Jaouen Hadjam withdraws from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after medical staff confirm a serious ankle injury.
The Algerian left-back suffers heartbreak and sees his first continental tournament end earlier than expected.
An ankle problem, sustained during the match against Burkina Faso, rules him out of the remainder of the competition.
Coach Vladimir Petkovic confirms the news at a press conference on Monday and reshapes Algeria’s defensive plans for the knockout stages.
The Fennecs must now continue the campaign without one of their emerging talents.
The injury occurs when Hadjam twists his ankle while challenging for the ball. He immediately feels pain and signals for treatment.
Doctors examine the player and realize the situation requires careful evaluation. Subsequent tests reveal damage too complex for a quick return.
Algeria’s coaching staff wait several days and hope for improvement, but the final verdict leaves no room for optimism. Medical advice makes participation impossible.
Hadjam speaks publicly for the first time since the announcement and uses official Algerian Football Federation channels to deliver his message.
“It is a complex injury. That is why the decision took so long.
We opted for hope, but we saw the recovery time would be very, very short,” he explains.
The defender acknowledges the difficult process and understands the necessity of caution.
Even a deep run in the tournament would not change the medical reality. The player accepts the outcome with maturity.
At 22 years old, the former Nantes player experiences deep disappointment but refuses to lose faith.
“It is sad for me. It was my first competition, my first AFCON,” he says, his voice filled with emotion.
He quickly adds perspective rooted in his beliefs.
“Alhamdulillah, behind every cloud there is a silver lining. We will refocus, work hard, and come back stronger, Insha’Allah.”
His words highlight resilience and determination. Hadjam keeps his eyes on the end of the club season and the upcoming World Cup.
He hopes to participate fully in those challenges and to return to top physical condition as soon as possible.
Despite leaving the squad, Hadjam reiterates total commitment to his teammates.
“I have faith in this group. We build something for a while now. There is quality and a lot of determination.
I will support the team until the very end,” he promises. Algeria prepare for a demanding round of 16 encounter with DR Congo, and the injured defender offers encouragement from afar.
His presence around the team in Morocco remains a source of motivation.
The young left-back also addresses Algerian supporters directly. He calls them “the best fans in the world” and thanks them for unwavering loyalty.
“Since I wear this jersey, the support has been incredible. Whether things go well or badly, they stand with us.
I send them a big kiss and all my strength,” he concludes. The message underlines a strong bond between player and public.
The federation grant him permission to leave the training camp and to begin rehabilitation immediately.
Jaouen Hadjam returns to Switzerland and rejoins his club, Young Boys Bern. There, he starts a structured recovery program aimed at restoring full fitness.
The player focuses on treatment, follows medical instructions, and works toward a swift comeback.
Hadjam’s exit marks a painful moment in Algeria’s AFCON story, but the defender confronts the setback with dignity.
He plans his return, maintains belief, and prepares for the next steps of his career.
Algeria march forward in Morocco, and Jaouen Hadjam begins the road back to strength and health.
تصريحات جوان حجام#LesVerts⭐️⭐️| #123vivalAlgérie🇩🇿| #AFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/JDbk2EwEtm
— Équipe d’Algérie de football (@LesVerts) January 5, 2026
