Algeria selection: Ismaël Bennacer admits “he was pressured”

Choosing Algeria over Morocco was a significant and emotionally charged decision for Ismaël Bennacer, the AC Milan midfielder. While his maternal heritage made Algeria a natural option, he faced considerable pressure from his father, who is Moroccan. In interviews, Bennacer has recounted how difficult the decision was, noting that his father had threatened to cut ties with him if he opted to represent Algeria. “Choosing between Algeria and Morocco was not an easy decision for me. My father told me that he would never speak to me again if I chose Algeria,” he revealed in a recent conversation with RMC, highlighting the personal stakes involved in his choice.

Despite the family tension, Bennacer ultimately committed to Algeria, a decision that has proven rewarding both personally and professionally. Representing the Fennecs, he quickly became an influential figure in the national team, culminating in a standout performance during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. Bennacer played a key role in Algeria’s triumph in the tournament and was recognized as the best player, an achievement that validated his decision and established him as one of Africa’s premier midfielders.

Reflecting on his choice years later, Bennacer emphasized that winning the AFCON made any lingering doubts irrelevant. “Without that final victory in the Africa Cup of Nations that we won, I would never have regretted my choice for Algeria,” he said, underscoring the pride and fulfillment he derived from representing his mother’s country on such a prominent stage. The victory and his individual accolades affirmed that following his heart was the right path, despite the initial familial pressure.

It is notable that this is not the first time Bennacer has spoken about his international allegiance. In previous interviews, he expressed a genuine desire to honor his maternal roots, showing that his commitment to Algeria was not merely opportunistic but rooted in a personal connection to his mother’s homeland. His reflections reveal the emotional complexities that dual-nationality players often face when choosing which country to represent, balancing personal identity, family expectations, and professional ambitions.

Bennacer’s experience illustrates how challenging such decisions can be, even for elite athletes, and the courage it takes to follow one’s convictions. By choosing Algeria, he has not only contributed significantly to the team’s success but has also solidified his place in the hearts of Algerian football fans. His journey demonstrates that the interplay of heritage, personal values, and professional aspirations can shape a player’s career in profound ways, with decisions often carrying emotional and cultural weight alongside sporting significance.