Islam Slimani’s International Career with Algeria Nears Its End

All indications suggest that Islam Slimani’s time with the Algerian national team has come to an end, marking the conclusion of 12 year international career.

The 36 year old striker recently joined Belgian side Westerlo on loan from CR Belouizdad but he's enduring one of his worst seasons, having scored only 4 goal in 18 match across all competitions.

Slimani Not in Vladimir Petković’s Plans

Said Fellak, the spokesperson for the Algerian Football Federation, hinted that several senior players are no longer part of head coach Vladimir Petković’s plans for technical reasons. In interview with Echorouk TV, Fellak implied that Slimani's among the players who'll not be recalled.

Since taking over from Djamel Belmadi nearly year ago, Petković hasn't selected Slimani for any matches, further reinforcing speculation that his time with the national team's over.

Islam Slimani made his debut for Algeria in 2012 in friendly match against Niger. Later that year he scored his 1st international goal against Rwanda in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers.

His breakout moment on the international stage came during the 2014 FIFA World Cup where he scored 2 crucial goal against South Korea and Russia, while also providing assist against the Asian side.

Slimani also played pivotal role in Algeria’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations triumph, contributing 3 goal involvements as the team lifted the title in Egypt.

His last appearance for the Desert Foxes came in Jan 2024 during Algeria’s AFCON clash against Mauritania.

With Petković favoring new generation of players, Slimani’s international career appears to have reached its final chapter, his legacy as Algeria’s all time top scorer with 42 goal in 101 appearances remains intact.

Khaled Hegazy |

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Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.