With the Africa Cup of Nations on the horizon in 2024 and dozens of Ligue 1 Uber Eats players set to represent their countries in Côte d’Ivoire, we continue a special series featuring the legends of the game from several of the countries that are participating. Today’s feature focuses on Tunisia.
Wahbi Khazri: SC Bastia 2009-2014, FC Girondins de Bordeaux 2014-2016, Stade Rennais F.C. 2017-2018, AS Saint-Étienne 2018-2022, Montpellier HSC 2022-present.
Born in France, Khazri would go on to represent Tunisia at the senior level. He’s been a key player ever since, representing his country in five Africa Cup of Nations and two World Cups. His time at Saint-Étienne is where his abilities shone brightest, capturing the attention of fans worldwide. He has 278 games in Ligue 1 with 74 goals and 38 assists to show for it.
Santos: FC Sochaux-Montbéliard 2000-2005 and 2008-2009, FC Toulouse 2005-2008.
Francileudo Santos, originally from Brazil and later a naturalized Tunisian, left a huge mark on Tunisian football. He was pivotal in the national team's success in the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations, where he was the joint top scorer, and helped Tunisia win the title. Santos also showcased his talent in Ligue 1, notably with Sochaux. He also played for Toulouse, scoring 39 times and 14 assists in 161 games.
Issam Jemâa: RC Lens 2005-2011, SM Caen 2007-2008, AJ Auxerre 2011-2012, Stade Brestois 29 2012.
Jemâa, from Gabès, Tunisia, is remembered as a prolific striker and a legend in Tunisian football. Jemâa's career with the national team started in 2005, and he left a big legacy as the all-time leading scorer for his country. He made important contributions representing Tunisia in tournaments such as the 2008 and 2010 Africa Cup of Nations. His time in Ligue 1 saw him pick up 22 goals and add 11 assists in 126 games.
Saber Khalifa: Evian Thonon Gaillard FC 2011-2013, Olympique de Marseille 2013-2016.
Khalifa, born in Gabès, Tunisia, joined Evian Thonon Gaillard in 2011 and reached the Coupe de France final in 2013, eventually falling to Bordeaux. Khalifa's talent led him to a move to Marseille in 2013. Khalifa debuted for Tunisia in 2010 against Botswana. His participation in Tunisia's squads during the 2012 and 2013 Africa Cup of Nations tournaments showed his value as an asset for the national team. His time in Ligue 1 saw him record 18 goals and 12 assists in 84 games.
Montassar Talbi: FC Lorient 2022-present.
Talbi, born in France, started his youth career with Paris FC and FC Les Academies before moving to Tunisia with his family. His football career continued in Tunisia, through Turkey, Italy and Russia, then finally moving back to France signing with Lorient back in July 2022. He debuted for Tunisia in their qualification for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. He is still only 25 years old, but has already become an important player for Tunisia and for his club in Ligue 1.
