Algeria’s record appearance holder Aissa Mandi retires from international football

Algeria defender Aissa Mandi has announced his retirement from international football, ending a distinguished 11-year career with the Desert Warriors as the country’s most-capped player.

The 34-year-old confirmed his decision in a video shared on his official Instagram account, bringing the curtain down on an international career that saw him make 122 appearances and play a key role in one of Algeria’s most successful eras.

Record-breaking career comes to an end

Mandi said representing Algeria had been one of the greatest honours of his career but believes the time is right to step aside after giving everything for his country.

“Playing for the Algerian national team was exceptional and beautiful, and gave me unforgettable feelings,” said Mandi, 34. “But I feel that the right moment has come to say goodbye, after giving everything I could to my country.”

His retirement follows Algeria’s participation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and comes shortly after captain Riyad Mahrez also ended his international career, marking the departure of two of the Desert Warriors’ most influential players.

Algeria honours a national team great

The Algerian Football Federation paid tribute to Mandi following his announcement, thanking the experienced defender for his years of service and recognising him as the player with the most appearances in the history of the national team.

Mandi made his Algeria debut on 5 March 2014 in a 2-0 victory over Slovenia and went on to score eight goals in 122 international matches.

AFCON triumph among career highlights

The centre-back’s greatest achievement in national colours came in 2019 when he helped Algeria win the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt under head coach Djamel Belmadi.

As a cornerstone of the Desert Warriors’ defence, Mandi played a pivotal role in ending Algeria’s long wait for a second continental title, cementing his place among the country’s footballing greats.

His retirement closes a remarkable chapter for Algerian football, with the experienced defender leaving behind a legacy of consistency, leadership and record-breaking service to the national team.