Bachir Belloumi’s Hull City form built on hard work, says father Lakhdar

Algerian football great Lakhdar Belloumi says his son Bachir’s impressive start to the season with Hull City is the result of sustained hard work.

The 24-year-old was a key figure in the club’s promotion last season and has continued to make an impact with the Tigers. At the time of writing, the Algeria international had made eight appearances, including six starts, and recorded three goals and two assists.

His performances earned him a recall to the national team in September, ending a three-year absence. Belloumi marked his return with goals against Burundi in a 2-2 draw in 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying and against Niger in a 2-1 friendly victory on 6 October.

Speaking on Radio Algerienne, his father attributed that progress to the player’s commitment and determination.

The former Algeria forward, who won 96 caps and scored 26 goals, said Bachir had never avoided hard work, including after unsuccessful trials in France. Those setbacks came before his move to Farense, the club he represented immediately before joining Hull City.

Lakhdar Belloumi, the 1981 African Ballon d’Or winner, also expressed his pride in his son’s development at the end of September, while suggesting that Bachir was capable of playing for a bigger club.

“With the level Bachir is showing at the moment, he deserves to play for a bigger team,” he said. “Teams that compete for domestic and continental titles, such as Barca, Real, PSG, OM or City.”

The comments prompted criticism from some observers, who interpreted them as a disparaging assessment of Hull City. Belloumi strongly rejected that interpretation.

Bachir Belloumi’s latest appearance came on Saturday, when Hull City suffered their second Premier League defeat of the season. The Tigers were beaten 1-0 by Fulham despite a strong individual performance from the Algeria international.

His return to the national team has therefore coincided with a notable period of form at club level, following a season in which he played a major role in Hull City’s promotion and a difficult period that included his failed trials in France.