Radhi jaidi
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"I've always believed in discipline, values, and hard work. Football gave me a purpose—and now I want to give back to the game that shaped me."

—Radhi Jaidi

About the player

  •  Radhi Jaïdi is a celebrated figure in Tunisian football history, known for his disciplined and commanding presence on the field. He began his football journey at Stade Gabesien in 1988 and quickly rose to prominence. In 1993, he joined the youth setup of Espérance Sportive de Tunis, launching his professional career in 1994. Over the next 11 seasons, Jaïdi became a cornerstone of Espérance’s golden era, helping the club secure multiple Tunisian league titles, Tunisian Cups, and African titles. He made 288 appearances and scored 20 goals, establishing himself as one of Tunisia’s finest defenders.


  • In July 2004, Jaïdi made history as the first Tunisian to play in the English Premier League, joining Bolton Wanderers. Over two seasons, he made 43 league appearances and scored eight goals in all competitions, including a memorable debut goal against Arsenal at Highbury. His contributions were pivotal in Bolton’s strong defensive unit, leading to a 6th-place finish in the Premier League and qualification for the 2005-06 UEFA Cup.


  • In August 2006, Jaïdi transferred to Birmingham City, where he played a central role in the club’s resurgence. He helped secure promotion to the Premier League in the 2006-07 season and, after a brief relegation, led Birmingham back to the top flight in 2008-09, achieving his second promotion in three seasons. During his time at Birmingham, he made 86 appearances, scored 6 goals, and was renowned for his consistency, aerial dominance, and leadership.


  • Jaïdi’s final playing chapter was with Southampton FC, signing in September 2009. Over three seasons, he brought invaluable experience to a young squad, playing a crucial leadership role in Southampton’s rise from League One to the Premier League through consecutive promotions in 2010-11 and 2011-12. He also featured in the team that won the 2010 Football League Trophy. Although injuries limited his appearances in his final year, his presence in the dressing room was widely praised. Jaïdi officially retired in May 2012.


  • Internationally, Jaïdi earned 105 caps and scored 7 goals for Tunisia between 1996 and 2009. He proudly represented his country in the 1996 Olympic Games, the 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cups, the 2005 FIFA Confederation Cup, and five Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, including the 2004 AFCON Championship on home soil. Named national team captain, Jaïdi led Tunisia with honour and composure, earning his 100th cap in 2009 with a goal against Sudan.

About the coach

  • Transitioning from player to coach, Jaïdi embraced the challenge of leadership with the same passion and commitment. His coaching philosophy centres around encouraging growth mindset, emphasising discipline, tactical intelligence, and adaptability.  He believes in developing not just the physical and tactical skills of players, but also nurturing their mental resilience and teamwork. His approach is holistic, aiming to inspire players to excel both on and off the pitch, while promoting a dynamic, attacking style of football underpinned by solid defensive principles. His coaching has been guided by the same principles that  defined my playing career: Discipline, Leadership and continuous growth.

"As a former player turned coach, I focus on growth, discipline, and teamwork to inspire resilience and excellence in my players." 

- Radhi Jaïdi

  • Radhi Jaidi didn't rush into the spotlight. Instead, he chose patience, humility, and learning, He took his first steps into coaching at Southampton FC, one of the most respected academies in England— home to talents like Gareth Bale, Theo Walcott, and James Ward-Prowse.


  • Radhi started his coaching path as an assistant twitting the youth setup, absorbing knowledge and learning the culture of development. It was a conscious decision:take time to build, understand , and respect the process. within a short period, he was handed the role pf head coach of the Southampton U23's, a position that would shape his vision and legacy. 


  • Under his leadership, the U23 squad thrive. Jaïdi developed multiple players who went on to make appearances in the Premier League, proving his talent not just as coach—but as a mentor and builder of people. He led the team to promotion into Premier League 2 division 1, the top tier of academy football, and guided them to the quarter-finals of the Premier League international Cup, a prestigious competition featuring top European academies. 


  • His work didn't go unnoticed. In 2019, Radhi took a bold new step accepting the role of Head Coach at Hartford Athletic, a professional club competing n the USL Championship (USA). it was a leap across continents—but a natural progression for a coach ready to lead. In his debut season, he guided Hartfors to their first-ever USL Playoffs, a historic milestone that put the club on the map and showcased Radhi'sl leadership at the professional level. 

Coaching Philosophy

I believe in preparing players holistically —My team plays with purpose: organised defensively , intelligent aggressive in transition, and effective in the final third. I value adaptable and flexible systems, positional awareness, and creating a winning mindset in every squad.

—Radhi Jaidi 

Experiences

Southampton Fc (England)

Southampton Fc (England)

Southampton Fc (England)

U23 Head Coach (Premier League 2)


Developed young talents who progressed into first team and beyond.

Hartford Athletic (USA)

Southampton Fc (England)

Southampton Fc (England)

Head Coach (USL Championship)


Introduced modern European- Style tactics, led the team to its best-ever season finish.

Cercle Brugge (Belgium)

Southampton Fc (England)

Espérance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia)

Assistant Coach (Belgium Pro league)

 

Coached in high-pressure European environment with a young, development squad. helped develop young talent in partnership with AS Monaco.

Espérance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia)

Espérance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia)

Espérance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia)

Head Coach (tunisian league 1)


returned to lead one of Africa's most prestigious clubs. Brought European professionalism and tactical structure to title-contending squad. 

Paradou AC (Algeria)

Espérance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia)

Paradou AC (Algeria)

Head Coach (Algerian League 1) 


Led youth-focused project rooted in one of North Africa's top academies. Blended technical development with competitive performance. Enhanced the transition of academy graduates into the Senior team

" Winning doesn't happen by chance—it comes from clarity,  discipline, and squad that trust the process..."

—Radhi Jaidi 

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