Samir Hadjaoui

Samir Hadjaoui (16 February 1979 – 16 May 2021) was an Algerian footballer who played as a goalkeeper.

Club career
Born in Tlemcen, Hadjaoui began his career with hometown club WA Tlemcen. He won two Algerian Cups and an Arab Cup with the side.

Having joined ASO Chlef in 2002, he won a third Algerian Cup.

Following a brief stint with CR Belouizdad he signed with ES Sétif. He contributed to two Algerian Championnat National titles and two Arab Champions League titles between 2006 and 2009.

He played four more seasons with JS Kabylie, WA Tlemcen, CS Constantine, and Paradou AC.

International career
Hadjaoui made his debut for the Algeria national team in an African Cup of Nations qualifier against Cape Verde on 2 June 2007, coming on as a substitute for Yacine Bezzaz after the starting goalkeeper Lounès Gaouaoui received a red card. He made his first start for the team in a 4–3 friendly loss against Argentina in Barcelona's Nou Camp, facing a 20-year-old Lionel Messi.

Death
Hadjaoui died on 16 May 2021 after a long illness.

Honours
WA Tlemcen
 * Algerian Cup: 1997–98, 2001–02
 * Arab Club Champions Cup: 1998

ASO Chlef
 * Algerian Cup: 2004–05

ES Sétif
 * Arab Champions League: 2006–07, 2007–08
 * Algerian Championnat National: 2006–07, 2008–09