Real Jaen striker Yanis Senhadji commits his international future to Algeria

Yanis Senhadji has chosen to represent Algeria rather than Spain, two years after helping Spain win the European Under-19 Championship.

The 21-year-old forward, whose parents are from Algeria, made 12 appearances for Spain’s youth teams and scored three goals before making his decision, according to DZfoot.

Senhadji’s switch has prompted controversy in Algeria because he had previously expressed a clear preference for Spain. In March 2024, he explained why he had chosen Spain over Algeria after being approached by the latter’s Under-20 side.

“With Algeria, it was for a friendly tournament and with Spain, it was for the European Under-20 qualifiers. When it came to deciding, I did not hesitate to choose Spain because I knew nothing about Algeria and because I was excited by the idea of playing with the best Spanish players of my age,” he said at the time.

His earlier comments have led to comparisons with Yacine Adli. The midfielder was rejected by Algeria after firmly closing the door on the Fennecs, saying he wanted to “play at the highest level” with France. Senhadji could face a similar reaction from some supporters because of the stance he took before now committing his international future to Algeria.

At club level, Senhadji joined Real Jaen at the end of August as a free agent. He signed a one-year contract with the Spanish third-tier club after leaving his youth club, Betis Deportivo.

The striker is regarded as a powerful centre-forward who is comfortable in physical contests and effective in the air. He will hope the move gives him an opportunity to rebuild his career after a difficult period affected by injuries.

Senhadji was an unused substitute in Real Jaen’s 0-3 win away to CE Europa last Sunday. His involvement was also limited last season, when he played 12 matches without making a single start.

A torn meniscus restricted him to the sidelines from February until November 2025 and disrupted his progress during the campaign.

His decision to represent Algeria comes as he attempts to revive his club career in Spain, where he remains at the beginning of a new chapter with Real Jaen. The move also ends his association with Spain’s youth set-up, despite the success he enjoyed with the Under-19 team two years ago.

Senhadji’s international choice is therefore significant both for Algeria, who have secured the services of a player developed in Spain, and for a forward seeking regular football after a series of setbacks. For now, his immediate priority is to establish himself at Real Jaen and regain the form that made him a European champion at Under-19 level.