Tracing Maghnes Akliouche’s Roots and Telling His Ball Story

Many know him as a Franco-Algerian, and some fans even speculate that Maghnes Akliouche’s surname hints at roots in Nigeria’s Igbo tribe. But if you asked Maghnes Akliouche, he’d simply tell you he’s French. This football prodigy is not one to fly under the radar, and it’s no wonder why Algeria, the North African nation tied to his ancestry, is eager to claim him. Today, we uncover the untold story of this gifted player, who journeyed from the streets of Tremblay-en-France to becoming a rising star in Monaco’s football scene.

Maghnes Akliouche Childhood Story:

For starters, in his Biography reading, he bears the traditional Algerian name, Nesmaar. Maghnes Akliouche, the talented Franco-Algerian footballer, was born on February 25, 2002, in Tremblay-en-France, France. His father, Rachid Akliouche, and his little-known mother welcomed him into the world just 95 days before France hosted the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Little did they know that their son would grow up to become the apple of the eyes of AS Monaco, the only French club in its own country.

Among Maghnes Akliouche’s parents, it is his father, Rachid, who has warmly welcomed journalists to share insights into his son’s childhood story. Thanks to Rachid’s openness, we’re excited to bring you this special glimpse into Maghnes’ early life. To this day, he remains a proud father and a guiding light. Rachid Akliouche was the man who laid the foundation for Maghnes’ dreams and stood by his side every step of the way.

Growing Up Years:

Rachid Akliouche was the first to notice his son’s deep passion for football. He could see the love for the game in Maghnes’ eyes from a young age, especially when his son asked him to take him to the neighbourhood playgrounds. Recognizing the significance of that request, Rachid made sure to find the time to bring Maghnes to the neighbourhood playgrounds in Tremblay-en-France, where the foundations of his future football journey were first laid.

As a child, Maghnes Akliouche wasn’t just a football prodigy; he was also a top student, always at the head of his class. Rachid once shared a story about his son’s early years, where his wife played a key role in supporting Maghnes academically, while he himself was the one receiving updates on his son’s football progress. There came a day when Maghnes achieved a rare double, excelling both in school and on the pitch. He was eager to share his success with his parents, and as Rachid recalled:

“When Maghnes was a little boy, he’d come home from school, rush to his mother and proudly tell her that he had scored a perfect 20/20 on his test. Then, he would turning to me happily and add that he had scored twice in his match on that same day.”

Those were the early anecdotes that testified to Maghnes’ early dedication to football and the fact that he was an intelligent kid. In addition to playing football at the Tremblay-en-France neighbourhood playgrounds, young Maghnes loved watching his favourite team, Barcelona, on television. And, of course, as you might guess, he revealed that he admired the legendary Barcelona team led by Xavi, Andrés Iniesta and Lionel Messi.

Family Origin:

Born in France, Maghnes Akliouche, like  Eliesse Ben Seghir, shares his dual heritage. He is of French and Algerian heritage, similar to players like Michael Olise and Rayan Cherki. From a historical perspective, he follows in the footsteps of French football legends Zinedine Zidane and Karim Benzema, who also share Algerian roots.

Akliouche hails from Tremblay-en-France, a suburb in Seine-Saint-Denis, just north of Paris. It was in this close-knit community that he grew up, living with his family and nurturing his passion for football from an early age.

Maghnes Akliouche Ethnicity:

It’s important to clarify that Maghnes Akliouche has no ancestral connection to Nigeria’s Igbo tribe, despite the “Uche” suffix in his surname—a name common among people from southeastern Nigeria. In reality, Maghnes Akliouche is Franco-Algerian. He holds French citizenship and has an Algerian heritage. While his mother is French, his father, Rachid Akliouche, traces his roots to Algeria, making Maghnes a proud representation of both cultures.

Early Life (Football):

Maghnes Akliouche’s journey to becoming a professional footballer began at the age of 6. It was during this time, with the encouragement of his dad, that he discovered his love for the sport and decided he wanted to pursue it as a career. As he outgrew playing in the neighbourhood playgrounds of Tremblay-en-France, his passion for football led his parents to support his decision to join Villemomble Sports, a football club in Villemomble, Seine-Saint-Denis.

Maghnes Akliouche had the option to join the academy of his hometown club, Tremblay-en-France, which had produced players like Randal Kolo Muani. However, Villemomble Sports turned out to be the better choice for his development, partly due to its proximity to his family home. It was easy for his father, Rachid Akliouche, to make the short 20-minute trip to drop Maghnes off at the academy before heading off to his own work. Maghnes played for Villemomble Sports’ academy from 2008, when he was just six, until 2014, by which time, at 12 years old, he felt ready to face tougher competition.

Road to Fame:

After leaving Villemomble Sports, Maghnes Akliouche had trials with US Torcy, a club known for its excellent youth development, and impressed the coaches with his skills. US Torcy, which produced players like Paul Pogba, became the next step in his football journey. According to transfermarkt data, he played for the US Torcy Youth team from July 1, 2017, to July 1, 2019, when AS Monaco came calling. In the same year he joined Monaco, Maghnes made impressive progress and was promoted to the club’s U19 team. Under the guidance of coach Philippe Clement, he earned a spot in the senior team. The day he signed his professional contract was a moment of immense joy for Maghnes and his family, as it marked the fulfilment of his lifelong dream.

Rising to Fame:

Maghnes Akliouche joined an AS Monaco team filled with talent, including experienced players like Cesc Fàbregas, who was nearing the end of his career. In his first season, he played alongside emerging stars such as Aurélien Tchouaméni, Axel Disasi, Youssouf Fofana, and Benoît Badiashile. From the moment he stepped onto the senior football stage, fans quickly noticed the brilliance of this young player of Algerian descent.

Approach by the Country of his Fatherland:

Maghnes Akliouche’s dazzling creativity at the start of his senior career didn’t just earn him admiration from fans; it also opened doors to the international stage. The Algerian national team, led by coach Djamel Belmadi, took notice and extended an invitation for him to represent the country of his roots. For Akliouche, it was a moment of pride and reflection, as he considered honoring his fatherland.

However, things became complicated. Monaco’s management intervened, strongly urging him to reject Algeria’s call-up. The club’s officials were concerned that aligning with the Algerian national team might negatively impact his market value and future transfer prospects, given the bias some European clubs hold against players representing African nations.

For a young player navigating the complexities of professional football, this was no easy decision. It highlighted the challenges many dual-nationality players face, balancing personal identity, family heritage, and the business-driven realities of modern football. Despite the pressure, Akliouche’s talent and poise on the field have continued to shine, showing his potential to thrive regardless of which path he chooses on the international stage.

Staying with France:

For many football fans, Monaco is renowned for its strategy of developing young talents and marketing them to the world’s biggest clubs. The club also maintains a clear preference for its players born in France to parents of other nationalities to represent “Les Bleus”—France’s senior and youth teams.

In Maghnes Akliouche’s case, Monaco saw a golden opportunity for him to shine on an international stage by representing France at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Understanding the potential career benefits and following the club’s advice, the young midfielder chose to align with the country of his birth, France, rather than his ancestral homeland of Algeria.

It was a calculated decision that reflected the delicate balance between honouring personal heritage and pursuing the professional opportunities that came with representing one of football’s most prestigious nations.

Monaco’s vision achieved:

In mid-2024, Maghnes Akliouche was selected to represent France at the Paris 2024 Olympics, joining a talented squad that included players like Michael Olise, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Castello Lukeba and Alexandre Lacazette. Under the guidance of the legendary Thierry Henry, the French team dominated the group stage, advancing to the knockout rounds with a zero loses flawless record.

Akliouche played a crucial role in France’s journey to the final, delivering standout performances that caught the attention of fans and scouts alike. Although the team fell short of winning gold, securing the silver medal was a significant achievement, and it didn’t go unnoticed. His impressive displays at the Olympics boosted his reputation and significantly increased his market value.

Before the tournament, Akliouche’s market value was estimated at €15 million. However, after his silver medal triumph and the exposure on the global stage, his value skyrocketed. This rise validated Monaco’s strategy and their long-standing vision for him, proving that their push for him to represent France had paid off.

On August 9, 2024, a jubilant Maghnes Akliouche proudly showcased his Olympic silver medal to the French fans. The moment was a celebration of his hard work, determination, and remarkable achievement on home soil at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Achieving a Childhood Dream:

As a young boy, Maghnes Akliouche idolized FC Barcelona, drawn to legends like Xavi, Iniesta, and Messi. From the moment he began his football journey in 2008, he dreamed of one day wearing the iconic Barcelona jersey.

Fate, however, had other plans. On September 19, 2024, Akliouche found himself standing on the opposite side, facing his childhood heroes in a UEFA Champions League match. In a twist of destiny, he scored against Barcelona that night. Reflecting on the moment, the young star described it as a “small dream” come true—a surreal mix of childhood admiration and professional achievement.

Who knows what the future holds? Perhaps this “small dream” could lead to something bigger, with Barcelona someday seeking his talents and Akliouche fulfilling his ultimate dream of lifting a trophy with the club he once adored. After all, in football, anything is possible. For now, though, that unforgettable night is a special chapter in his story.

Personality:

Who is Maghnes Akliouche outside football?

When it comes to footballers, fans often admire their charm and good looks, and Maghnes Akliouche is no exception. But beyond his striking appearance, he also exudes intelligence and a humble personality. Many would agree that he’s one of the most handsome footballers around.

Off the pitch, Maghnes is known for his warm and approachable nature, always quick to return a smile with a smile and full of gratitude. In his downtime, he enjoys relaxing with a game of Solitaire and takes advantage of his holidays to find the perfect spot by the water to watch the sunset—a peaceful escape from the demands of his career.

The Car he drives:

Maghnes Akliouche certainly knows how to make the most of his €1,150,000 annual salary when it comes to treating himself. One of his prized possessions is the iconic Mercedes-Benz G-Class, popularly known as the G-Wagon.

For Akliouche, cars aren’t just a luxury but a practical necessity for a footballer’s lifestyle. He chose the G-Wagon for its unmatched ride comfort, robust reliability, and excellent safety features—qualities that align perfectly with his tastes and needs.

Untold Facts:

In the final phase of Maghnes Akliouche’s Biography, we’ll unveil more truths you might not know about him. Without further ado, let’s begin.

Maghnes Akliouche Salary:

Recently, fans have been curious about how much the Franco-Algerian footballer Maghnes Akliouche earns. To get the answer, we turned to Capology, one of the most reliable sources for Monaco players’ salaries. According to their data, Akliouche earns €22,115 per week, which totals €1,150,000 annually.

When comparing his earnings to other Monaco players, there’s a noticeable disparity. For example, Folarin Balogun, the club’s highest earner for the 2024/2025 season, makes €110,557 per week and €5,750,000 per year. Other top earners include Aleksandr Golovin (€110,000 per week), Thilo Kehrer and Takumi Minamino (€88,462 per week), Breel Embolo (€77,308 per week), club captain Denis Zakaria (€75,000 per week), and Mohammed Salusi (€59,615 per week).

Maghnes Akliouche FC24:

Interestingly, in the electronic video game, Maghnes Akliouche is rated highly for his movement stats, with an impressive A rating. However, he truly shines in dribbling, where he earns an 81% rating. Despite his strengths, there are a couple of areas where he falls below average, excluding defending—his interception rate (48%) and heading accuracy (46%). The area that requires the most improvement is his power stats, but with a current rating of 76 and an overall rating of 84, he still looks strong.

Akliouche’s attributes are reminiscent of rising stars like Wilson Odobert and Yeremy Pino, making him an appealing option for gamers playing Career Mode or Football Manager. He’s a versatile player who wouldn’t be too expensive to add to a team.

Maghnes Akliouche Religion:

Talented Maghnes Akliouche is part of the vibrant French Muslim Algerian community, a group deeply rooted in both faith and cultural heritage. His father, Rachid Akliouche, is a practising Muslim, and it’s likely that Maghnes shares the same beliefs, reflecting the traditions passed down through his family. Growing up, he was influenced by the values and practices of Islam, which plays a significant role in the lives of many Algerian families in France.

EndNote:

Maghnes Akliouche’s journey is a compelling story of talent, determination, and cultural pride. Born in Tremblay-en-France to a French mother and an Algerian father, Rachid Akliouche, Maghnes grew up in a close-knit, culturally rich environment that shaped his values and fueled his dreams. Proud of his Franco-Algerian heritage, he is part of the vibrant French Muslim Algerian community, sharing ties with legends like Zinedine Zidane and Karim Benzema.

From a young age, Akliouche showed immense promise, starting his football journey at Villemomble Sports and later excelling at US Torcy. His talent earned him a place in Monaco’s academy, where he rose through the ranks to the senior team, showcasing his creativity and skill. Alongside his club success, Maghnes has represented France on the international stage, even earning a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics under Thierry Henry’s guidance.

Off the field, Maghnes is admired for his charm, intelligence, and humble personality. Monaco’s valuable footballer enjoys quiet moments playing Solitaire and finding peace by the water, balancing his intense football career with moments of relaxation. With a bright future ahead, Akliouche’s story continues to inspire fans and reflect the rich blend of cultures that make him unique.

Appreciation Note:

The valuable time you have spent to know Maghnes Akliouche’s story is welcoming, and we are grateful for that. This platform strikes for accuracy and fairness in the quest to deliver the stories of fast-rising footballers who have diverse nationalities. Surely, our article on Kenan Yıldız and Facundo Buonanotte should excite you.