Faris Haroun facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Faris Haroun

Haroun with Royal Antwerp in 2017
Personal information
Full name	Faris Dominguere Jenny Haroun
Date of birth	(1985-09-22) 22 September 1985 (age 39)
Place of birth	Brussels, Belgium
Height	1.88 m
Playing position	Defensive midfielder
Youth career
1993–1995	Scup Jette
1995–2002	R.W.D. Molenbeek
2002–2003	RSD Jette
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
2003–2008	Genk	104	(16)
2008–2011	Germinal Beerschot	91	(23)
2011–2014	Middlesbrough	50	(6)
2014	Blackpool	9	(0)
2014–2017	Cercle Brugge	59	(8)
2017–2023	Royal Antwerp	142	(9)
National team
2003	Belgium U18	7	(1)
2003–2004	Belgium U19	14	(1)
2004–2008	Belgium U21	24	(4)
2007–2009	Belgium	6	(0)
Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. † Appearances (Goals).

Faris Haroun (born 22 September 1985) is a Belgian former professional footballer. He played as a defensive midfielder. He also played for the Belgium national team.

Club Career Highlights

Starting Out at Genk

Faris Haroun was born in Brussels, Belgium. He started his football journey at a local club called Scup Jette. Later, he moved to R.W.D. Molenbeek and RSD Jette. His professional career began when he joined Genk.

Haroun scored in his very first professional game for Genk. This happened on 20 February 2004, in a 1–0 win against R.A.E.C. Mons. He scored two more goals that season. He played twelve games and scored three goals in total during his first year.

In the 2004–05 season, Haroun played in the UEFA Intertoto Cup. He scored his first goal of the season in November 2004 against K.V. Oostende. He continued to score, ending the season with four goals in twenty-nine games.

The 2005–06 season saw Haroun make his UEFA Cup debut. He played twenty-two games that season. In 2006–07, he scored his first goal of the season in January 2007 against Lierse. He then scored in the next three matches. He finished the season with five goals in twenty-three games.

For the 2007–08 season, Haroun played in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers. He scored his first goal of the season in January 2008 against Cercle Brugge. He scored two more goals in March 2008. By the end of the season, he had played thirty games and scored four goals.

Moving to Germinal Beerschot

On 16 July 2008, Haroun joined Germinal Beerschot. He signed a four-year contract. He said he moved because he wanted more chances to play regularly.

Haroun made his debut for Germinal Beerschot on 30 August 2008. In his next game, he scored two goals in a 3–0 win. He quickly became a key player in midfield. He scored eight goals in thirty-two games during the 2008–09 season.

In the 2009–10 season, Haroun continued to be a regular starter. He scored his first goal of the season in August 2009 against Genk. He scored in the next two matches as well. He ended up as the club's top scorer with eleven goals in thirty-two games.

For the 2010–11 season, Haroun scored his first goal in the opening game against Genk. He scored his second goal in September 2010 against K.A.S. Eupen. He played thirty-six games and scored six goals that season. After the season, it was announced he would leave the club.

Time at Middlesbrough

On 18 August 2011, Faris Haroun signed a three-year contract with Middlesbrough in England. The manager, Tony Mowbray, was happy to have him.

Haroun had a great start, scoring on his debut in a 3–1 win against Birmingham City on 21 August 2011. He played many games for the first team. He scored his second goal in December 2011 against Cardiff City. He played thirty-five games and scored two goals in his first season.

In the 2012–13 season, Haroun scored his first goal against Hull City. He scored two more goals in December 2012 against Peterborough United. He finished the season with four goals in twenty-nine games.

His playing time was limited in the 2013–14 season. He only played one game. On 30 January 2014, his contract with Middlesbrough ended.

Short Spell at Blackpool

On 31 January 2014, Haroun joined Blackpool until the end of the season.

He made his Blackpool debut on 1 February 2014 against Blackburn Rovers. He played nine games for the club. At the end of the season, he left Blackpool.

Return to Belgium with Cercle Brugge

After being without a club for six months, Haroun signed with Cercle Brugge on 12 November 2014.

He made his debut on 22 November 2014. He quickly became a regular player. He played thirteen games in his first season. Cercle Brugge was relegated to the second division that year.

For the 2015–16 season, Haroun stayed with Cercle Brugge. He scored his first goal for the club in September 2015 against ASV Geel. He scored five goals in thirty games that season and often captained the team.

In the 2016–17 season, Haroun continued to be a key player and captain. He scored his first goal of the season in September 2016. He scored three goals in eighteen games before leaving the club.

Success at Royal Antwerp

Haroun signed a two-year contract with Royal Antwerp on 26 December 2016. He was excited to join the club.

He made his Royal Antwerp debut on 6 January 2017. He quickly became a regular starter in midfield. He helped the team win promotion to the Belgian First Division A. He played nine games that season.

In the 2017–18 season, Haroun continued to be a starter and captain. He scored his first goal of the season in August 2017. He scored three goals in thirty-three games.

For the 2018–19 season, Haroun kept his role as captain and midfielder. He scored his first goal in August 2018 against Club Brugge. He signed a new contract until 2020. He scored five goals in thirty-four games that season.

In the 2019–20 season, Haroun signed another two-year contract. He continued to be a key player and captain. He helped Royal Antwerp reach the Belgian Cup final. The season ended early due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He played thirty-three games that season.

International Career

Faris Haroun could play for either Belgium or Chad. He chose to play for Belgium.

Youth Teams

Haroun played for Belgium's Under-18 and Under-19 teams. He played in the UEFA European Under-19 Championship in Switzerland.

He then joined the Belgium U21 squad. He scored his first U21 goal in March 2005. He scored two more goals for the U21 team in 2005 and 2006. He played in the UEFA European Under-21 Championship where Belgium reached the semi-finals.

In July 2008, Haroun was part of the squad for the 2008 Summer Olympics. He scored his first goal in the tournament against New Zealand. He helped the team reach the semi-finals, finishing in fourth place. He played five games in the tournament.

Senior Team

Haroun was called up to the Belgium senior squad for the first time on 16 May 2007. He made his debut on 6 June 2007 against Finland. He played three more games that year.

In May 2009, he was called up again. He played in two matches against Chile and Japan.

Personal Life

Faris Haroun is married to Katie Sinclair. They have a son together.

Faris has a younger brother named Nadjim Haroun. He also has a cousin named Kévin Nicaise. Both Nadjim and Kévin play for the Chad national football team.

Career statistics

Club

Honours

Genk

• Jupiler League runner-up: 2006–07

Antwerp

• Belgian Pro League: 2022-23
• Belgian Cup: 2019–20, 2022–23

Images for kids

• 

  A robot illustration.

See also

In Spanish: Faris Haroun para niños