Former Algerian national team coach George Leekens has spoken highly of the role Djamel Belmadi played in Algeria’s triumphant campaign at the last Africa Cup of Nations. In an exclusive interview with Le Buteur, the Belgian coach emphasized that while Algeria possessed a wealth of talent, it was Belmadi’s ability to foster team spirit and cohesion that ultimately propelled the team to victory.
“Algeria’s success at the Africa Cup of Nations was primarily due to the team spirit Belmadi instilled within his squad,” Leekens explained. “It wasn’t just about individual talent, though the team had plenty. I’m thinking specifically of our experience in Gabon in 2017. The national team needed a leader like Belmadi to bring out the best in its players. He was able to unify a group of talented athletes and create a winning mentality.”
Leekens highlighted the caliber of players under Belmadi’s guidance, particularly noting the influence of Riyad Mahrez, the Manchester City star who has become one of Africa’s most prominent footballers. “Algeria is somewhat comparable to Belgium,” Leekens continued, “with players of exceptional quality like Mahrez, similar to Belgium’s Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne. Just as that Belgian generation took time to find its rhythm and assert itself on the world stage, Algeria required structure, leadership, and tactical intelligence to fully realize its potential.”
Having coached Belmadi during his playing days, Leekens believes the seeds of his managerial success were evident early on. “Even as a player, Djamel displayed the qualities of a future coach,” Leekens noted. “He was a strategist on the pitch, someone who could read the game, organize the team, and make critical decisions in real time. Watching him guide Algeria, it’s clear that he’s always been capable of shaping a competitive squad.”
The former Belgian coach praised Belmadi’s ability to combine strategy with empathy, a mix that allowed him to connect with players while implementing a winning system. “It’s easy to speak after a triumph, but I knew Belmadi had the mindset to achieve something like this,” Leekens said. “His intelligence, calm under pressure, and ability to inspire players have always set him apart. Seeing him succeed as a coach doesn’t surprise me at all.”
Algeria’s victory at the Africa Cup of Nations marked a historic moment for the national team, and Leekens insists that Belmadi’s leadership was the cornerstone of that achievement. “Talent alone isn’t enough at this level. You need discipline, unity, and a clear vision,” he concluded. “Djamel Belmadi brought all of that to the table, and his work ethic and strategic mind made the difference between being a good team and being champions.”
For the Algerian fans, Leekens’ words reinforce what many have long recognized: Belmadi’s influence extends far beyond tactics. He shaped a generation of players, cultivated a collective identity, and guided Algeria to continental glory, leaving a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.
