Yacine Brahimi ends Algeria comeback speculation under new coaching staff

Yacine Brahimi has ruled out a return to the Algeria national team, saying it is time for a younger generation to take their opportunity under new coach Brahim Hemdani.

The 36 year old, who currently plays for Al Gharafa, was speaking to Sporteam after his side’s match against Lusail when he was asked about his international future.

Brahimi has not played for Algeria’s senior team since June 2024, although he recently featured for the A’ team at the Arab Nations Cup.

The arrival of a new coaching staff led by Hemdani, with Anthar Yahia as his assistant, had raised questions about whether the former FC Porto and Stade Rennais player could consider returning to the senior side.

However, Brahimi made his position clear when asked about his ambitions of wearing the Algeria shirt again.

“Frankly, as I said, the young players are doing a great job. I’m very happy at Al Gharafa, and it’s time to make way for the younger generation. It’s their moment, it belongs to them. For now, it’s not the goal.”

Brahimi’s comments effectively end speculation over a possible return to the Greens despite the change in the national team’s coaching structure.

The attacking midfielder has instead chosen to support the younger players currently competing for places in the Algeria squad.

Brahimi, who was part of the Algeria team that won the 2019 African title, also expressed his confidence in the players available to the new coaching staff.

He said he had not been contacted by Hemdani or Yahia since their arrival, but made it clear that he remains fully behind the national team.

“I wish the national team all the best because they deserve it. I hope the new coaching staff will do a great job because they have some very good players. All I’m doing is supporting the national team.”

The former Algeria international’s decision comes as the Greens begin a new period under Hemdani and his coaching team.

Rather than pursuing another opportunity with the national side, Brahimi says his focus remains with Al Gharafa while the younger generation takes centre stage for Algeria.

His comments also underline his willingness to step aside and allow the emerging players to develop their roles within the national team.

For now, Brahimi’s involvement with the Greens will therefore remain that of a supporter rather than a player, as he backs the new coaching staff and the younger members of the squad.