Algeria rallies in support as football icon Djamel Menad battles illness

Algerian football is gripped with concern as Djamel Menad, one of the country’s most celebrated footballers, faces a serious health crisis.

The former national team striker, who has been receiving medical treatment in Belgium, was recently transferred to the Al Azhar clinic in Algiers amid reports that his condition has worsened.

A Nation’s Concern for a Football Great

Menad, a revered figure in Algerian football, has been battling illness in recent months. His former club, JS Kabylie, confirmed his deteriorating health in a statement expressing support for their legendary player.

“The entire JS Kabylie family would like to express its full support to its legendary former player, Djamel Menad, who is suffering from an illness.

We send him our most sincere thoughts and wish him a speedy recovery,” the club announced.

The news has sent shockwaves through Algerian football, with fans and football authorities uniting in support of the 65-year-old.

A Career of Unparalleled Success

Menad’s legacy in Algerian football is indisputable. A key figure for JS Kabylie, he played a pivotal role in the club’s dominance during the 1980s, winning multiple national championships, the Algerian Cup in 1986, and the prestigious African Cup of Champions Clubs in 1981.

His talents also earned him opportunities in European football, where he represented Nîmes in France before moving to Portugal to play for Famalicão and Belenenses.

On the international stage, Menad was a crucial player for Algeria, amassing 81 caps and scoring 25 goals.

His crowning moment came in the 1990 Africa Cup of Nations, where he led the Desert Foxes to victory on home soil, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with four goals.

He was also part of Algeria’s squad at the 1986 FIFA World Cup, competing against some of the world’s strongest teams.

An Outpouring of Solidarity

As news of his condition spreads, a wave of support has emerged across Algeria. The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) and prominent figures in the football community have voiced their concern and best wishes for his recovery.

According to reports from El Khabar, Menad’s initial transfer to Belgium for treatment was facilitated by the Algerian presidency, with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune personally monitoring his situation.

The uncertainty surrounding Menad’s health has cast a shadow over Algerian football, but the nation remains hopeful. Supporters, former teammates, and football authorities are united in their desire to see him overcome this challenge, just as he once triumphed on the pitch.

For now, all of Algeria watches and waits, hoping for a positive turn in the battle of one of its most beloved footballing sons.

???????? Toute la Grande famille de JS Kabylie tient à exprimer tout son soutien à son ancien joueur légendaire,Djamel Menad qui souffre d’une maladie.Transféré à Alger après la dégradation de son état de santé.
Nous lui adressons nos pensées les plus sincères et lui souhaitons un… pic.twitter.com/hek3pfESzV

— JS Kabylie (@jsk_tweet) March 17, 2025