El Arabi Hilal Soudani, former Algerian international, remains an iconic figure for Dinamo Zagreb supporters thanks to his remarkable achievements during his tenure at the Croatian club from 2013 to 2018. Signed for around €900,000 after a successful stint in Portugal, Soudani quickly became a key offensive pillar, delivering goals and standout performances that left a lasting impression.
During his years in Zagreb, Soudani helped Dinamo secure multiple national titles, including Croatian league championships and cups. His goal-scoring ability, skill, and determination earned him the title of best player in the Croatian league and significant media recognition across Europe, establishing him as one of the top African players competing in Europe.
Memorable moments include his hat-trick against Astra Giurgiu in the Europa League and crucial impact in Dinamo’s European campaign, notably key goals in Champions League qualifiers. These feats continue to generate media coverage, highlighting the essential role he played in elevating the club on the continental stage.
Currently at Maribor, Soudani is still celebrated for his exemplary journey at Zagreb. His story demonstrates how an African player can sustainably succeed in a European league and inspire new generations of Algerian and African footballers while leaving a strong media footprint both in Croatia and his homeland.
