Veteran Algerian forward Hilal Soudani signs contract extension with NK Maribor

Photo: NK Maribor Media

Former Algerian international El Arabi Hilal Soudani has signed a one-year contract extension with NK Maribor. The Slovenian outfit triggered the extension following Soudani’s brilliant season at the club.

Soudani scored nine goals in 25 appearances and won the Player of the Month accolade three times. The 37-year-old joined Maribor in 2023 after spells in Portugal, Croatia, England, Greece, and Saudi Arabia. He had a very successful career with the Algerian national team, representing his country for 11 years and winning the FIFA Arab Cup in 2021.

Maribor Operations Director Cem Basgul, as quoted by La Gazette du Fennec, highlighted Soudani’s qualities as the reason for the contract extension:

“We met Hilal at the end of 2024 and agreed to explore the possibility of an extension in May. Since that meeting, he has demonstrated exceptional professionalism, both on and off the pitch. Hilal’s respect for the club and the entire community has been exemplary. He is not only an exceptional player, but also a man of character who inspires everyone around him.”

Maribor are currently second in the league table with 63 points, six behind leaders Olimpija Ljubljana.