PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Raed Chikhaoui |
| Date of Birth | 09/06/2004 (Age: 21) |
| Place of Birth | Sakiet Ezzit, Tunisia |
| Nationality | Tunisian |
| Height | 1.91 m / 6 ft 3 in |
| Weight | — |
| Position | Centre-Back / Defender |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Squad Number | #24 (Tunisia), #25 (US Monastir) |
| Current Club | US Monastir |
| Previous Clubs | Espoir Sportif de Hammam-Sousse |
| International Caps | 0 (World Cup Finals) |
| International Goals | 0 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2026 (Unused Substitute) |
| Contract Until | — |
| Market Value | €664.2K–€754.6K |
The Frozen Moment
The 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. Tunisia, the Carthage Eagles, had arrived with a squad blending experience and emerging talent. For Raed Chikhaoui, the 21-year-old centre-back from Sakiet Ezzit, the tournament was a taste of the biggest stage—a glimpse of what could be.
Chikhaoui had received his first call-up to the Tunisia national team in March 2026. Just two months later, he was named in Sabri Lamouchi’s 26-man squad for the World Cup. He traveled to North America as part of the 23-man playing squad, wearing the number 24 jersey.
He was an unused substitute for all three of Tunisia’s group-stage matches against Sweden, Japan, and the Netherlands. Tunisia’s campaign ended in the group stage without a single point.
For the young defender who had been given the nickname “The Watchtower” due to his height and versatility, the World Cup was the beginning of a journey rather than its conclusion. His selection was a statement of faith from the coaching staff—a belief that this 21-year-old was one for the future.
Origins
Born on June 9, 2004, in Sakiet Ezzit, Tunisia, Raed Chikhaoui’s football journey began in the Tunisian domestic system. He started his youth career with Hammam Sousse, where he developed through the ranks. Nicknamed “The Watchtower” for his imposing height of 1.91 m and his versatility—able to play in defence, midfield, and attack—he was a player of immense potential.
Chikhaoui made his senior debut with Hammam Sousse in the Tunisian Ligue 1, making 9 league appearances between 2022 and 2024. In February 2024, he moved to US Monastir, a transfer that would define his rise.
The European Forge
Espoir Sportif de Hammam-Sousse (2022-2024):
Chikhaoui began his senior career at Hammam Sousse, making 9 league appearances over two seasons. This period was crucial for his development, providing him with regular first-team football and establishing his foundation as a professional.
US Monastir (2024-Present):
In February 2024, Chikhaoui signed for US Monastir. He quickly established himself as a key player in the squad. As of the 2025/26 season, he has made 44 league appearances for the club and scored 4 goals.
In the 2025/26 Ligue 1 season, Chikhaoui made 28 appearances, playing 2,495 minutes and scoring 3 goals. His performances at the heart of the defence earned him his first call-up to the national team in March 2026.
Tunisia National Team (2026-Present):
Chikhaoui received his first call-up to the Tunisia national team in March 2026. Two months later, he was named in Sabri Lamouchi’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He was an unused substitute in Tunisia’s friendlies against Belgium and Austria and in all three World Cup group-stage matches against Sweden, Japan, and the Netherlands. As of the end of the tournament, he had not earned his first senior cap.
The Anatomy of His Game
Raed Chikhaoui is a commanding centre-back known for his physical presence, versatility, and aerial ability. Nicknamed “The Watchtower” due to his 1.91 m frame, he is a dominant figure in the box. His nickname also reflects his ability to play in multiple positions across defence, midfield, and attack.
In Possession:
Chikhaoui is a composed passer from the back. In the 2025/26 Ligue 1 season, he scored three goals from defence, demonstrating his ability to contribute in attacking phases. He is right-footed and capable of building play from the back.
Out of Possession:
Chikhaoui’s defensive work is his primary attribute. His height and physicality make him dominant in the air. At 1.91 m, he is a formidable presence in set pieces, both defensively and offensively. His versatility—able to operate in multiple defensive and midfield roles—makes him a valuable squad asset.
Psychological Edge:
Chikhaoui’s rapid rise from Hammam Sousse to the World Cup in just two years demonstrates his resilience and adaptability. His call-up at 21 years old to a major tournament, even without minutes, is a testament to his character and the trust he has earned from the coaching staff.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot (2025/26 Season)
| Competition | Apps | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tunisian Ligue 1 | 28 | 2,495 | 3 | 0 | — |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
TABLE B: Career Overview
| Season/Period | Club | League/Competition | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-2024 | Hammam Sousse | Tunisian Ligue 1 | 9 | 0 |
| 2024-2026 | US Monastir | Tunisian Ligue 1 | 44 | 4 |
| TOTAL | — | — | 53 | 4 |
TABLE C: International Record
| Tournament/Competition | Apps | Goals | Major Honours |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 0 | 0 | Group Stage |
| Tunisia Senior Career | 0 | 0 | — |
TABLE D: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Senior Debut | Hammam Sousse |
| 2024 | US Monastir Transfer | Signed with club |
| 2026 | First Tunisia Call-Up | March 2026 |
| 2026 | World Cup Selection | Named in 26-man squad |
What these figures reveal is a player who has experienced rapid progression through the Tunisian football system. Chikhaoui has accumulated 53 professional appearances and scored 4 goals. His 2025/26 season—28 appearances and 3 goals—was his most productive, and his World Cup selection capped a remarkable rise.
The Present Tense
Raed Chikhaoui is 21 years old and at the beginning of a promising career. He is a key player for US Monastir in the Tunisian Ligue 1 and a member of Tunisia’s World Cup squad.
The US Monastir Story:
Chikhaoui joined US Monastir in February 2024 and has become a mainstay of the defence. In the 2025/26 season, he made 28 league appearances, scored 3 goals, and played 2,495 minutes. His consistent performances earned him a call-up to the national team and a place in the World Cup squad.
The World Cup Campaign:
Chikhaoui was named in Sabri Lamouchi’s 26-man Tunisia squad for the 2026 World Cup. He was an unused substitute in all three of Tunisia’s group-stage matches against Sweden, Japan, and the Netherlands. Tunisia were eliminated in the group stage without earning a point.
International Record:
Chikhaoui has yet to earn his first senior cap for Tunisia. He received his first call-up in March 2026 and was named in the World Cup squad two months later.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Raed Chikhaoui is a symbol of Tunisia’s footballing future. Born in Sakiet Ezzit, he rose through the ranks of the Tunisian domestic system to earn a place on the world stage.
His nickname, “The Watchtower,” reflects his physical presence and versatility, but it also speaks to his role as a defender who is always aware, always scanning, always watching. His ability to play in multiple positions across defence, midfield, and attack makes him a valuable asset for any coach.
The Verdict from the Camp
Sabri Lamouchi, Tunisia head coach:
Lamouchi named Chikhaoui in Tunisia’s 26-man World Cup squad, trusting the young defender as a future prospect for the Carthage Eagles.
Statistic:
Chikhaoui was an unused substitute in all three of Tunisia's World Cup group-stage matches.
Statistic:
Chikhaoui made 28 appearances in the 2025/26 Tunisian Ligue 1 season, scoring 3 goals.
Statistic:
Chikhaoui has a market value of €664.2K–€754.6K.
Where Next?
Raed Chikhaoui is 21 years old and has a bright future ahead of him. He is under contract with US Monastir and is expected to continue his development in the Tunisian Ligue 1. His World Cup experience, even without minutes on the pitch, will be invaluable for his growth. The opportunity to train alongside Tunisia’s most experienced defenders and to compete in the atmosphere of a World Cup will accelerate his development.
For Tunisia, Chikhaoui represents a promising young talent. His height, versatility, and composure make him an ideal candidate to develop into a future starter for the Carthage Eagles. With the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations on the horizon, he will be expected to play an increasingly important role for the national team.
From Sakiet Ezzit to the World Cup, Raed Chikhaoui’s journey is one of rapid progression, quiet confidence, and the promise of what lies ahead. The “Watchtower” has seen the world stage—and he is ready for more.
