Algeria: Former coach Djamel Belmadi reaffirms lifelong support

Former Algeria coach Djamel Belmadi has delivered an emotional message of gratitude and encouragement to the country’s football supporters, months after stepping down from the national team role.

Now in charge of Qatari side Al Duhail, the 49-year-old remains deeply attached to the Fennecs, a team he led to historic highs and painful lows during his six-year tenure.

Belmadi guided Algeria to their first Africa Cup of Nations title in 29 years in 2019, while also overseeing a remarkable 35-match unbeaten run.

Yet his spell ended on a sour note, with two successive group-stage exits at the AFCON, prompting his departure in January 2024.

Despite that difficult conclusion, Belmadi underlined his enduring bond with the national side during an interview with his club’s in-house channel.

I would like to take this opportunity to wholeheartedly thank all the national team supporters and the entire Algerian people for their support. I have always felt their support, even in the most difficult times we have gone through. I am a supporter of the Algerian team for life. I will always remain a member of the supporters’ family, in every match and every competition to come, inshallah. Continue to support your team, we are always together, and thank you for everything you bring, Belmadi said.

His remarks struck a chord with fans who had lived through both the euphoria of Egypt 2019 and the disappointments that followed.

The former Marseille midfielder, who took charge of Algeria in 2018, made clear that his connection to the team transcends results or official duties.

Belmadi also expressed optimism about the future of Algerian football, pointing to the promise of a younger generation breaking into the squad.

🚨 Djamel Belmadi s’exprime pour la première fois depuis son départ.

L’ancien sélectionneur national a adressé un message aux supporters :

« Je remercie le peuple algérien pour son soutien et je resterai à jamais derrière notre équipe nationale. » pic.twitter.com/FNcZkgv7v9

— Algérie Football Média 🇩🇿 (@DZFOOTBALLDZ) September 24, 2025

There are a lot of new players who have joined the team. We have worked hard for this, and they are part of the future project. I see great days ahead for the national team, he added.

The Fennecs have already secured qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, which will run from 21 December to 18 January.

They also stand on the brink of reaching the 2026 World Cup, with qualification potentially sealed as early as 9 October if they defeat Somalia in the penultimate round of qualifiers.

Belmadi’s words arrive at a time when the national side, under new coach Vladimir Petkovic, has faced scrutiny over uneven performances.

Yet his unwavering support serves as a reminder of the unity and passion that continues to define Algerian football, on and off the pitch.