Ayman Benarous was one of three senior Bristol City players released when the Robins published their retained listThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Ayman Benarous during an Argyle training session at the Sportplatz in Volders, Austria, on Monday, July 7, 2025 – Photo: PAFC
Ayman Benarous has lifted the lid on his injury woes and decision to leave Bristol City, with the attacking midfielder joining Plymouth Argyle after being released by the Robins at the end of last season.
Having joined the Reds’ youth system at the age of eight, Benarous broke into the City first team under the management of Nigel Pearson in the 2021/22 campaign.
Almost immediately, the then-teenager won over the BS3 crowd with a series of bright, energetic performances, the most memorable of which arguably came against Blackburn Rovers when he kicked Ben Brereton Diaz’s boot away, moments after beating a player much taller to a header inside the opposition penalty area.
The versatile attacking midfielder went on to make 12 appearances that term, earning a new three-year deal in February 2022. However, not long after the contract was signed, Benarous suffered the first of two successive ACL injuries. Those injuries, and a series of other setbacks, have meant the 21-year-old hasn’t made a competitive appearance in more than three years.
Although he always remained publicly upbeat as he looked to return to full fitness, something former boss Liam Manning mentioned before he departed for Norwich City, it was an incredibly difficult period for the young midfielder.
“I won’t lie to you, there were days where I was thinking, ‘Am I ever play football again?'” Benarous told ITV West Country’s Ross Arnott. “I wasn’t going to give up; that was never an option for me.
“The players and your teammates can do as much as they can, I can’t really put into words how you feel on those days. It almost feels like the end of your world. Thoughts end up entering your head, thoughts that you don’t want to have.
“I was getting paid as a footballer, and I felt guilty even taking that wage, to be honest, because I felt like I wasn’t doing my job.
Ayman Benarous in action for Bristol City Under-21s vs Millwall(Image: Photo by Rogan/Bristol City)
“I’ve got a lot, a lot of messages. Even when I’m walking through the city, I still get recognised, which I can’t believe because I haven’t played for so long,” he continued. “They recognise that I’ve worked hard for the club and tried my best.”
Benarous was able to take part in portions of City’s pre-season last summer, even featuring in a friendly at the HPC. However, the midfielder then suffered a hamstring injury whilst playing for the Under-21s against Sheffield Wednesday in August, which saw him sidelined until April.
Following an operation, he was able to return to the Young Robins line-up in a behind-closed-doors clash with Millwall. Although the 21-year-old was then a regular in the Professional Development League up until the end of the campaign, the decision was taken not to offer him a new contract, with Benarous one of three senior players released when the Reds published their retained list in May.
While it was not at all how he hoped his City career would pan out, the academy graduate is adamant he wouldn’t change it if he could.
“Naturally, I felt that it was a good time to move on,” the 21-year-old explained. “I think from my side and the club’s side.
“I’ve seen hundreds of kids come and go throughout the academy. I signed my first contract at eight years old and went through all the way through until 21, so that in itself is a massive achievement, and I take pride in that.
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“Even though it didn’t end how I wanted it to end, I wouldn’t change it to be honest, and hopefully, it’s set me up for the next step in my career. “
Now, after his more than a decade-long association with the Robins has come to an end, Benarous has taken his first step into the unknown, signing a one-year deal with Argyle, having impressed whilst on trial with the League One club.
Tom Cleverley and company at Home Park are looking to make an immediate return to the Championship, having been relegated from the second tier on the final day of the season last time out. Though he has had to drop down a division to kickstart his career again, Benarous is already looking upwards.
Speaking before the move was confirmed, he said: “I’m very excited, it’s a new step for me. I’ve lived here for my whole life, and to move out, go somewhere new, and start a new chapter is going to be exciting, and I definitely still have aspirations to reach the top level.
“That’s my thinking to be honest, and I’ll keep thinking that until it’s not possible.”