Billal Brahimi at Santos: it turns into a nightmare | OneFootball

Billal Brahimi at Santos: the Brazilian dream goes wrong

Billal Brahimi at Santos: it turns into a nightmare

Leaving OGC Nice on a free transfer this summer, Billal Brahimi made a surprising choice of destination: Brazil. By signing with Santos FC, the Algerian international hoped to revive his stalled career and once again catch the eye of Vladimir Petkovic, head coach of the Fennecs. It was an ambitious move: to establish himself in a league renowned for its technical skill and passion, while regaining his lost confidence.

A dream slow to take off

The early signs were actually promising. Coming off the bench against RB Bragantino in his debut, Brahimi showed some flashes of quality in just twenty minutes on the pitch. But since then, the momentum has completely stalled. Six consecutive matches without a single minute played: a tough situation for a player who came in search of playing time and a fresh start for his career.The Brazilian style—more intuitive and fast-paced—requires an adaptation that the former Nice man is still struggling to master. Facing fierce competition and high tactical demands, Brahimi appears to be slipping down the attacking pecking order.

Still, all is not lost. Fully aware that every adventure abroad takes time, the Paris native continues to work in the shadows, determined to turn things around. The talent is still there. Now, he just needs to turn patience into opportunity, and make his Brazilian exile a true rebirth.