SHAPING CAREERS
BEYOND THE ACADEMYS
Philippe Paoli joined Athletico in 2006, starting at the academy's early days when the main branch was Antranik, before moving to St. Joseph. He spent 5 years at Athletico, playing as a striker.
After Athletico, Philippe continued his football journey with Racing Beirut, Olympique Lyonnais (OL), FC Köln, and Lommel United.
His most memorable Athletico moments include the Gothia Cup opening ceremony in front of 50,000 spectators, beating major Lebanese clubs in Athletico's first official season in the Lebanese youth championship, and international trips such as Dana Cup, plus experiences in Jordan, Syria, and Olympique Lyonnais tryouts.
His advice to young Athletico players: Give everything in every training and every match. Be patient, take care of your body (eat, sleep, rest), and cherish every moment with your teammates—those friendships last for life.
MESSAGE TO THE ATHLETICO FAMILY
PHILIPPE SALUTES THE CLUB'S PROGRESS OVER THE PAST 20 YEARS AND SHARES HOW PROUD HE IS TO BE PART OF THE ATHLETICO FAMILY—EXCITED FOR THE NEXT 20 YEARS.
Martin Bou Younes joined Athletico in 2012 at the Dbayeh branch and spent 10 years with the club. He played as a midfielder.
After Athletico, Martin played for Ahed Football Club and Sagesse Football Club.
For Martin, the most memorable moments are hard to narrow down—he highlights the trips with the team and the shared experiences with the boys as the biggest memories.
His advice to today's Athletico players: Enjoy every moment on the field. Athletico is more than football—it's family, friendship, and memories. Give your all in training and matches, because even if life takes you abroad or elsewhere, nothing feels like playing for this family.
MESSAGE TO THE ATHLETICO FAMILY
NUMBER 1 CLUB IN LEBANON.
Assaf Antoine joined Athletico in 2014, trained at the Dbayeh branch, and spent 8 years at the club. He played as a midfielder.
After Athletico, Assaf played with AS Saint-Priest, Olympique Lyonnais, and Stade Lavallois.
His most memorable moment at Athletico is simple and powerful: every trophy he won with the club.
His advice to young Athletico players: Keep working hard and believe in yourself.
Kassem Hayek joined Athletico in 2013 at the Dbayeh branch and spent 5 years with the club. He played as a defensive midfielder.
After Athletico, he continued with Lyon-La Duchère and Al Safa FC.
Kassem's standout memory is his time during the Lyon camp, which he describes as the most memorable part of his Athletico journey.
His advice to young Athletico players: Push yourself every day, stay humble, and never settle—greatness comes from hard work and sacrifice.
MESSAGE TO THE ATHLETICO FAMILY
KASSEM SHARES THAT ATHLETICO SHAPED HIM DEEPLY THROUGH BOTH CHALLENGES AND VICTORIES, AND THAT HE'S PROUD TO CALL THE CLUB HIS HOME.
Jacques Matta joined Athletico at the very beginning of the journey, around 2004–2006, starting in Antelias and later at Saint Joseph. He spent 7 years at Athletico and played as a midfielder.
After Athletico, he played for Racing Club (Lebanon) and Dukla Praha (Prague).
His most memorable moments include the training culture, Dana Cup, international trips to Jordan and Syria, difficult matches, and the friendships formed along the way.
His advice to young Athletico players: Consistency is key. Work hard, ask for advice, and never forget that football is your passion.
Ralph Khoury joined Athletico in 2011 at the Dbayeh branch and spent 9 years with the club. He played as a striker / right wing.
After Athletico, Ralph played with Eleven Football Pro, Ottawa South United, and Atlético Ottawa.
One of Ralph's most memorable highlights was training with the Olympique Lyonnais academy, along with tournament experiences including Plomelin.
His advice to young Athletico players: Enjoy the game and stay patient. Hard work and consistency always pay off—even when you don't see results right away.
Hadi Jad Khalil joined Athletico in 2018 at the Frère branch and spent 3 years at the club. He played as an attacking midfielder / central midfielder (CAM/CM).
After Athletico, he went on to Al Duhail SC and represented the Qatari National Team.
His most memorable Athletico moment was winning the cup final.
His advice to young Athletico players: Without discipline, you won't make it far.