Everything you need to know about Houssem Aouar!

Birthplace

Houssem-Eddine Chaabane Aouar was born on 30 June 1998 in Le Tonkin, in the commune of Villeurbanne, Lyon. His parents are Algerian and Houssem has dual citizenship

Early years

After starting out at Villeurbanne United Football Club, at the age of 11 anni Aouar joined the Lyon youth academy. He quickly rose through the ranks and led the team to the U17 championship with 25 goals and 16 assists, aged 16. At Lyon he was given the nickname La Pepite (Nugget).

He went on to make 233 appearances for the Ligue 1 side, racking up 41 goals and 34 assists.

The w-eight of tradition

Aouar is a right-footed, versatile midfielder who can operate in the centre of a three- or four-man midfield or further forward in the hole thanks to his attacking abilities. 

At Lyon he inherited the No.8 shirt, which previously belonged to club legend Juninho, from Corentin Tolisso. 

What they say about him

“I was amazed by his ability to remain cool and keep his emotions in check. No one always does the right thing on the pitch but he never shies away. That’s the hallmark of a great player” – Bruno Genesio, his former coach at Lyon.

“He’s such a mature footballer despite his age. He’s technically gifted and understands the game. It’s easy to play with footballers like that” – Nabil Fekir.

“It’s only natural that Europe’s biggest clubs are interested in him. He’s an excellent footballer but he wants to remain at Lyon and Lyon want to keep him” – Jean-Michel Aulas, former Lyon chairman.

Blood is thicker

Houssem is a French national of Algerian descent. This year he decided to switched nationality and represent Algeria, having previously made one friendly appearance for France. 

A big heart

Aouar works with ASP (Aider Son Prochain), an association that helps sick children and people in hardship, and is their "heart partner", as described on ASP’s Instagram account. A few months ago, Houssem wrote: “We have to think of the children, through our actions or just by spending time with them and trying to help them smile.”

Roma’s other France-born players 

Aouar is the 17th footballer born in France to play for Roma. Two others who chose to represent their North African roots – Morocco in this case – were Medhi Benatia and Houssine Kharja. 

The first 16, in alphabetical order, are Benatia, Candela, Dacourt, Defrel, Digne, Faty, Giuly, Gonalons, Grenier, Kharja, Menez, Mexes, Nzonzi, Vainqueur, Veretout, Zebina.

Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa – the derby hero in 2015 – is not on the list: he played for France but was born in Bangui, Central African Republic.

Mummy’s boy

Aouar is extremely close to his mother and lived with her until the age of 20. He once explained in an interview: “My mum is so important to me. She’s done everything for me. If I’m here now, it’s thanks to her. Being with my mum and my family makes me happy. I don’t feel the need leave the nest.” He dedicated his first professional goal to her when he scored in the 7-1 win over AZ Alkmaar in the second leg of the Europa League last 16, on 23 February 2017.

Childhood dreams

Houssem’s mum wanted him to become a doctor but he had other ideas: if he hadn’t made it as a professional footballer, he would have liked to be a sports journalist. “That way I would have stayed in sport and everything I love. In any case I like journalism a lot.”

Social media

You can follow Aouar on Facebook, on Instagram and on Twitter.