Mehdi Benatia

Mehdi Benatia is a defender for Roma. He was born on 17 April 1987 in Courcouronnes, France.

Mehdi’s youth career started in the early 90s after he signed for Clairefontaine football academy. Benatia studied there until his transfer to Guingamp in 2002 where he was one of the best students. In 2003 Mehdi successfully performed in an exhibition match organized by Olympique de Marseille and was later signed by the club’s youth academy.

In 2006 Mehdi signed his first professional contract with Marseille. Benatia wasn’t able to establish himself as a regular and thus was sent out on loan to Tours. During the 2006/07 season the Moroccan defender made 29 appearances for the French club.

In 2007 the defender was loaned to Lorient. The 2007/08 season became a complete disappointment for Benatia as the head coach didn’t even allow the French to leave the bench.

In 2008 Mehdi loan spell expired and he was signed on a permanent contract by Clermont. The head coach believed in Benatia’s potential and made him a key defender right from the start of his spell at Clermont. From 2008 to 2010 Benatia made 57 appearances and scored 2 goals for Clermont.

In 2010 Mehdi moved to Udinese. During three seasons the Moroccan had been a regular in Bianconeri starting lineup with 72 appearances.

In the summer 2013 he completed a move to Roma.

Since 2008 Mehdi Benatia has made more than 30 appearances for Morocco national team.