Youcef Belaili, a spectacular return to the Fennecs!

This time, it's official: the indispensable Youcef Belaili makes his grand return to the national team. The Fennecs' boss, Vladimir Petkovic, has selected the talented attacking midfielder for the March training camp, during which Algeria will face Botswana and Mozambique as part of the qualifications for the 2026 World Cup. A perfect birthday gift for the virtuoso from Oran, who just celebrated his 33rd birthday this Friday, March 14.

A talent that refuses to fade

During the last Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, Belaili was one of the few players to shine in the Fennecs' jersey. His last appearance was in the match against Mauritania, a bitter defeat that sealed the end of Djamel Belmadi's era.

In the aftermath, the Algerian Football Federation undertook a major overhaul, sidelining some of the team's historical figures.

While Riyad Mahrez quickly regained his place in the squad by summer 2024, Belaili, despite an exceptional season with MC Alger, remained in the shadows. The best player and co-top scorer of the league, he saw his name systematically ignored from official lists, causing bewilderment among many observers.

A rebirth under the colors of Espérance de Tunis

Faced with this prolonged exclusion, Belaili chose to bounce back by joining Espérance de Tunis, where his talent shone brightly once again.

His high-flying performances forced Petkovic to reconsider his stance, especially since the Algerian attack is struggling to regain its effectiveness, with key players like Brahimi, Benrahma, and Benzia losing momentum.

An opportunity not to be missed

Gifted with refined technique and exceptional vision, Belaili is a player with a fiery temperament, but his creative genius remains an invaluable asset. At 33 years old, he knows this call-up might be his last chance to shine for the national team.

With impressive club statistics (16 goals, 12 assists), Algeria's enfant terrible of football must now prove he can once again become an indispensable pillar for the Fennecs, as the 2025 AFCON and World Cup qualifiers loom crucial for Algeria.

Amine Jomni |

Editorfr

African football writer and sports journalist covering football news, stories and insights while sharing his expertise with fans across the continent.