Career:
Seraing United (11.09.2014-30.04.2016), R. Standard de Liège (18.05.2016-today)
Meet The Academy
Ilian Hadidi
Can you briefly introduce yourself?
My name is Ilian Hadidi. I started playing football at Standard at the age of 7 and was lucky enough to play in all the club’s categories. Today, I play in the U18 and U23 teams. Standard is the only club I’ve ever known, and I’m very proud of that. I am a creative player. Most of my coaches have used me in the number 10 position. But I can also play as a 6 or an 8, positions that I really enjoy. These roles require a lot of precision in restarting play, which is something I find really exciting in football. I am also lucky enough to have been selected for the Morocco U17 national team, and it is an honour to be able to take part in the various training camps.
What inspired you to start playing football? What is your earliest memory?
The player who inspired me the most is without a doubt Ronaldinho. Many of my friends compare me to him, but I know I still have a lot of work to do to reach that level. His technical skills, the way he moves on the pitch and his incredible passes have always inspired me. I would also like to thank my parents for their sacrifices and my big brother for giving me a love of football.
What is your strongest point in the game and what aspect of your game would you like to improve?
If I had to choose my main strength, it would be my vision of the game, my ability to read it. I like to find spaces, create scoring opportunities and help my team win, especially when it’s close.
What is the most important aspect of a successful professional career?
In my opinion, the most important aspects of a successful professional career are mental strength, discipline and team spirit. Without mental strength and rigour, you can’t develop, and without team spirit, you can’t progress collectively. To be champions, we have to work together.
What is your sporting ambition?
My dream is to one day play with the first team at Sclessin and show the public everything I’ve learned at the Academy during my years of training. I’d like to give back to the club everything it has given me. Standard is a special club; you have to play there to understand.
What’s your best memory at Standard so far ?
The best memory was the Belgian title we won with the Under-14s in the 2022-2023 season.
Who is your favourite Standard player (current or past)?
Mehdi Carcela is a player I enjoyed watching. He was combative, very technical and at the heart of the game. What’s more, he’s from Liège like me, and a child of the club like me.
Who is your favourite player and club abroad?
My favourite teams are Barça and Marseille. The player I like the most at the moment is Lamine Yamal for his performance and technical skills.