Transferred to Al Ain FC on October 14, 2020.
Saphir Taider is born to an Algerian mother and a Tunisian father. His older brother, Nabil Taider, plays for Tunisia, while Saphir opted to represent rivals Algeria.
A right-footed, technical central midfielder, who can dribble his way out of tight situations, Taider can play as a holding midfielder or as a ball distributor. His versatility and passing was key to Algeria’s 2014 World Cup qualification campaign.
INTERNATIONAL: Taïder has scored five goals in 42 games with the Algerian national team. He made his international debut on March 26, 2013, against Benin, recording one goal and one assist. He helped Algeria reach the round of 16 at the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the quarterfinals of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations. He had previously represented France at the U18, U19 and U20 levels.
OUTSIDE MLS: Taïder has played seven seasons in Serie A, Italy's top division, recording 10 goals and eight assists in 162 regular season games and 10,885 minutes of play. He also appeared in six Coppa Italia games.
