Algerian international striker Islam Slimani has made a triumphant return to his roots by rejoining his boyhood club, CR Belouizdad, on a free transfer, AfricaSoccer.com can confirm
The 36-year-old veteran forward is heading back to Algeria after an impressive eleven-year stint in Europe and Brazil, where he established himself as a top-level striker.
Slimani initially left Algeria in August 2013 to join Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon, where his performances caught the attention of major European clubs.
In August 2016, Slimani secured a record transfer to English Premier League side Leicester City for approximately 31 million Euros, marking the peak of his career.
During his time in Europe, he also had loan spells at Newcastle United, Fenerbahçe, and AS Monaco before making a permanent move to Olympique Lyon in January 2021.
He returned to Sporting a year later and subsequently played for Stade Brestois, RSC Anderlecht, Coritiba FC, and KV Mechelen.
Over his European and Brazilian career, Slimani accumulated an impressive 149 goals and 56 assists in 421 appearances.
He remains the highest-scoring player in the history of the Algeria national team, with 41 goals in 103 caps, and played a crucial role in Algeria’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations victory in Egypt.
