Algeria centre-back Zineddine Belaid has joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Taawoun from JS Kabylie, completing a move that takes the 27-year-old defender to Saudi Arabia.
Belaid, who was born in Thenia and stands 1.86m tall, makes the switch after one season with JS Kabylie. He joined the Algerian club from Belgian side Sint-Truiden on 23 August 2025, following a year in the Jupiler Pro League.
The right-footed defender has built the majority of his career in Algeria, making 147 Ligue 1 appearances and scoring nine goals, while also contributing four assists. He has additionally played in continental competition, featuring 26 times in the CAF Confederation Cup and 10 times in the CAF Champions League.
Belaid’s previous spell with USM Alger was the most decorated period of his career. He won the CAF Confederation Cup with the club in the 2022-23 season before adding the CAF Super Cup in 2023-24.
He has also featured at the 2026 World Cup, appearing in two matches. His involvement at the tournament came before his move to Al-Taawoun, where he will continue his career in the Saudi top flight.
The defender began his senior career at NA Hussein Dey after progressing from the club’s under-21 side. He joined USM Alger in October 2020 and remained there until moving to Sint-Truiden in July 2024. The Belgian club later transferred him to JS Kabylie in August 2025.
Across his recorded career, Belaid has also scored four goals in the CAF Confederation Cup and three in the Algerian Cup. He scored once in the CAF Super Cup during his time with USM Alger.
Al-Taawoun have now added an experienced Algerian central defender with domestic, Belgian and continental football behind him. Belaid’s transfer from JS Kabylie to Al-Taawoun was completed on 3 August 2026.
