PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Aymen Dahmen |
| Date of Birth | 28 January 1997 (Age: 29) |
| Place of Birth | Sfax, Tunisia |
| Nationality | Tunisian |
| Height | 1.88 m / 6 ft 2 in |
| Weight | 83 kg |
| Position | Goalkeeper |
| Preferred Foot | — |
| Current Club | CS Sfaxien |
| Previous Clubs | Al-Hazem |
| International Caps | 39+ |
| International Goals | 0 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2022, 2026 |
| Contract Until | 2028 |
| Market Value | — |
The Frozen Moment
The 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America marked Aymen Dahmen’s second appearance on football’s biggest stage. The 29-year-old goalkeeper from Sfax had already made history four years earlier in Qatar, where he started all three of Tunisia’s group-stage matches, recording two clean sheets and conceding just one goal. His performances in 2022—a save percentage of 90%—had established him as Tunisia’s undisputed No. 1.
At the 2026 tournament, Dahmen was once again between the posts. In the opening match against Japan, he faced five shots on target and made one save. Against the Netherlands, he faced seven shots, saving four. Tunisia fell to both opponents, but Dahmen’s commitment to his country never wavered.
Just weeks before the tournament, a new chapter had begun. Hervé Renard, the newly appointed Tunisia head coach, made it clear from the start that Dahmen would be his first-choice goalkeeper. The faith was mutual. Dahmen had been flawless in qualifying, keeping four clean sheets in four matches. The World Cup was the stage where he would prove his worth.
Origins
Aymen Dahmen was born on 28 January 1997 in Sfax, Tunisia. Standing at 1.88 metres and weighing approximately 83 kilograms, he possesses the ideal physical attributes for a modern goalkeeper.
His football journey began in his hometown. Dahmen joined the youth academy of CS Sfaxien, one of Tunisia’s most storied clubs. He progressed through the ranks, making his professional debut for the club on 16 September 2018 in a 2-0 Tunisian Ligue Professionnelle 1 win over ES Métlaoui. It was the beginning of a career that would take him from the Tunisian league to the World Cup.
The Professional Forge
CS Sfaxien (2018-2023):
Dahmen’s breakthrough came at CS Sfaxien, where he established himself as a reliable presence in goal. Over his first spell at the club, he made 108 league appearances. He became one of the most consistent goalkeepers in the Tunisian Ligue Professionnelle 1, earning recognition and attracting interest from abroad. Over his career at Sfaxien across two spells, he has amassed 156 league appearances in Tunisia’s top flight.
Al-Hazem (2023-2024):
On 11 June 2023, Dahmen signed for Saudi Pro League side Al-Hazem on a two-year contract. His time in Saudi Arabia was challenging. He made 24 league appearances and kept just two clean sheets, conceding 52 goals at a rate of 2.17 per 90 minutes. He faced 133 shots on target, making 81 saves for a save percentage of 60.9%. His brief stint in Saudi Arabia was deemed unsuccessful.
Return to CS Sfaxien (2024-Present):
On 22 July 2024, Dahmen returned to his boyhood club CS Sfaxien, signing a contract that would keep him there until 2027. The move revitalised his career. In the 2025-26 season, he made 38 league appearances, keeping 16 clean sheets and conceding 8 goals—a remarkable 70% clean sheet rate. He also featured in the CAF Champions League, making four appearances.
In August 2025, CS Sfaxien rejected a record offer of one million dollars from Iranian club Tractor for Dahmen. The club confirmed that Dahmen had extended his contract until 2028. The rejection was a testament to his importance to the club.
The Anatomy of His Game
Dahmen is a goalkeeper defined by his shot-stopping ability, consistency, and composure under pressure. His 2022 World Cup save percentage of 90% in three matches and his 2025-26 domestic clean sheet record of 70% demonstrate his reliability.
In Possession:
Dahmen is a composed presence in goal. His contribution to build-up play is developing, but his primary value lies in his goalkeeping attributes.
Out of Possession:
Dahmen’s shot-stopping is his standout quality. In the 2025-26 season, he conceded just 0.35 goals per 90 minutes in the Tunisian league, with a clean sheet percentage of 70%. He has accumulated 185 matches as a professional goalkeeper, with over 16,500 minutes of experience.
Psychological Edge:
Dahmen has proven his ability to perform on the biggest stages. He started all three matches for Tunisia at the 2022 World Cup, keeping two clean sheets and conceding just one goal. In World Cup qualifying for 2026, he was perfect—keeping four clean sheets in four matches. Hervé Renard’s decision to keep faith in him as the starting goalkeeper at the 2026 World Cup reflects the trust he commands in the national team setup.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: 2025/26 Season Snapshot (CS Sfaxien)
| Competition | Apps | Clean Sheets | Goals Conceded | Clean Sheet % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tunisian Ligue 1 | 38 | 16 | 8 | 70% |
| CAF Champions League | 4 | — | — | — |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 0% |
TABLE B: Career Overview
| Club | Period | Apps |
|---|---|---|
| CS Sfaxien | 2018-2023 | 108 |
| Al-Hazem | 2023-2024 | 24 |
| CS Sfaxien | 2024-Present | 38 |
| TOTAL | — | 185+ |
TABLE C: International Record
| Competition | Apps | Goals | Major Honours |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup 2022 | 3 | 0 | — |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 2 | 0 | — |
| Africa Cup of Nations | 4 | 0 | — |
| World Cup Qualifying | 4 | 0 | — |
| Senior Career | 39+ | 0 | — |
TABLE D: Key Career Achievements
| Honour | Details |
|---|---|
| CS Sfaxien Debut | 2018 |
| Two World Cup Appearances | 2022, 2026 |
| Saudi Pro League Experience | 2023-24 (24 apps) |
| Contract Extension | 2028 (CS Sfaxien) |
What these figures reveal is a goalkeeper who has consistently performed at the highest level. His 185+ professional appearances, two World Cup campaigns, and dominant 2025-26 domestic season—with a 70% clean sheet rate—demonstrate his quality and reliability. His value to CS Sfaxien was underscored by the club’s rejection of a record €1 million offer.
The Present Tense
Aymen Dahmen is 29 years old and at the peak of his career. He is the first-choice goalkeeper for CS Sfaxien in the Tunisian Ligue Professionnelle 1 and a World Cup squad member for Tunisia.
The CS Sfaxien Story:
Dahmen returned to his boyhood club in July 2024 and has been a key figure in the squad. In the 2025-26 season, he made 38 league appearances, keeping 16 clean sheets and conceding just 8 goals. He signed a contract extension until 2028. In August 2025, the club rejected a record one-million-dollar offer from Iranian club Tractor for his services.
The World Cup Campaign:
Dahmen was selected in Hervé Renard’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, starting both of Tunisia’s group-stage matches. He made six saves across the two matches. Tunisia lost to Japan and the Netherlands, exiting in the group stage.
International Record:
Dahmen has earned 39 caps for the Tunisian senior national team. He has represented Tunisia at two World Cups—Qatar 2022 and the 2026 tournament. He was a key member of the squad that reached the Round of 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. He recorded four clean sheets in four World Cup qualifying matches.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Dahmen is defined by his loyalty to his hometown club and his resilience through challenging spells in his career. His brief stint in Saudi Arabia with Al-Hazem was a difficult period—he conceded 52 goals in 24 appearances. But he returned to CS Sfaxien and found his best form, keeping 16 clean sheets in the 2025-26 season.
His importance to CS Sfaxien was demonstrated when the club rejected a record offer for his services in August 2025. The club’s football section head confirmed Dahmen had extended his contract until 2028. It was a sign of the mutual respect between player and club.
At 29, Dahmen is in the prime of his career. He has proven himself on the biggest stages—at the World Cup, in the Africa Cup of Nations, and in the Tunisian league. His journey from the youth ranks of CS Sfaxien to the World Cup is a story of perseverance and professionalism.
The Verdict from the Camp
Hervé Renard, Tunisia Head Coach:
Renard appointed Dahmen as his first-choice goalkeeper for the 2026 World Cup, trusting him to right the ship after a difficult period for the national team.
CS Sfaxien Official Statement:
The club rejected a record offer from Tractor Iran for Dahmen, reaffirming its commitment to keeping its international goalkeeper. The club confirmed Dahmen had extended his contract until 2028.
Aymen Dahmen:
Dahmen’s commitment to his club and country has been unwavering. His World Cup qualifying record—four clean sheets in four matches—demonstrates his reliability.
Where Next?
Aymen Dahmen is 29 years old and under contract with CS Sfaxien until 2028. His performances in the 2025-26 season—a 70% clean sheet rate and just 8 goals conceded in 38 appearances—have re-established his reputation as one of Tunisia’s top goalkeepers. His value is reflected in the record offer the club rejected.
For Tunisia, Dahmen remains the first-choice goalkeeper. He has represented his country at two World Cups and the Africa Cup of Nations. His experience and shot-stopping ability make him a key figure in the national team setup. With the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations approaching, he will be central to Tunisia’s ambitions.
From Sfax to Saudi Arabia, from Al-Hazem back to Sfax, and from Qatar to North America, Aymen Dahmen’s journey is a story of resilience, loyalty, and quiet achievement. The goalkeeper who started his career at CS Sfaxien is now a two-time World Cup player—and the backbone of Tunisian football.
