Algerian football icon Lakhdar Belloumi has expressed significant satisfaction regarding his son Mohamed Béchir Belloumi's achievements and performance with Hull City. Belloumi dismissed past criticisms directed at his son during his time in Algeria, stating, "The criticisms he received during his period in Algeria we dealt with normally, as if they were worthless." He added that his son's current success is the strongest response to those who claimed he played only because of his name.
Lakhdar Belloumi indicated that Mohamed Béchir Belloumi's primary focus remains on Hull City, but a substantial offer would be considered. "His current full focus is with Hull City, and if we receive any big offer, we would not mind leaving, with all due respect to Hull City," Belloumi said, suggesting his son's performance merits a move to a larger club competing for domestic and continental titles like Barcelona, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Marseille, or Manchester City.
Mohamed's Stellar Season
Mohamed Béchir Belloumi has made a distinguished start to the season with Hull City, showcasing his offensive capabilities. His contributions include two goals scored against Chelsea, demonstrating his impact in significant fixtures. The Algerian forward also provided two assists in matches against Coventry City and Newcastle United, noting his playmaking ability. Belloumi's consistent performance places him third on the list of players with the most goal contributions, behind Pascal Groß and João Pedro, a notable achievement in the league. His impressive form with Hull City has also earned him a place in the national team, signaling recognition of his talent at an international level.
A Father's Vindication
Lakhdar Belloumi stated that his son's current achievements serve as the strongest response to critics who previously suggested Mohamed Béchir Belloumi played solely because of his family name. "The criticisms he received during his period in Algeria we dealt with normally, as if they were worthless," Belloumi said, adding that his son "always sought to achieve his dream and I think what he has achieved now is the strongest response to all those who criticised him, saying that he plays only because of his name." Mohamed Béchir Belloumi had long aspired to a professional football career in Europe. "Mohamed Béchir dreamed of professionalism and his goal was to go out and play in Europe, and I told him to do what he wanted," Lakhdar Belloumi recounted.
Future Prospects and Legacy
Lakhdar Belloumi, a recipient of the Golden Ball in 1980, noted that his son's performance with Hull City in the English league represents merely the beginning of his career. The elder Belloumi himself did not have the opportunity to play professionally abroad during his career. Mohamed Béchir Belloumi has already made four goal contributions in the Premier League. His father stated that his son "always sought to achieve his dream and I think what he has achieved now is the strongest response to all those who criticised him, saying that he plays only because of his name." Lakhdar Belloumi also remarked, "Mohamed Béchir dreamed of professionalism and his goal was to go out and play in Europe, and I told him to do what he wanted."