Hatem Ben Arfa

• Full name: Hatem Ben Arfa
• Date of birth: March 7, 1987
• Place of birth: Clamart, Hauts-de-Seine, France
• Nationality: French (of Tunisian descent)
• Position: Winger / Attacking midfielder
• Preferred foot: Right

Career highlights (club)

• Youth clubs: Caen (1999–2004)
• Caen: 2004–2008 — Broke into senior football and gained attention for dribbling and technique.
• Lyon (Olympique Lyonnais): 2008–2010 — Won Ligue 1 title (2007–08 season, though he joined in summer 2008 after the title-winning season; he was part of the club during their domestic success era) and established himself as a promising attacking talent.
• Newcastle United: 2010–2015 (loan and permanent spells) — Showed moments of exceptional skill and creativity in the Premier League.
• Marseille (Olympique de Marseille): 2015–2016 — Returned to France and delivered strong individual performances.
• Paris Saint-Germain (PSG): 2016–2018 — Part of a star-studded squad; won domestic trophies including Ligue 1 and French cups.
• Rennes: 2018–2019 — Short spell including participation in cup competitions.
• Real Valladolid: 2019–2020 — Played in La Liga.
• Bordeaux (FC Girondins de Bordeaux): 2021 — Joined Bordeaux (initially on a short-term deal) and featured in the squad during that period.
• Later moves: After Bordeaux he had further moves; his career includes a series of short-term contracts and free-agent periods.

International career

• Represented France at youth levels and the senior national team.
• Scored for France and was part of squads in the late 2000s and early 2010s, though he did not feature in a major international tournament for France's senior side as a long-term regular.

Playing style and attributes

• Highly skilled dribbler with flair and close control.
• Creative playmaker capable of producing moments of individual brilliance — unpredictable and capable of unlocking defenses.
• Versatile across the front line, most effective on the wing or in an advanced midfield role.

Notable facts

• Known for spectacular goals and dribbling runs that often attract media attention.
• Career marked by brilliant individual performances but also by injuries and some off-field or contractual disputes that limited continuity at certain clubs.
• Of Tunisian heritage; was eligible for Tunisia but represented France at youth and senior levels.

Status

As of his time at Bordeaux in 2021 he was on a short-term deal; subsequent career moves included further short contracts. For the latest club status and statistics, refer to current club sources or updated databases, as transfers and contracts can change frequently.