Aymen Mathlouthi, born on 14 September 1984, is a distinguished former professional footballer from Tunisia, celebrated for his exceptional skills as a goalkeeper. Known affectionately as Balbouli, he has earned a reputation as one of the finest goalkeepers in Tunisian history and is often regarded among the best in Africa.
Throughout his career, Mathlouthi showcased remarkable attributes beyond traditional goalkeeping, including impressive ball control and adept dribbling within the penalty area. His talent was prominently displayed during the 2011 African Nations Championship, where he played a pivotal role in securing the title for Tunisia.
In recognition of his outstanding performances, the Confederation of African Football honored Mathlouthi as the best goalkeeper at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea, where he was also selected for the CAF Team of the Tournament. His international career reached a significant milestone when he made his World Cup debut as Tunisia's starting goalkeeper against Panama during the 2018 tournament.
Mathlouthi's journey continued as he was called up to represent Tunisia in the 2022 World Cup, marking his second appearance on the world stage. His contributions to the sport have left an indelible mark on Tunisian football, inspiring future generations of players.