Algerian international Yacine Brahimi named Qatar Stars League Player of the Week

Algerian international Yacine Brahimi has been crowned Qatar Stars League (QSL) Player of the Week for Matchday 4 of the 2025–26 season.

The accolade was announced by specialist platform Sofascore on Sunday, which placed the Al-Gharafa captain at the top of its Team of the Week with a rating of 9.7/10, ahead of Al-Duhail striker Krzysztof Piatek (9.3).

The recognition comes after Brahimi’s commanding display in Al-Gharafa’s 2-0 win over Al-Sailiya last Friday.

The 35-year-old was directly involved in both goals, scoring once and setting up another, underlining his role as the side’s creative heartbeat.

His consistency has been notable this campaign, with two goals and two assists from four league matches, cementing his reputation as one of the Qatar Stars League’s most decisive players.

Brahimi’s influence extends beyond domestic competition.

On Monday, he carried his form into the AFC Champions League, where Al-Gharafa faced Al-Sharjah in their opening group-stage fixture.

The Algerian midfielder broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute, converting a penalty with trademark composure.

After the interval, he turned provider, delivering a precise assist to Spaniard Joselu, who doubled the lead to secure a 2-0 victory for the Qatari side.

The win highlighted Al-Gharafa’s ambitions on the continental stage, with Brahimi again at the centre of their success.

His contributions this season already stand at six goal involvements in five games across all competitions – two goals and two assists in the league, plus a goal and an assist in Asia.

These numbers reflect both his enduring technical quality and his leadership as captain of the Yellow and Blues.

Once a standout performer in Europe with FC Porto, Brahimi has continued to reinvent himself in Qatar, blending experience with productivity.

At an age when many of his peers have slowed, he remains decisive in high-stakes matches.

Al-Gharafa’s reliance on his vision, creativity, and clinical finishing has been evident, with the team consistently looking to him in key moments.

The weekly award from Sofascore serves as confirmation of his impact at the start of the 2025–26 campaign.

For Al-Gharafa, having their captain in peak form could prove crucial in sustaining a title challenge at home while pushing for a deep run in the AFC Champions League.

At 35, Yacine Brahimi is showing no signs of fading, continuing to deliver the same flair and influence that defined his career in Europe and with the Algerian national team.