Bilel Mohsni
{{short description|Tunisian association football player (born 1987)}}
{{pp-pc}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2021}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Bilel Mohsni
| image = BilelMohsni.jpg
| caption = Mohsni training with Southend United in 2010
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1987|07|21|df=y}}
| birth_place = Paris, France
| height = {{height|ft=6|in=3}}
| position = Centre-back
| currentclub =
| youthyears1 =
| youthclubs1 =
| years1 = 2005–2006
| clubs1 = CO Les Ulis
| caps1 = 44
| goals1 = 5
| years2 = 2006–2007
| clubs2 = Mende
| caps2 =
| goals2 =
| years3 = 2007–2008
| clubs3 = US Saint-Georges
| caps3 = 22
| goals3 = 0
| years4 = 2008–2009
| clubs4 = CO Les Ulis
| caps4 = 30
| goals4 = 6
| years5 = 2009–2010
| clubs5 = Sainte-Geneviève Sports
| caps5 = 29
| goals5 = 2
| years6 = 2010–2013
| clubs6 = Southend United
| caps6 = 62
| goals6 = 18
| years7 = 2012–2013
| clubs7 = → Ipswich Town (loan)
| caps7 = 5
| goals7 = 0
| years8 = 2013–2015
| clubs8 = Rangers
| caps8 = 44
| goals8 = 11
| years9 = 2015–2016
| clubs9 = Angers
| caps9 = 0
| goals9 = 0
| years10 = 2015
| clubs10 = → Angers B (res.)
| caps10 = 4
| goals10 = 0
| years11 = 2016
| clubs11 = Paris FC
| caps11 = 14
| goals11 = 0
| years12 = 2016
| clubs12 = Étoile du Sahel
| caps12 = 1
| goals12 = 0
| years13 = 2018
| clubs13 = Dundee United
| caps13 = 10
| goals13 = 3
| years14 = 2019–2020
| clubs14 = Panachaiki
| caps14 = 5
| goals14 = 0
| years15 = 2020
| clubs15 = Grimsby Town
| caps15 = 1
| goals15 = 0
| years16 = 2020–2021
| clubs16 = Barnet
| caps16 = 3
| goals16 = 0
| years17 = 2021–2022
| clubs17 = Al-Rawdhah
| caps17 = 0
| goals17 = 0
| years18 = 2022
| clubs18 = Dungannon Swifts
| caps18 = 8
| goals18 = 0
| totalcaps = 282
| totalgoals = 45
| nationalyears1 = 2014–2018
| nationalteam1 = Tunisia
| nationalcaps1 = 9
| nationalgoals1 = 0
}}
Bilel Mohsni (born 21 July 1987) is a former professional footballer who played as a centre-back.
He notably played for Rangers where he was part of the Ibrox team who earned promotion in 2014 following their demotion to the foot of the Scottish football system. He also had spells in the English Football League with Southend United, Ipswich Town and Grimsby Town and back in Scotland with Dundee United. Born in France he also saw spells in the country with CO Les Ulis, Mende, US Saint-Georges, Sainte-Geneviève Sports, Angers and Paris FC. In the final few seasons of his career he also played in Tunisia, Saudi Arabia with Étoile du Sahel and Al-Rawdhah, as well as returning to England with non-league side Barnet and Northern Irish side Dungannon Swifts.
He was capped nine times by Tunisia between 2014 and 2018 and was part of their Africa Cup of Nations squad for 2015, and their provisional 29-man roster for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Early life
Mohsni is of Tunisian descent{{cite web |url=http://www.ftbpro.com/posts/sam.sank/50429/mohsni-close-to-blues-move |title=Mohsni close to Blues move |publisher=www.ftbpro.com |access-date=4 September 2013 |author=Sank, Sam |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926143908/http://www.ftbpro.com/posts/sam.sank/50429/mohsni-close-to-blues-move |archive-date=26 September 2013 |url-status=dead}} and grew up in the Les Ulis suburb of Paris, France.{{cite news|last=Herron|first=Lindsay|title=Rangers defender Bilel Mohsni: I escaped the nightmare of Paris streets and now I'm living the dream|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/rangers-defender-bilel-mohsni-escaped-2464853|newspaper=Daily Record|access-date=25 May 2014|date=18 October 2013}}
Club career
=Early career=
In his homeland, he played for CO Les Ulis (twice), Mende, US Saint-Georges and Sainte-Geneviève Sports at the beginning of his career, between the years of 2005 and 2010. He combined playing part-time with coaching children in the community.
=Southend United=
In the summer of 2010, Mohsni moved to England on the advice of his agent to sign with Southend United of League Two. He was one of seventeen new signings, as new manager Paul Sturrock rebuilt the side following a turbulent period in the club's history which left the club with only a handful of players and in the bottom rung of England's professional football ladder.{{cite web|title=Shrimpers' boss Sturrock wants to be Essex's "Special One"|url=http://www.thurrockgazette.co.uk/sport/8381528.print/|publisher=Thurrock Gazette|access-date=26 May 2014|format=9 September 2010}} This followed a successful trial period. This move came despite difficulties in securing his transfer from the French club,{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/southend_utd/8908836.stm|title=Southend United hopeful on Bilel Mohsni papers|date=12 August 2010|work=BBC Sport|access-date=17 September 2010}} after delays in getting the necessary paperwork from the French Football Federation.{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/southend_utd/8923971.stm|title=Southend United's Bouzid and Mohsni registered to play|date=18 August 2010|work=BBC Sport|access-date=17 September 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100821054803/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/southend_utd/8923971.stm| archive-date= 21 August 2010 | url-status= live}} In September 2010, he signed a new two-year deal with the club.{{cite web|url=http://www.southendunited.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10444~2157445,00.html|title=MOHSNI SIGNS NEW DEAL|date=17 September 2010|work=southendunited.co.uk|access-date=17 September 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100921050629/http://www.southendunited.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10444~2157445%2C00.html|archive-date=21 September 2010|url-status=live}}
Mohsni made his Southend debut and his first game in professional football against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the League Cup on 24 August 2010. Mohsni had a goal disallowed for offside and hit the crossbar in the game Southend eventually lost 2–1 after extra time. On 27 August, Mohsni made his league debut against Bradford City. Mohsni scored his first goal for the club on 13 November 2010 in a 1–1 draw against Accrington Stanley. On 21 January 2011, Mohsni scored a 96th-minute equaliser against Bury to salvage a 1–1 draw. In the following game at home to Macclesfield Town, Mohsni was picked to start up front following his leveller against Bury and an injury to Barry Corr. He scored twice in a 4–1 win, with involvement in one of the other goals.{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/9369781.stm|title=Southend United 4 – Macclesfield Town 1|date=25 January 2011|work=BBC Sport|access-date=25 January 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110124231614/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/9369781.stm| archive-date= 24 January 2011 | url-status= live}} On 31 January 2011, Southend rejected a bid of £250,000 from Blackpool for Mohsni.{{cite news|url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11716_6713855,00.html|title=Shrimpers shun Blackpool bid|date=31 January 2011|work=Sky Sports|access-date=2 February 2011}} On 5 February 2011, against Shrewsbury Town, Mohsni was stretchered off amidst fears he had suffered a broken ankle, scans later revealed no break or fracture but he had suffered ligament damage and would be out of action for at least two months.{{cite web|url=http://www.southendunited.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10444~2289406,00.html|title=MOHSNI OUT FOR 6–8 WEEKS|publisher=Southend United F.C.|access-date=8 August 2013|date=9 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110418112528/http://www.southendunited.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10444~2289406%2C00.html|archive-date=18 April 2011|url-status=live}} Mohsni made his return from injury on 2 April 2011 playing the full 90 minutes in a 0–0 draw against Aldershot Town.{{cite web|url=http://www.southendunited.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10444~2329351,00.html|title=Mohsni starts against Shots|publisher=Southend United F.C.|access-date=8 August 2013|date=2 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110405084916/http://www.southendunited.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10444~2329351%2C00.html|archive-date=5 April 2011|url-status=live}} His return to first team action also saw him suffer a broken nose after being elbowed by a player.{{cite news|title=Bilel Mohsni unhappy return for Southend United against Aldershot Town|url=http://www.echo-news.co.uk/sport/8953108.Bil_s_unhappy_return/|publisher=Echo News|date=4 April 2011|access-date=8 August 2013}}
Starting the 2011–12 season as a striker due to injuries, Mohsni started playing as a centre forward. He scored the only goal in a 1–0 opening day win at home to Hereford United. On 3 September 2011, again playing as a makeshift centre forward, Mohsni scored after a 35-yard strike against Northampton Town.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/14690768|title=BBC Sport - Southend 2-2 Northampton|newspaper=BBC Sport|access-date=19 June 2015}} He was later utilised as a winger for the majority of the 2011–12 season, and praised by manager Paul Sturrock for his versatility.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/15459697|title=Southend United boss Paul Sturrock praises Bilel Mohsni|date=26 October 2011|work=BBC Sport|access-date=16 March 2012}} However, Mohsni's on-field discipline was poor, resulting in a series of red and yellow cards. In December 2011 he was sent off for third time since joining Southend.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17222792|title=Mohsni train exit riles Southend|work=BBC Sport}} On 5 January 2012, Southend manager Sturrock confirmed that he would not be sold in the January transfer window, and would remain at Southend until the end of the season.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16426140.stm |work=BBC News |title=Sturrock will keep Mohsni at Southend|access-date=26 May 2014|date=5 January 2012}} On 20 April 2012, Mohsni scored a hat-trick in Southend's 3–0 win over Barnet, a result which secured their place in the promotion play-offs.{{cite news|title=Southend 3 - 0 Barnet|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17711561|work=BBC Sport|access-date=5 August 2014|date=20 April 2012}} Southend, however, were knocked out of the play-offs by Crewe Alexandra.{{cite news|last1=Osbourne|first1=Chris|title=Southend 2 - Crewe 2 (agg 2-3)|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18001648|work=BBC Sport|access-date=5 August 2014|date=16 May 2012}}
Mohsni failed to return for the start of pre-season training ahead of the 2012–13 season. Southend manager Sturrock announced that Mohsni was 'reluctant' to return to the club at all believing he could play his football at a higher level than Southend's League Two and that he was scheduled to go on trial with 'a Premier League side'.{{cite news|title=Bilel Mohsni puts Southend United future in doubt|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18867959|work=BBC Sport|access-date=21 July 2012}} On 20 July he appeared for a West Ham United development side in a 4–1 defeat to Grays Athletic, scoring both a goal and an own-goal.{{Cite news|last=Phillips|first=Chris|title=Southend United's Bilel Mohsni scores at both ends for West Ham United in trial game against Grays Athletic|url=http://www.echo-news.co.uk/sport/9830451.Southend_United_s_Bilel_Mohsni_scores_at_both_ends_for_West_Ham_United_in_trial_game_against_Grays_Athletic/|access-date=21 July 2012|newspaper=www.echo-news.co.uk|date=20 July 2012}} In August 2012, West Ham's bid of £150,000 for Mohsni was rejected by Southend.{{cite web|title=Hammers' Mohsni bid rejected|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11685/7961920|publisher=www1.skysports.com|access-date=4 August 2012}}
Mohsni was not given a squad number by Southend before the start of the 2012–13 season. On 28 August 2012, it was announced that Mohsni was to go on trial with SPL club Celtic.{{cite web|title=Celtic trial for Southend United's Bilel Mohnsi |url=http://www.echo-news.co.uk/sport/9896444.Celtic_trial_for_Southend_United_s_Bilel_Mohnsi/ |access-date=26 May 2014 |publisher=Echo News |date=28 August 2012 |last=Phillips |first=Chris}}
==Loan to Ipswich Town==
He then spent a week on trial with Championship club Ipswich Town in September,{{cite web|url=http://www.eadt.co.uk/sport/ipswich-town/transfer_latest_fiery_frenchman_bilel_mohsni_on_trial_at_ipswich_town_1_1504353|title=TRANSFER LATEST: Fiery Frenchman Bilel Mohsni on trial at Ipswich Town|author=Stuart Watson|work=East Anglian Daily Times|date=4 September 2012|access-date=19 June 2015}} however, it was later reported that Ipswich would not be signing Mohsni since he refused an extended trial at Portman Road.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19589588|title=BBC Sport - Southend's Bilel Mohsni walks away from trial with Ipswich|newspaper=BBC Sport|access-date=19 June 2015}} Mohsni then spent a fortnight on trial with Birmingham City before eventually securing a three-month loan deal with Ipswich Town on 5 October 2012.{{cite web|url=http://www.southendunited.co.uk/news/article/051012-mohsni-joins-ipswich-on-loan-410398.aspx|title=Mohsni joins Ipswich on loan|author=SouthendUnited_user|access-date=19 June 2015}}{{cite news|last1=Tattum|first1=Colin|title=Birmingham City: No deal for Bilel Mohsni as he joins Ipswich Town on loan|url=http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/birmingham-city-no-deal-for-bilel-5388|newspaper=Birmingham Mail|access-date=5 August 2014|date=6 October 2012}} He played only five games for Ipswich, all substitute appearances, and found first team football opportunities limited due to restrictions on the number of on-loan players a team can field.{{cite news|last1=Watson|first1=Stuart|title=Bilel Mohsni's loan at Ipswich Town will not be terminated|url=http://www.ipswichstar.co.uk/sport/bilel_mohsni_s_loan_at_ipswich_town_will_not_be_terminated_1_1715999|newspaper=Ipswich Star|access-date=5 August 2014|date=30 November 2012}}
=Return to Southend=
Having returned from Portman Road on 31 December 2012, Mohsni refused to train with the Shrimpers although he remained registered with the club.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20901595|title=BBC Sport - Bilel Mohsni not at Southend United training|newspaper=BBC Sport|access-date=19 June 2015}} In January 2013, Mohsni spent time on trial with Stevenage, training with the squad, although no move materialised.{{cite news |title=Stevenage hand trial to Southend United defender |url=http://www.thecomet.net/stevenage-fc/stevenage_hand_trial_to_southend_united_defender_1_1830620 |publisher=The Comet |date=28 January 2013 |access-date=6 February 2013}}
Eventually, on 16 February 2013, when Southend were desperately short of players through injury and suspension, particularly centre-backs, Mohsni agreed to play for the Blues,{{cite web|last1=Phillips|first1=Chris|title=Bilel Mohnsi returns to Southend United and should start against Northampton Town|url=http://www.echo-news.co.uk/sport/10233304.Bilel_Mohnsi_returns_to_Southend_United_and_should_start_against_Northampton_Town/|publisher=Echo News|access-date=5 August 2014|date=16 February 2013}} wearing the number 28 shirt. He made his return that day in a 2–1 defeat to Northampton, which only lasted 27 minutes after a high footed challenge saw him sent off. He was reported to have watched the remainder of the game from the Roots Hall stands, still wearing his kit.{{cite web|url=http://www.southendunited.co.uk/fixtures-results/match-report/?matchid=3519578&tcmuri=184446&pageView=full|title=Ten-man Blues suffer last-gasp defeat|publisher=southendunited.co.uk|access-date=5 August 2014|date=16 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812135230/http://www.southendunited.co.uk/fixtures-results/match-report/?matchid=3519578&tcmuri=184446&pageView=full|archive-date=12 August 2014|url-status=dead}} Bilel's final appearance for Southend came at Wembley stadium in the Football League Trophy Final, a competition he had played no previous part in.{{cite web|title=Bilel Mohsni|url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/bilel-mohsni/146624/|publisher=SoccerWay|access-date=5 August 2014}}{{cite news|last1=Osbourne|first1=Chris|title=Crewe 2 - 0 Southend|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21986344|work=BBC Sport|access-date=5 August 2014|date=7 April 2013}} On 30 April 2013, Mohsni was released by Southend,{{cite news|title=Southend United: Bilel Mohsni among five to leave club|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22352862|work=BBC Sport|access-date=5 August 2014|date=30 April 2013}} just 10 months after the club turned West Ham's £150,000 offer for him.
=Rangers=
On 4 July 2013, Mohsni began a week's trial at Rangers.{{Cite web|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/13112314.mohsni-on-trial-at-rangers/|title = Mohsni on trial at Rangers}} The trial was extended by three weeks due to impressive performances in the 2013 pre-season campaign. On 26 July he signed a two-year deal with the club which was due to commence on 1 September when the club's transfer embargo had been lifted.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23471632 |title=Defender Bilel Mohsni is eighth summer signing |work=BBC Sport |access-date=27 July 2013}} He made his debut for Rangers at Ibrox on 14 September 2013 in a 5–1 win over Arbroath in the league.{{cite web|title=Bilel Mohsni|url=http://www.fitbastats.com/rangers/player.php?playerid=6654|publisher=Fitba Stats|access-date=26 May 2014}} Mohsni became a regular in the Rangers side, playing in 28 league matches and scoring 10 goals.{{cite web|title=Bilel Mohsni set to make debut with Tunisian National Team|url=http://therangersreport.com/2014/05/18/bilel-mohsni-set-to-make-debut-with-tunisian-national-team/?|publisher=Rangers Report|access-date=26 May 2014|date=18 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140526061029/http://therangersreport.com/2014/05/18/bilel-mohsni-set-to-make-debut-with-tunisian-national-team/|archive-date=26 May 2014|url-status=dead}}
Mohsni's ill-discipline flared up again on 2 August when he was sent-off in a pre-season friendly against Derby County. He was red carded for headbutting striker Chris Martin, and as a result received a two-match ban from the SFA for the first two competitive domestic fixtures of the season.{{Cite news|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/scottish/rangers/rangers-dealt-early-blow-as-mohsni-dismissal-stands-30482588.html|title=Rangers dealt early blow as Mohsni dismissal stands|newspaper=Belfasttelegraph}}{{cite web|title=SFA uphold Mohsni ban|url=http://sport.bt.com/sportfootball/football/scottishfootball/scottishpremierleague/sfa-uphold-mohsni-ban-S11363924517067|publisher=BT Sport|access-date=4 August 2014|date=4 August 2014}} Mohsni returned to the Rangers side after his suspension but found himself in further trouble as a result of an altercation with Hibernian defender Liam Fontaine during Hibs' 3–1 win at Ibrox on 29 September 2014. Mohsni was charged with violent conduct days later by the SFA Compliance Officer, and was suspended for three matches.{{cite news|title=Rangers to contest Boyd 'butt' ban, with Mohsni penalty accepted|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/29446979|work=BBC Sport|access-date=30 December 2014|date=2 October 2014}}
On 31 May 2015, in the second leg of the Scottish Premiership promotion playoff final at Fir Park, in what was to be Mohsni's final game for Rangers, his time with the club ended in controversy following an altercation with Motherwell's Lee Erwin. At the final whistle, with Motherwell having won the tie, Erwin pushed Mohsni in the back, and he retaliated by kicking and punching Erwin, and also fought with Motherwell substitute, Fraser Kerr. Mohsni, Erwin and Kerr were all shown red cards by referee Craig Thomson after the game had finished.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/32953422|title=BBC Sport - Rangers co-operate over 'disgraceful' Fir Park brawl|newspaper=BBC Sport|access-date=19 June 2015}} On 1 June, Police Scotland announced an investigation into the incident at Fir Park.{{cite news | url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/scottish/rangers-fail-to-gain-promotion-ugly-scenes-involving-fans-and-bilel-mohsni-follow-motherwell-win-10287665.html | title=Motherwell v Rangers: Police investigating ugly scenes involving fans and player Bilel Mohsni | work=The Independent | date=1 June 2015 | access-date=2 June 2015}} On 2 June, the Scottish Football Association revealed that Lee Erwin had only received a yellow card from referee Thomson for his part in the incident.{{cite news|title=Motherwell's Lee Erwin was NOT SENT OFF for his part in the 'Battle of Fir Park' with Bilel Mohsni|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/motherwells-lee-erwin-not-sent-5810180|newspaper=Daily Record|date=2 June 2015|access-date=3 June 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906163311/http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/motherwells-lee-erwin-not-sent-5810180|archive-date=6 September 2015}} Mohsni later received a seven match ban for the offences.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33186498|title=BBC Sport - Bilel Mohsni: Former Rangers defender gets seven-match ban|newspaper=BBC Sport|access-date=19 June 2015}}
=Return to France=
Mohsni returned to French football in August 2015 when he signed a two-year contract with newly promoted Ligue 1 club Angers SCO.{{cite web|title=Bilel Mohsni joins French side Angers after leaving Rangers|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11788/9933354/bilel-mohsni-joins-french-side-angers-after-leaving-rangers|website=Sky Sports|access-date=3 August 2015|date=3 August 2015}}
After six months in Angers without playing with the first team, Mohsni left Angers in January 2016 and signed a six-month contract with Ligue 2 club Paris FC.{{cite web|title=Deux nouvelles arrivées en provenance de Ligue 1 au Paris FC|url=http://www.parisfootballclub.com/ligue-2/deux-nouvelles-arrivees-au-paris-fc/|website=parisfootballclub.com|language=fr|access-date=25 January 2016|date=18 January 2016}}
=Later career=
Mohsni joined Étoile du Sahel in September 2016.
Mohsni signed a short-term contract with Scottish Championship club Dundee United in March 2018.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43494518 |title=Bilel Mohsni: Dundee United sign former Rangers defender |work=BBC Sport |publisher=BBC |date=21 March 2018 |access-date=22 March 2018}} He left the side in May 2018, following the end of his contract.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44130428 |title=Captain Willo Flood among Dundee United departures |work=BBC Sport |publisher=BBC |date=15 May 2018 |access-date=15 May 2018}}
In February 2019, Moshni penned a 18-month deal with the Patras-based club Panachaiki FC - though this was cut short in July 2019.{{Cite web|url=https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2019/10/14/what-happened-to-notorious-rangers-defender-mohsni-and-why-does/|title=What happened to notorious Rangers defender Mohsni and why does he blame Mbappe?|first=Dan|last=Coombs|date=14 October 2019|website=HITC}}
In March 2020 he joined Grimsby Town on trial.{{Cite news|url=https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/bilel-mohsni-grimsby-southend-rangers-3920900|title=The lowdown on the 'walking foul' training with Grimsby Town|newspaper=Grimsbylive|date=6 March 2020|via=www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk}} On 11 August 2020, Mohsni signed for Grimsby on a one-year contract.{{Cite web|url=https://www.grimsby-townfc.co.uk/news/2020/august/mohsni-becomes-first-summer-signing/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921115909/https://www.grimsby-townfc.co.uk/news/2020/august/mohsni-becomes-first-summer-signing/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=21 September 2020|title=Mohsni Becomes First Summer Signing|website=www.grimsby-townfc.co.uk}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53741818|title=Bilel Mohsni: Grimsby sign former Glasgow Rangers defender|work=BBC Sport|date=11 August 2020}} On 22 November 2020, following a 5–0 defeat against Tranmere Rovers, Ian Holloway announced he had released Mohsni as he did not meet his standards. This prompted Mohsni to set up a Twitter account and post a video to announce that he had not left the club, was still contracted, feeling fit and would be at training the next day.{{Cite news|url=https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/bilel-mohsni-grimsby-town-holloway-4726545|title = Confusion reigns as Bilel Mohsni denies leaving Grimsby Town|newspaper = Grimsbylive|date = 22 November 2020}} The following day, Holloway said that he thought the termination had been agreed and that it was not his concern whether the player remained at the club until January,{{Cite news|url=https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/ian-holloway-bilel-mohsni-grimsby-4728823|title=Ian Holloway responds after Bilel Mohsni denies leaving Grimsby Town|newspaper=Grimsbylive|date=23 November 2020}} Mohsni would go on to sign for Barnet on 1 December 2020,{{Cite web|url=https://www.barnetfc.com/news/2020/december/welcome-to-barnet-bilel-mohsni/|title=Welcome to Barnet, Bilel Mohsni!}} after making just one appearance off of the bench for Grimsby.{{cite news|url=https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/mohsni-ohman-leave-grimsby-town-4725102|title=Ludvig Ohman and Bilel Mohsni leave Grimsby Town as Ian Holloway eyes up more departures|newspaper=Grimsbylive|date=21 November 2020|access-date=22 November 2020}}
On 1 December 2020, Mohsni joined National League club Barnet on a non-contract basis.{{Cite web |title=Welcome to Barnet, Bilel Mohsni |url= https://www.barnetfc.com/news/2020/december/welcome-to-barnet-bilel-mohsni/ |work=Barnet FC |date=1 December 2020 |access-date=1 December 2020}} He was released on 8 January 2021 after three appearances.{{Cite web |url=https://www.barnetfc.com/news/2021/january/bilel-mohsni-and-dean-parrett-depart/ |title=Bilel Mohsni and Dean Parrett depart |access-date=8 January 2021 |archive-date=23 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210123193817/https://www.barnetfc.com/news/2021/january/bilel-mohsni-and-dean-parrett-depart/ |url-status=dead }}
On 8 June 2021, Mohsni was on the verge of signing for NIFL Premiership side Dungannon Swifts, managed by former Rangers teammate Dean Shiels. The deal was expected to be confirmed and was waiting for international clearance.,{{Cite news|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/irish-league/dungannon-swifts/dungannon-swifts-close-to-signing-former-rangers-defender-in-irish-league-transfer-coup-40513403.html|title = Dungannon Swifts close to signing former Rangers defender Bilel Mohsni in Irish League transfer coup|newspaper = Belfasttelegraph}} however on 3 July 2021 it was announced that Mohsni joined Saudi Arabian second-tier side Al-Rawdah.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-transfer-news/bilel-mohsni-surprise-transfer-rangers-24453465|title = Rangers flop Bilel Mohsni moves to Saudi second division team|date = 3 July 2021}}
On 24 February 2022, Mohsni signed a contract with NIFL Premiership side Dungannon Swifts, following speculation of a move from the previous summer.{{Cite web | url=https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/ex-rangers-defender-bilel-mohsni-23208852 | title=Dungannon Swifts confirm signing of former Rangers defender | date=24 February 2022 }}
Moshni announced his retirement from professional football in December 2022, citing family reasons and the need to look after his father, who is suffering with Alzheimer's.{{cite web | url=https://www.echo-news.co.uk/sport/23178545.bilel-mohsni-france-england-ending-career/ | title=Blues favourite Bilel Mohsni on France against England and ending his own career }}
International career
Mohsni was born and raised in France, but is also of Tunisian descent where his father was born. He was named in the Tunisia national team's squad for its friendly match against South Korea on 28 May 2014, where he made his international debut in a 1–0 win.{{cite web|title=International Friendly: South Korea 0 Tunisia 1|url=https://int.soccerway.com/news/2014/May/28/international-friendly-south-korea-0-tunisia-1/|publisher=Soccerway|access-date=29 May 2014|date=28 May 2014}}
Tunisia coach Georges Leekens selected Mohsni for the 23-man squad taking part in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.{{cite news|last1=Okeleji|first1=Oluwashina|title=Tunisia call up Rjaibi and Akaichi for Nations Cup duty|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30616629|work=BBC Sport|access-date=21 January 2015|date=13 January 2015}} However, Mohsni was an unused substitute in their opening 1–1 draw against Cape Verde and he had to deny reports of quitting the tournament after storming out of the dressing room at full-time.{{cite news|title=Bilel Mohsni 'phoned his mum' after Tunisia snub|url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/odd/bilel-mohsni-phoned-his-mum-after-tunisia-snub-1-3667918|newspaper=The Scotsman|access-date=21 January 2015|date=21 January 2015}} Tunisia reached the quarter-finals, where they lost 2–1 after extra-time to host nation Equatorial Guinea. Mohsni however did not feature in any of Tunisia four matches at the tournament.{{cite web|last1=Crocker|first1=Sam|title=Bilel Mohsni outraged at Tunisia's Africa Cup of Nations referee 'injustice'|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/football/bilel-mohsni-outraged-at-tunisias-africa-cup-of-nations-referee-injustice.117463162|publisher=Herald Scotland|access-date=2 February 2015|date=1 February 2015}}
After an absence from the team of over 18 months, Mohnsi played against Togo on 29 March 2016 in a qualifier tie for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.{{cite web|title=Mohsni, Bilel|url=http://www.national-football-teams.com/player/55486/Bilel_Mohsni.html|website=National Football Teams|access-date=30 August 2016}}
In May 2018 he was named in Tunisia's preliminary 29-man squad for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.{{cite news |last1=Okeleji |first1=Oluwashina |title=2018 World Cup: Tunisia make recalls to preliminary squad |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/44122144 |access-date=4 July 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=15 May 2018}} He was dropped from the final 23-man squad.{{cite web |last1=Adewoye |first1=Gbenga |title=Tunisia unveil 23-man squad for the World Cup |url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/tunisia-unveil-23-man-squad-for-the-world-cup/rresf6bf6ko31xy7e4mk1g3mv |website=goal.com |access-date=4 July 2021 |date=2 June 2018}} Mohsni reacted angrily, calling his omission an "injustice".{{cite web |last1=Madyira |first1=Michael |title=Tunisia defender Bilel Mohsni angry with coach Nabil Maaloul over World Cup snub |url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/tunisia-defender-bilel-mohsni-savages-coach-nabil-maaloul/1wnwzu0qejc9c13f5gzdyr7b87 |website=goal.com |access-date=4 July 2021 |date=13 June 2018}}
Personal life
Mohsni is a devout Muslim. During his time at Rangers, a room was set aside at both Rangers Training Centre and Ibrox Stadium to enable him to pray at the required times throughout the day. He was also permitted to arrive at a later time for training on Fridays to allow him to attend his mosque.{{cite web|last=Duffy|first=Marisa|title=Keeping the faith is no obstacle for Muslim Rangers player Mohsni|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/keeping-the-faith-is-no-obstacle-for-muslim-rangers-player-mohsni.23698699|publisher=Herald Scotland|access-date=26 May 2014|format=15 March 2014}}
Honours
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{Soccerbase}}
{{Tunisia squad 2015 Africa Cup of Nations}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Mohsni, Bilel}}
Category:Footballers from Paris
Category:Men's association football defenders
Category:French men's footballers
Category:French sportspeople of Tunisian descent
Category:Tunisian men's footballers
Category:21st-century Tunisian sportsmen
Category:Tunisia men's international footballers
Category:2015 Africa Cup of Nations players
Category:US Saint-Georges players
Category:Sainte-Geneviève Sports players
Category:Southend United F.C. players
Category:Ipswich Town F.C. players
Category:Étoile Sportive du Sahel players
Category:Dundee United F.C. players
Category:Panachaiki F.C. players
Category:Grimsby Town F.C. players
Category:Al-Rawdhah Club players
Category:Championnat National 3 players
Category:English Football League players
Category:Scottish Professional Football League players
Category:Tunisian Ligue Professionnelle 1 players
Category:Saudi Second Division players
Category:Football League (Greece) players
Category:National League (English football) players
Category:French expatriate men's footballers
Category:French expatriate sportspeople in England
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in England
Category:French expatriate sportspeople in Scotland
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Scotland
Category:French expatriate sportspeople in Saudi Arabia
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Saudi Arabia
Category:Dungannon Swifts F.C. players
Category:Footballers from Essonne