One day in December in the Decathlon of Aulnay-sous-Bois (Seine-Saint-Denis). A customer approaches a salesperson in the tennis department: “Hello, I would like to have a new string for my racket, please” “Yes of course, what type of string do you want? », replies this seller, Sid Belhaj, who has the distinction of holding the record for selections (156) with the French futsal team, winner this Saturday of Ukraine (4-2 ap) in the quarter-final of the Euro. He is also the only player among the Blues who does not make his living solely from futsal.
“I make a good living from my sport but I love this work and I have colleagues who have become friends,” explains this father of an 8-year-old child. Initially, I was recruited full-time, in 35 hours, then I slowed down a little to move to part-time because it was much too complicated with the daily training. Today I work 19 hours and it’s going perfectly. »
The 33-year-old continues: “I manage to perform on both counts even if it requires rigor, careful organization and a healthy lifestyle. I love what I do! I meet people from different backgrounds and sporting cultures. Frankly, I need to practice futsal while maintaining a professional activity on the side for my balance. »
“I learned to play football in the street”
Originally from Issy-les-Moulineaux, Sid Belhaj dreamed of a professional career in football during his youth. “I learned to play football in the street on small pitches with our backpacks which served as cages,” recalls this sea fishing fan. “From the moment you play on a small surface and you score two goals, you have the skills to play futsal even if I only thought about football at that time. »
After playing at the local club FC Issy and Aarat Issy, he left for a one-week trial at the age of 17 at Olympique Lyonnais and found himself facing the generation of Rachid Ghezzal and Jordan Ferri. His dream of being a pro did not come true. OL did not follow up and Sid then returned to the Paris region to finish his schooling.
“I couldn’t see myself doing tests in the four corners of France or going abroad doing tests almost everywhere,” says this holder of a scientific baccalaureate. I was a studious student so I said to myself it doesn’t matter, I’m going to continue playing football as a leisure activity while prioritizing studies. »
One of his friends, a player for Paris Métropole (then in D1), suggested that he come for training in June 2011. Gifted, Sid caught the eye of coach Marcelo Serpa (former Brazilian international and winner of the Champions League). “He said to me: you have a good profile, you look intelligent, so frankly, you can do something in futsal. My friend insists that I come to the resumption in August and there Marcelo offers me to sign for Paris Métropole, playing first with the reserve but with the prospect of joining the flagship team in the event of good performances. »
A meteoric rise
His debut is shattering. In the first match of the season with the flag team, he scored on his first ball and never left the group. A month later, he was already selected for the French U21 team. And a year later, he took his first steps with the Blues. A first selection before chaining them for more than 13 years and breaking the record for the number of caps held by Djamel Haroun on February 15 during the friendly match with Belgium.
“It’s a source of pride to have contributed to the growth of French futsal,” insists the Sporting Paris player. We take the matches one after the other with the hope of winning them. We don’t set limits. » “He is an exceptional player, capable of providing solutions in the game, very skillful in front of goal and who has also developed himself athletically,” praises Raphaël Reynaud, the coach of the France team. With him, we are not at the beginning but we are far from the end. Sid finds his balance as a high-level athlete through his profession. This allows him to be more serene in the way he approaches his sport. »
He adds. “As long as he performs well and is part of the team, I have no problem with that. On the contrary, I find it so difficult to reconnect with the reality of life when your career ends. » Next Wednesday, Sid Belhaj could lead the Blues to his first international final if they succeed against the winner of the Portugal – Belgium match.
