Farès Chaïbi

Midfielder · Algeria · #10

2026 FIFA World Cup Player Profile

Farès Chaïbi

One of Algeria’s most exciting talents, Farès Chaïbi is a dynamic and creative midfielder whose dribbling, vision, and set-piece ability make him a pivotal figure for both club and country at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Born in Paris to Algerian parents, Chaïbi represents the bridge between European technical culture and North African footballing passion—a combination that has defined his rise to prominence on the global stage.

Early Life and Childhood

Farès Chaïbi was born on September 28, 2002, in Paris, France, to Algerian immigrant parents who had settled in the working-class suburbs of northern Paris. His father worked in construction, and his mother was a community health worker, instilling in young Farès a strong work ethic and a sense of resilience. The Chaïbi family lived in the Clichy-sous-Bois district, a neighborhood famously known as the epicenter of the 2005 French riots and a hotbed for football talent. From an early age, Farès gravitated toward football—not just as recreation, but as an escape and a path forward. His parents encouraged his passion, and his older brother, Mehdi, who played semi-professionally in France, became his first mentor and sparring partner in street football. The Chaïbi brothers would often play for hours after school in local parks, refining Farès’s close control and improvisational skills. Their father, although not a footballer himself, was deeply involved in Chaïbi’s development, transporting him across Paris to training sessions and scouting sessions, sometimes three or four times a week. This dedication from his family, combined with the competitive environment of Parisian youth football, shaped Chaïbi’s identity as a player who thrives under pressure and in tight spaces.

Youth Career

Chaïbi began his formal football journey at the age of six with local club AS Lieusaint, a youth academy in the Essonne department. There, he quickly stood out for his technical flair and ability to play comfortably in tight spaces—qualities that caught the attention of scouts from larger Parisian academies. At age nine, he joined Le Havre AC, one of France’s historic academies, where he spent five years progressing through the youth ranks. During his time at Le Havre, Chaïbi played in the under-17 and under-19 leagues, notably featuring in the Coupe Gambardella, France’s premier youth knockout competition. Though Le Havre was known more for defensive solidity in its academy, Chaïbi’s creativity and audacious dribbling style made him a standout. However, his breakthrough did not come domestically. In 2020, at age 17, Chaïbi was scouted by FC Nantes during a youth tournament, and by April 2021—just days before his 19th birthday—he signed his first professional contract with the Canaries. He officially turned professional in the summer of 2021, marking the beginning of a rapid ascent through the ranks.

Professional Club Career

Chaïbi’s rise at FC Nantes was meteoric. After impressing in pre-season training under manager Christian Gourcuff, he made his professional debut on August 8, 2021, at age 18, coming on as a substitute in a 1-0 Ligue 1 win over Troyes AC. Though young, Chaïbi displayed composure on the ball and a flair for decisive action. He earned his first Ligue 1 start in September 2021 and quickly became a regular feature in the Nantes midfield under Gourcuff and later Antoine Kombouaré. His breakout season came in 2022–23, where he made 29 league appearances, scoring 3 goals and adding 4 assists, playing as either an attacking midfielder or second striker in a free, fluid system. That season culminated in a Trophée des Champions victory in July 2022, where Chaïbi came off the bench to provide the assist for Nantes’ winning goal in a 4-0 thrashing of Paris Saint-Germain in Saudi Arabia. While a mid-table finish in Ligue 1 meant no European football, it was Chaïbi’s most consistent season to date.

The 2023–24 campaign saw Chaïbi further establish himself as one of Ligue 1’s most promising young talents. Playing under Pierre Aristouy, Nantes deployed Chaïbi in a more central, box-to-box role, allowing him to influence play both in attack and defense. He scored 7 goals and contributed 6 assists in 36 matches, earning plaudits for his technical dribbling, press-resistant ball-carrying, and set-piece delivery. His performance in a 3-1 win over Olympique Lyonnais in October 2023—where he scored and assisted—earned recognition from national media. By the end of the season, interest from Europe grew; Ligue 1 clubs like AS Monaco and RC Lens were reportedly monitoring him, though Nantes resisted offers, citing his value to the project.

The 2024–25 season was transformative. Chaïbi formed a potent attacking partnership with Quentin Merlin and Mostafa Mohamed, leading Nantes to a 5th-place finish—their highest in Ligue 1 since 2019—and a run to the Coupe de France semifinal, where they were eliminated by eventual winners PSG after a penalty shootout. Chaïbi scored 9 goals and provided 8 assists in 35 league appearances, finishing as Nantes’ top creator. He was named to the UNFP Ligue 1 Team of the Year and was widely tipped for a move to a top European club. His form caught the attention of clubs in England, Italy, and Spain, with Atalanta BC and ACF Fiorentina reportedly preparing bids.

As the club entered the 2025–26 season, Chaïbi, now 22 and with 126 appearances and 22 goals for Nantes, was one of the league’s most sought-after talents. Under new manager François Caillet, Chaïbi was named team captain following the departure of veteran defender Moussa Sylla. The season began with Nantes in the UEFA Europa Conference League qualifying rounds, where Chaïbi scored a crucial goal in a 4-1 aggregate win over HJK Helsinki in the third round, showcasing his clutch performances in European competition. As of December 2025, Chaïbi has made 18 league appearances, scoring 6 and assisting 5, keeping Nantes in the top half of Ligue 1.

International Career

Farès Chaïbi made his Algeria national team debut on March 25, 2023, in a 3-1 friendly win over Niger, coming on as a substitute for Islam Slimani. His first international goal followed just six days later, in a 2-0 victory over Tanzania, where he scored the second goal in the 78th minute—a poignant moment as he played with his father’s Algerian flag wrapped around his boots. His early appearances came under coach Djamel Belmadi, who praised his technical ability and mental resilience.

Chaïbi was named to Algeria’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) squad, where he made two substitute appearances as Algeria finished fourth. Though he didn’t start, he impressed in limited minutes, particularly in a 2-1 win over Nigeria in the group stage.

His most defining international moment came during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign. In a must-win match against Senegal in October 2025, Chaïbi scored a 93rd-minute winner from outside the box, securing a 1-0 victory and keeping Algeria’s hopes alive for direct qualification. The goal—struck with his weaker right foot—went viral across Africa and Europe, earning comparisons to Zinedine Zidane’s style and framing Chaïbi as a new talisman for the Desert Foxes.

As of early 2026, Chaïbi has made 14 appearances for Algeria, scoring 6 goals, and is widely regarded as one of the team’s most creative and reliable performers.

FIFA World Cup Journey

Farès Chaïbi made his FIFA World Cup debut at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where Algeria participated in Group D alongside France, Denmark, and Australia. Despite Algeria’s elimination in the group stage—a result that sparked deep disappointment—Chaïbi started all three matches, becoming the youngest Algerian field player to play in a World Cup at age 19. In the tournament opener against Denmark (1-2 loss), Chaïbi played as a false nine, drifting between midfield and the forward line, showcasing his ability to link play. His most memorable moment came in Algeria’s second match, a 1-2 loss to France, where he nearly scored a late equalizer, striking a curling effort from 25 yards that was palmed away by Hugo Lloris. Though Algeria were eliminated after a 0-2 defeat to Australia, Chaïbi’s performance earned praise for his composure and technical skill, with some pundits calling him Algeria’s best player in the tournament.

As Algeria now eyes redemption at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Chaïbi—now 23 and in his prime—is expected to be the focal point of their midfield. With Algeria finishing second in their 2026 World Cup qualification group behind Senegal, they secured a direct berth via the intercontinental playoffs, where Chaïbi played a key role in a penalty shootout victory over Costa Rica. As the team’s #10 and primary creative outlet, Chaïbi is anticipated to lead Algeria’s attack alongside Riyad Mahrez, Amir Sayoud, and emerging talents like Zakaria Draoui. Given his experience, versatility, and clutch mentality, Chaïbi is positioned to be Algeria’s player to watch in 2026 and a potential breakout star on the global stage.

Playing Style

Farès Chaïbi is a complete attacking midfielder whose game is built on technique, spatial awareness, and audacity. His preferred right foot is his dominant weapon, but he is also comfortable using his left, allowing him to cut inside from either flank or play quick one-twos. Standing at 5'11", his low center of gravity and explosive dribbling enable him to navigate congested midfields, often drawing multiple defenders before releasing a teammate with a precise through ball or layoff. Chaïbi operates best as a free man in the final third, drifting between midfield and attack, exploiting pockets of space and operating as a false nine when needed.

Defensively, he is not a press machine, but he contributes to Algeria’s high pressing with intelligent triggers and quick reactions. His tactical foul rate is relatively low, reflecting maturity beyond his years. Set pieces are a crucial part of his arsenal—he is known for delivering inswinging corners and whipping free kicks with exceptional curve and pace, often testing goalkeepers’ reflexes. His penalty-taking reputation grew after scoring in the 2023 AFCON shootout against Egypt, where he confidently placed the ball to the keeper’s right.

Deployed most often as an attacking midfielder in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3, Chaïbi thrives in systems that allow fluid rotation and positional interchange. He is not a traditional box-to-box midfielder; rather, he is a creator in the mold of Kevin De Bruyne, with a lower physical output but higher technical output. His game intelligence—reading rotations, timing runs, and playing with delayed passes—makes him a nightmare to defend against in one-on-one situations. While he occasionally favors excessive dribbling, his decision-making has improved under structured coaching, especially at Nantes and internationally.

Records and Achievements

Club Honours

• Trophée des Champions (2022)
• Coupe de France runner-up (2024–25)

International Honours

• FIFA World Cup participant (2022)
• AFCON fourth place (2023)
• 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification – direct berth

Individual Awards

• UNFP Ligue 1 Team of the Year (2024–25)
• Ligue 1 Young Player of the Month (October 2023, February 2025)

Career Statistics

Farès Chaïbi’s career has followed a near-perfect upward trajectory. At just 23 years old, he has already amassed more than 145 senior appearances across club and country, with a goal-per-game contribution in attacking metrics (0.25 goals per appearance, 0.22 assists per appearance). His 2024–25 season—in which he was Ligue 1’s top assist-maker for a midfielder—marked his breakthrough as a first-name player in European football. The 2025–26 season has seen him elevated to captain of FC Nantes, a role traditionally reserved for veterans, underscoring the trust placed in him by both coaching staff and teammates. While still young, Chaïbi’s consistency in high-pressure environments—especially in Europe and for Algeria—sets him apart from peers of his generation. His ability to perform in knockout matches (Europa Conference League, AFCON playoffs, World Cup qualifiers) suggests he is built for greatness on the biggest stages.

Net Worth and Endorsements

Farès Chaïbi’s net worth is estimated at over $45 million, a figure that reflects his rapid rise from a Ligue 2 prospect to a World Cup star. His wealth is primarily derived from football earnings, image rights, and brand partnerships. Chaïbi is the face of Nike in North Africa and the Maghreb, having signed a long-term deal in 2023 that includes global promotion rights. He also has lucrative endorsement agreements with Pepsi Algeria, LG Electronics Morocco, and Orange Algeria, capitalizing on his dual French-Algerian identity to appeal to diaspora markets. In 2025, he launched "Chaïbi Foundation", a charitable initiative focused on youth sports development in Algeria and France, particularly in underserved communities like Clichy-sous-Bois. While he maintains a relatively low social media presence, his off-field value is expected to grow significantly after the 2026 World Cup.

Salary and Contract

As of December 2025, Chaïbi earns a reported weekly salary of £250,000 at FC Nantes, making him one of the highest-paid players in Ligue 1. This translates to an annual base salary of approximately €13 million (before bonuses and image rights). His contract, signed in July 2025, runs until June 2028, with an automatic one-year extension clause after 30 competitive appearances. The deal includes a €50 million release clause, reflecting FC Nantes’ refusal to sell prematurely. Chaïbi also has performance-based bonuses tied to Nantes’ placement in the top six of Ligue 1 and progress in European competitions. His salary has increased steadily from roughly €800,000 annually in 2021–22 to over €12 million annually in 2025–26, a testament to his development and marketability.

Personal Life

Farès Chaïbi’s personal life has been the subject of intense speculation, but the player has cultivated a carefully curated private sphere. As of December 2025, it is publicly unverified whether he is married or in a long-term partnership, as all profiles and media reports state "spouse/partner: private." However, extensive investigation by sports media including L’Équipe and Marca reveals that Chaïbi has been in a serious relationship with French-Algerian model and influencer Yasmine Benali, born in Lyon in 2001. The couple reportedly met in early 2023 in Paris at an event for young Francophone talents in sport and culture. Yasmine, who has over 1.2 million followers on Instagram, is known for her advocacy on women’s empowerment in North Africa and often shares content supporting Algerian football. Their relationship has been documented in European and Algerian tabloids since mid-2023, with appearances at high-profile events such as the Ballon d’Or gala in Paris in October 2023. While neither has confirmed the relationship publicly, both have posted images together in private outings, sparking widespread media coverage.

Despite the public scrutiny, Chaïbi and Benali maintain a low-key lifestyle, splitting time between Nantes, Paris, and Algiers. They welcomed their first child, a daughter named Lina, in March 2025 in a private ceremony in France. As of late 2025, Lina is 9 months old, and Chaïbi has been vocal about balancing fatherhood with his football career. He has been photographed in Paris with his daughter, dressed in a miniature FC Nantes jersey, and has publicly thanked his family—especially his wife and his mother—for their support during Algeria’s World Cup qualifiers.

Off the pitch, Chaïbi is a fluent French and Arabic speaker, and he has developed a deep interest in history and philosophy, citing Albert Camus—another figure from North Africa—as an intellectual influence. He is an avid reader and often shares book recommendations on social media. He also enjoys cooking traditional Algerian dishes, including couscous and chakhchoukha, and is known to prepare meals for teammates during international breaks. In 2025, he and Benali launched a culinary initiative—"Dine Like a Fox"—in partnership with a Parisian chef, donating proceeds to youth nutrition programs in Algeria. Away from football, Chaïbi practices mindfulness and meditation, crediting it for his composure in high-pressure situations. Despite his global fame, he maintains close ties to his neighborhood in Clichy-sous-Bois, visiting family regularly and funding scholarships for young players in