Hédi Berkhissa facts for kids
Mural painting of Berrekhissa in December 2020.
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| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Hédi Berkhissa | ||
| Date of birth | 28 June 1972 | ||
| Place of birth | Remla, Tunisia | ||
| Date of death | 4 January 1997 (aged 24) | ||
| Place of death | Tunis, Tunisia | ||
| Height | 2.00 m (6 ft 7 in) | ||
| Position(s) | Left back | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 1991–1997 | Espérance | 98 | (9) |
| International career‡ | |||
| 1994–1997 | Tunisia | 26 | (6) |
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 31 August 2007 ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 23 June 2006 |
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Hédi Berkhissa, known to many as "Balha," was a talented Tunisian football player. He was born on June 28, 1972, and sadly passed away on January 4, 1997. Hédi played as a defender for the famous club Espérance and also for the Tunisian National Team. He was known for his skill and dedication on the field.
Early Life and Football Dreams
Hédi Berkhissa was born on the island of Kerkennah in Tunisia. This was on May 9, 1972. His father was Tunisian, and his mother was from Algeria.
When he was just a baby, Hédi moved with his family to France. Six years later, they returned to Tunisia so he could learn Arabic. He found it hard to settle there at first.
So, he decided to move back to France. But when he was 16, his family came back to Tunisia for good. Hédi had already started playing football in France. When he returned, he joined his local team, Espérance, in the capital city.
A Rising Star in Football
Hédi Berkhissa played his first game for Espérance when he was 18 years old. This was a very exciting moment for him. It happened on January 31, 1991.
His first game was a big one, the Tunis derby. This is a special match against their local rivals, Club Africain. The game ended in a draw.
Hédi scored his first league goal for Espérance in another Tunis derby. His team, Espérance, won that game 2-0.
Overall, Hédi played in 98 league games for Espérance. He scored 9 goals during these matches. He also played in 13 games for the Tunisian President Cup.
He appeared in 24 African club competitions. In one memorable game, he scored two goals against the strong Egyptian team, Al Zamalek.
A Sad Day
On January 4, 1997, Hédi Berkhissa was playing in a friendly football match. His team, Espérance, was playing against the French team Olympique Lyon. The game was held at Stade Chedli Zouiten in Tunis.
Near the end of the game, Hédi suddenly had a heart attack on the field. He sadly passed away. His death was a great loss to the world of football.
Hédi's Achievements
Hédi Berkhissa achieved many great things during his football career.
- He was chosen as the Tunisian Player Of the Year in 1995.
- He was also named the Arab Player Of the Year in 1995.
With his club, Espérance, he won many titles:
- Won the Tunisian League three times: in 1991, 1993, and 1994.
- Won the Tunisian President Cup once in 1991.
- Won the African Champions League once in 1994.
- Won the CAF Super Cup once in 1995.
- Won the Arab Club Champions Cup in 1993.
- Won the Afro-Asian Club Championship in 1995.
- Won the Arab Super Cup in 1996.
With the Tunisian National Team:
- He was a finalist in the African Cup of Nations once in 1996.
