“Who are you to choose?”: Islam Slimani fiercely criticizes dual-nationality players

Africa 19 June 2025 at 07:37

Lydiane N'Po

News Editor

Speaking on the Kampo podcast on June 18, Islam Slimani did not hold back his frustration regarding the issue of dual-nationality players. The Algerian international and current CR Belouizdad striker slammed players born abroad who “choose” to wear the Algerian shirt.

According to the former KV Mechelen player, donning the national jersey should never be a career calculation or a matter of hesitation. For Slimani, allegiance to Algeria is self-evident, and he firmly rejects the notion that players can “choose” their national team based on opportunity.

“Did you choose to be Algerian? Did you choose to be French or English? No. You don’t choose Algeria! If you were born in France, lived in France, and built your entire career in France, then play for France—why play for Algeria?” he exclaimed.

The all-time top scorer for the Algerian national team (46 goals) didn’t mince words: he believes that those who grew up and developed abroad, especially in France, should logically represent the country where they built their careers, rather than turning to Algeria when other options close.

“For me, there should be a rule. You get called up once, you come. If you refuse, you’re never called up again. Why? What are you going to bring us? It’s the team that brings success. When I hear ‘choice’, it makes me want to cry. You don’t choose your parents, do you? It makes me uncomfortable when you tell me: ‘I chose.’ Who are you to choose? You choose a country like that? You come on holiday, no problem—you come because it’s your country, your parents’ country. But to play football? Never in my life!” fumed the 37-year-old striker.

Islam Slimani is calling on the Algerian Football Federation to implement a strict rule: any player who refuses their first call-up should never be invited again. He insists on the importance of prioritizing team spirit and loyalty.