Hamza Rafia

Hamza Rafia (born 2 April 1999) is a Tunisian professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Italian club Lecce and the Tunisia national team.
Born in Tunisia, Rafia initially represented France at youth level, before switching allegiance to his native country, making his senior debut for Tunisia in 2019.
Early life
Born on 22 April 1999 in Kalaat es Senam, Tunisia, Rafia moved to France as a child and played in the youth sectors of Bron Terraillon, Bron Grand Lyon, and Lyon.
Club career
Lyon B
Coming through the youth system, Rafia played for the reserve team of Lyon in the Championnat de France Amateur, the fourth division of French football. He made his debut on 28 May 2016, during the 2015–16 season, in a 4–3 home defeat to Moulins Yzeure Foot. His first goal for Lyon B came during the 2018–19 season, on 18 August 2018, helping his side win 5–2 against Monaco B. Rafia scored five goals in 18 league games throughout the season. In four seasons, he scored five goals in 26 games.
Juventus U23
On 16 July 2019, Rafia joined Juventus on a three-year contract, for a fee of €400,000, which can reach €5 million in add-ons, and 20% on his future sale. Rafia played for Juventus' reserve team in the Serie C – Juventus U23 – making his professional debut in a 2–0 away loss to Novara in the league on 26 August 2019.
On 18 December, Rafia scored his first goal for Juventus U23 in a 2–1 away victory over Piacenza, in the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia Serie C. He helped Juventus U23 win the tournament, scoring against Ternana in the final, which ended 2–1. During the 2019–20 season, Rafia played 20 games in the league, two in the promotion play-offs, and scored three goals and made three assists in the Coppa Italia Serie C. On 29 November 2020, Rafia scored his first goal in Serie C in a 2–1 away loss against Olbia.
Juventus
On 13 January 2021, Rafia made his senior debut for Juventus, coming on as a 77th-minute substitute in a Coppa Italia match against Genoa; he scored in the 104th minute, helping Juventus win 3–2 after extra time.
Loan to Standard Liège
On 18 August 2021, Rafia moved to Belgian side Standard Liège on loan.
Loan to Cremonese
On 31 January 2022, Rafia moved to Serie B side Cremonese.
Pescara
On 27 January 2023, Rafia signed a 2.5-year contract with Serie C club Pescara.
Lecce
On 18 July 2023, Rafia signed a three-year contract with Serie A club Lecce. He made his top-tier debut in their season opener against Lazio on 20 August 2023.
Style of play
Rafia is an attacking midfielder also capable of playing as a right winger.
International career
Rafia represented France at under-17 and under-18 levels, but decided to represent Tunisia at senior level. He made his senior debut on 6 September 2019, coming off the bench in a 1–0 friendly win over Mauritania.
Career statistics
International
Club
Honours
Juventus U23
Coppa Italia Serie C: 2019–20
Juventus
Coppa Italia: 2020–21
References
External links
1999 births
Living people
People from Kef Governorate
Tunisian emigrants to France
Tunisian men's footballers
French men's footballers
Men's association football midfielders
Olympique Lyonnais players
Juventus Next Gen players
Juventus FC players
Standard Liège players
US Cremonese players
Delfino Pescara 1936 players
US Lecce players
Championnat National 2 players
Serie B players
Serie C players
Belgian Pro League players
Serie A players
France men's youth international footballers
Tunisia men's international footballers
Tunisian expatriate men's footballers
Tunisian expatriate sportspeople in Italy
Tunisian expatriate sportspeople in Belgium
French expatriate men's footballers
French expatriate sportspeople in Italy
French expatriate sportspeople in Belgium
Expatriate men's footballers in Italy
Expatriate men's footballers in Belgium
2021 Africa Cup of Nations players