
A commanding Libyan defensive midfielder who rose from local clubs to become a stalwart in Portugal's top flight and a Serie A competitor.
Al-Mu'attasim Billah Al-Musrati captained the Libyan national team and won the Portuguese Cup with SC Braga in 2021. Born in Zawiya in 1996, he moved to Portugal's second division with Vitória de Guimarães's B team. At Rio Ave, his physical dominance and tactical intelligence in defensive midfield caught bigger clubs' attention. A transfer to Braga made him a lynchpin in their midfield, crucial in European competitions. In 2023, he moved to Turkish giants Beşiktaş, followed by a loan to Italy's Hellas Verona, testing his skills in another major league. His story represents a steady, determined ascent and a beacon for football in Libya.
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Al-Musrati was born in 1996, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
The biggest hits of 1996
#1 Movie
Independence Day
Best Picture
The English Patient
#1 TV Show
ER
The world at every milestone
Dolly the sheep cloned
September 11 attacks transform the world
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
His full name, Al-Mu'attasim Billah, is a historical Islamic title meaning 'He who seeks refuge in God.'
He played for Al-Ahly Benghazi in Libya before beginning his professional career abroad.
He scored his first goal for SC Braga with a powerful long-range strike against FC Porto.
Despite interest from other leagues, he spent the prime years of his career in Portugal, playing over 100 matches for Braga.
“My feet on the pitch are my only voice.”