2016/06/05/news/serie_b_pescara-trapani_2-0_benali-lapadula_gli_abruzzesi_vedono_la_a-141357208/|publisher=Repubblica|language=Italian|date=5 June 2016|accessdate=1 September 2016}} Benali went on to finish the 2015–16 season at Pescara, making thirty–time appearance and scoring five times.
Having previously stated he would like to join Pescara on permanently,{{cite news|title=Ahmad Benali, centrocampista di proprietà del Palermo: "Voglio restare a Pescara"|url=http://www.rotocalcio.org/ahmad-benali-centrocampista-di-proprieta-del-palermo-voglio-restare-a-pescara/|publisher=Roto Calcio|language=Italian|date=18 May 2016|accessdate=1 September 2016|archive-date=20 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160520131939/http://www.rotocalcio.org/ahmad-benali-centrocampista-di-proprieta-del-palermo-voglio-restare-a-pescara/|url-status=dead}} Benali got his wish to join the club on 9 June 2016, shortly after the club's promotion to Serie A.{{cite news|title=Calciomercato Palermo: ufficiale, Benali è del Pescara. Un milione a Zamparini|url=http://www.mediagol.it/palermo/calciomercato-palermo-ufficiale-benali-e-del-pescara-un-milione-a-zamparini/|publisher=Media Gol.it|language=Italian|date=9 June 2016|accessdate=1 September 2016}} and was given a number ten shirt ahead of the 2016–17 season.{{cite news|title=Pescara: tutti i numeri di maglia|url=http://www.calciomercato.com/news/pescara-tutti-i-numeri-di-maglia-550428|publisher=Calcio Mercato|language=Italian|date=12 August 2016|accessdate=1 September 2016}} Benali scored his first Serie A goal, in the opening game of the season, in a 2–2 draw against Napoli.{{cite news|title= Pescara-Napoli 2-2: gli azzurri partono male, Mertens evita il ko|url=http://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/2016/08/21/news/pescara-napoli_2-2_gli_azzurri_partono_male_mertens_evita_il_ko-146406754/|publisher=Repubblica|language=Italian|date=21 August 2016|accessdate=1 September 2016}}
=Crotone=
Benali joined Crotone towards the end of the 2017/18 campaign. Across four eventful seasons he was twice promoted to Serie A, but also relegated on two occasions. His departure from the club in January 2022 was precipitated by a [https://calcioengland.com/2022/03/30/an-interview-with-pisas-ahmad-benali/ rift] with coach Francesco Modesto, who attributed blame for the club's poor performance on club captain Benali and another senior player Salvatore Molina.
==Loan to Pisa==
On 26 January 2022, he joined Pisa on loan until the end of the 2021–22 season, with an option and a conditional obligation to buy.{{cite web|publisher=Pisa|url=https://pisachannel.tv/ahmad-benali-e-nerazzurro/|title=AHMAD BENALI È NERAZZURRO!|date=26 January 2022|access-date=26 January 2022|language=it}}
=Return to Brescia=
=Bari=
On 31 January 2023, Benali signed a 1.5-year contract with Bari.{{cite web|publisher=S.S.C. Bari|url=https://www.sscalciobari.it/it/news/3712-benvenuto-ahmad-benali/|title=Benvenuto Ahmad Benali !|date=31 January 2023|access-date=1 February 2023|language=it}}
International career
Although Benali played England U17 five times, Benali declared his allegiance to play for Libya.{{cite news|title=Serie A, Pescara si coccola Benali: dal City all'esordio (con gol) contro il Napoli|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/Pescara/22-08-2016/serie-a-pescara-si-coccola-benali-city-esordio-con-gol-contro-napoli-160874486240.shtml|newspaper=La Gazzetta Dello Sport|language=Italian|date=22 August 2016|accessdate=1 September 2016}} He made his debut with Libya on 23 May 2012, in the friendly played against Rwanda.{{Cite news |url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2012/m=5/news=brazil-dreams-inspire-unlikely-libyans-1642154.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150712043306/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2012/m=5/news=brazil-dreams-inspire-unlikely-libyans-1642154.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 July 2015|title=Brazil dreams inspire unlikely Libyans |publisher=FIFA |date=31 May 2012 |accessdate=31 May 2012}} By October 2019 he was national team captain.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50062029|title=Ahmad Benali: Libya captain wants stability on and off the pitch|date=16 October 2019|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=21 November 2019}} He has now retired from International Football.
Style of play
In response to his playing style in an interview with Umbro, Benali said: "I'm an attacking midfielder, I like to get forward and support the attack rather than the other side of midfield! Maybe a bit similar to someone like Kaka – I don't have a nickname like his though! Mine's Ammo."
Italian media based Fanta Magazine said of his playing style, quoting: "Benali prefers to play as a midfielder but if necessary can also be used as a central midfielder or even as a playmaker. In addition, Benali can be used as a technical midfielder, who athleticism can help the important contribution in defence despite his lack of height at 173cm. Benali also a good dribbler, who can take a shot from distance and has a very strong offensive skills."{{cite news|title=B Talent: Ahmad Benali, il centrocampista del Pescara Calcio|url=http://www.fantamagazine.com/rubriche/b-talent/b-talent-ahmad-benali-il-centrocampista-del-pescara-calcio/|publisher=Fanta Magazine|date=10 May 2016|accessdate=1 September 2016|archive-date=11 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170611111001/http://www.fantamagazine.com/rubriche/b-talent/b-talent-ahmad-benali-il-centrocampista-del-pescara-calcio/|url-status=dead}}
Personal life
Born in Manchester, England, Benali was born to a Libyan father and a British mother and is a Muslim, he also has a younger sister, Layla. Regarding to his nationality, he said he considered himself to be Libyan.{{cite news|title=THE NEW FABRIC OF ENGLAND: AHMAD BENALI|url=http://www.umbro.com/en-gb/blog/the-new-fabric-of-england-ahmad-benali/|publisher=Umbro Official Website|date=22 September 2010|accessdate=1 September 2016|archive-date=1 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160901182452/http://www.umbro.com/en-gb/blog/the-new-fabric-of-england-ahmad-benali/|url-status=dead}} Benali has four children: a daughter,{{cite web|url=http://bresciacalcio.it/stagione/news/1747-e-nata-yasmin-benali.html |title=E' nata Yasmin Benali |publisher=Brescia Calcio |language=Italian |date=27 September 2013 |accessdate=1 September 2016 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930092456/http://bresciacalcio.it/stagione/news/1747-e-nata-yasmin-benali.html |archivedate=30 September 2013 |url-status=live }} and three sons.{{cite web|url=http://www.bresciacalcio.it/stagione/news/3449-e-nato-ayman-benali.html |title=E' nato Ayman Benali |publisher=Brescia Calcio |language=Italian |date=1 December 2014 |accessdate=1 September 2016 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160901193215/http://www.bresciacalcio.it/stagione/news/3449-e-nato-ayman-benali.html |archivedate=1 September 2016 |url-status=live }}
Career statistics
= Club =
{{updated|22 August 2023}}{{Soccerway|ahmed-benali/209634}}
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition !rowspan="2"|Club !rowspan="2"|Season !colspan="3"|League !colspan="2"|National cup !colspan="2"|Continental !colspan="2"|Other !colspan="2"|Total | ||||||||||
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester City
|0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Rochdale (loan)
|2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | colspan=2|– | colspan=2|– | 3 | 0 | |||
| rowspan="4"|Brescia
|9 | 0 | 1 | 0 | colspan=2|– | 1 | 0 | 11 | 0 | ||
| 2013–14
|Serie B |34 | 4 | 2 | 0 | colspan=2|– | colspan=2|– | 36 | 4 | |||
| 2014–15
|Serie B |36 | 9 | 3 | 0 | colspan=2|– | colspan=2|– | 39 | 9 | |||
| colspan="2"|Total
!79 | 13 | 6 | 0 | colspan=2|– | 1 | 0 | 86 | 13 | ||
| Palermo
|0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan=2|– | colspan=2|– | 0 | 0 | |||
| rowspan="4"|Pescara
|Serie B |35 | 4 | 0 | 0 | colspan=2|– | 4 | 1 | 39 | 5 | ||
| 2016–17
|Serie A |33 | 6 | 1 | 0 | colspan=2|– | colspan=2|– | 34 | 6 | |||
| 2017–18
|Serie B |15 | 4 | 1 | 1 | colspan=2|– | colspan=2|– | 16 | 5 | |||
| colspan="2"|Total
!83 | 14 | 2 | 1 | colspan=2|– | 4 | 1 | 89 | 16 | ||
| Crotone (loan)
|Serie A |10 | 1 | 0 | 0 | colspan=2|– | colspan=2|– | 10 | 1 | |||
| rowspan="5"|Crotone
|Serie B |23 | 5 | 2 | 0 | colspan=2|– | colspan=2|– | 25 | 5 | |||
| 2019–20
|Serie B |28 | 7 | 2 | 0 | colspan=2|– | colspan=2|– | 30 | 7 | |||
| 2020–21
|Serie A |18 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan=2|– | colspan=2|– | 18 | 0 | |||
| 2021–22
|Serie B |11 | 2 | 1 | 0 | colspan=2|– | colspan=2|– | 12 | 2 | |||
| colspan="2"|Total
!90 | 15 | 5 | 0 | colspan=2|– | colspan=2|– | 95 | 15 | |||
| Pisa (loan)
|Serie B |17 |2 |0 |0 | colspan="2" |– | colspan="2" |– |17 |2 | ||||||||||
| Brescia
|Serie B |13 |0 |0 |0 | colspan="2" |– | colspan="2" |– |13 |0 | ||||||||||
| rowspan="3" |Bari
|Serie B |13 |0 |0 |0 | colspan="2" |– | colspan="2" |– |13 |0 | ||||||||||
| 2023–24
|Serie B |1 |0 |1 |0 | colspan="2" |– | colspan="2" |– |2 |0 | ||||||||||
| colspan="2" |Total
!14 !0 !1 !0 ! colspan="2" |– ! colspan="2" |– !15 !0 | ||||||||||
| colspan="3" |Career total
!298 | 44 | 15 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 318 | 48 |
=International=
:{{updated|match played 10 November 2019{{NFT player|48171|accessdate=21 November 2019}}}}
:Scores and results list Libya's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Benali goal.
| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ List of international goals scored by Ahmad Benali | ||||||
| scope="col"|No.
!scope="col"|Date !scope="col"|Venue !scope="col"|Opponent !scope="col"|Score !scope="col"|Result !scope="col"|Competition | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| style="text-align:center"|1 | 9 June 2017 | Petro Sport Stadium, New Cairo, Egypt | {{fb|SEY}} | style="text-align:center"|2–0 | style="text-align:center"|5–1 | 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualification |
| style="text-align:center"|2 | 16 October 2018 | Stade Taïeb Mhiri, Sfax, Tunisia | {{fb|NGA}} | style="text-align:center"|2–2 | style="text-align:center"|2–3 | 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualification |
| style="text-align:center"|3 | 24 March 2019 | Stade Taïeb Mhiri, Sfax, Tunisia | {{fb|RSA}} | style="text-align:center"|1–1 | style="text-align:center"|1–2 | 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualification |
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{Soccerway|ahmed-benali/209634}}
- {{Soccerbase}}
- {{NFT player|48171}}
{{S.S.C. Bari squad}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Benali, Ahmad}}
Category:Footballers from Manchester
Category:Libyan men's footballers
Category:Libya men's international footballers
Category:English men's footballers
Category:England men's youth international footballers
Category:English people of Libyan descent
Category:Men's association football midfielders
Category:Manchester City F.C. players
Category:Rochdale A.F.C. players
Category:Brescia Calcio players
Category:Delfino Pescara 1936 players
Category:English Football League players
Category:English expatriate men's footballers
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Italy
Category:English expatriate sportspeople in Italy
Category:Libyan expatriate men's footballers