Algeria: Islam Slimani denies viral Facebook post about national team future

Algerian striker Islam Slimani has firmly denied publishing a viral Facebook post in which he allegedly pleaded for a return to the national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

The 37-year-old forward, currently playing for CFR Cluj in Romania, confirmed that his social media account had been hacked.

The controversy erupted on Monday when a lengthy message appeared on Slimani’s verified Facebook page, claiming he had sent a virtual request to Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic for a place in the World Cup squad.

The post, written in his name, suggested that the veteran striker was eager to be part of the team as the Greens edge closer to qualification for the tournament in North America.

Thanks to God and the efforts of the players as well as the support of the people, we are close to qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. As a key player and scorer for the national team, I still have the same determination and fighting spirit to give everything on the pitch. My dream, and I suppose that the Algerians share it, is to be present with the team and use my experience but also my decisive goals as I have always done, the message read.

The post quickly went viral, drawing mixed reactions from supporters—some sympathetic, others critical of what appeared to be a public appeal for selection.

However, Slimani swiftly took to Instagram to clarify the situation, stressing that the message did not come from him.

This article was not published by me. My account was hacked. Thank you for reporting it, he wrote in an Instagram story.

Hours later, Slimani confirmed that he had regained control of his Facebook page.

The false post was subsequently removed, but the incident sparked widespread discussion about the striker’s current status with the national team.

Despite being Algeria’s all-time top scorer with 46 goals in 102 international appearances, Slimani has not featured for the national side since Vladimir Petkovic took charge in March 2024.

Privately, he is said to still harbour hopes of wearing the national shirt again, though a recall appears unlikely given the coach’s preference for younger attacking options.

Currently focused on his new challenge in Romania—his 10th European club—Slimani remains determined to make an impact on the pitch.

For now, however, the former Sporting Lisbon and Leicester City forward seems to recognize that only strong performances for CFR Cluj, not online posts, will determine whether he earns another chance with the Greens.