to find the net in his first season, he finished the 2011–12 season as the top assistant with 13 assists. Orléans Ziani spent three seasons at Ligue club US Orléans, scoring nine goals in 92 matches. In summer 2019, Ziani ended his 18-year career at the age of 36. International career Ziani had stunned many people in 2003 in his choice to represent Algeria instead of France. Ziani made his debut for the Algerian national team in 2003 when he was called up by Belgian caretaker Georges Leekens for a friendly against Belgium. He represented Algeria at the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations, as they finished second in their group before losing to Morocco in the quarter-finals. He was also named in that year's Team of the Tournament. Ziani scored his first goal in a 1–0 win against the Gambia in the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations qualification phase. He then added two more goals to his tally in a 3–0 win against Liberia in the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers as Algeria advanced to the final tournament in South Africa. He also performed well at the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations. Style of play Though diminutive in stature, Ziani more than makes up for his lack of physicality with his outstanding technique and never-say-die spirit. Personal life Ziani was born in Sèvres, France to an Algerian father from Béjaïa and a French mother. Ziani is married and has two children: a girl, Lina and a boy, Kaïs. Ziani has a twin sister by the name of Karima who is married to fellow Algerian international Antar Yahia. Career statistics Club International Scores and results list Algeria's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Ziani goal. Honours Sochaux Coupe de France: 2007 VfL Wolfsburg DFL-Supercup: runners-up 2009 El Jaish Qatari Stars Cup: 2013 Algeria Africa Cup of Nations fourth place: 2010 Individual Africa Cup of Nations Team of the Tournament: 2004 DZFoot d'Or: 2004, 2005, 2006 Ligue 2 Player of the Year: 2006 (FC Lorient) Ligue 2 Team of the Year: 2005–06 (FC Lorient) Algerian Footballer of the Year: 2006, 2007 References External links Video report of Karim Ziani (2006–07 season) on video.lequipe.fr 1982 births Living people People from Sèvres Footballers from Hauts-de-Seine French sportspeople of Algerian descent Algerian people of French descent Kabyle people French people of Kabyle descent French footballers Algerian footballers Association football midfielders Racing Club