Abdellah Medjadi Liégeon, a former standout defender for the Algerian national football team, has died at the age of 67 after a prolonged illness, the Algerian Football Federation confirmed on Wednesday.
Born in Oran, Liégeon was a central figure in Algerian football during the 1980s and is remembered for both his commitment to the national team and a club career that included notable successes in French football. His passing has left the football community in deep mourning, with tributes pouring in from former teammates, supporters, and institutions across the sport.
Liégeon’s club career spanned several teams in France, including RC Lons, Besançon, and Strasbourg, where his performances attracted widespread recognition. His most successful spell came with AS Monaco, where he lifted the Coupe de France in 1985. Three years earlier, in 1982, he had also celebrated winning the French championship, a highlight in a career defined by consistent excellence at the club level.
Despite being offered the opportunity to represent France at the 1982 FIFA World Cup by then-manager Michel Hidalgo, Liégeon opted to play for Algeria, a decision that earned him admiration and respect from fans and officials alike.
However, his early years with the Algerian national side were marked by tension, particularly with coach Mahieddine Khalef, which initially hindered his integration into the squad.
His breakthrough on the international stage came under the guidance of coach Rabah Saâdane during the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. Liégeon featured in Algeria’s group stage matches, including the 1-1 draw against Northern Ireland and the narrow 1-0 loss to Brazil.
The latter match became a difficult chapter in his career, as a miscommunication between him and the goalkeeper led to the decisive goal by Careca—an incident that remained a subject of discussion for years to follow.
Nevertheless, his contribution to Algerian football extended far beyond a single tournament. Known for his tactical intelligence, composure under pressure, and unwavering loyalty to the national team, Liégeon became a symbol of professionalism and national pride during an important era for Algerian football.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Algerian Football Federation expressed its deep sorrow at the news of Liégeon’s death, describing him as “a player of great stature who wore the national colours with dignity and honour.” The federation also extended heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones, praising his legacy as one that will remain etched in the collective memory of Algerian sport.
Supporters and former colleagues have taken to social media and national press outlets to honour the late defender, highlighting his achievements on the pitch and his enduring impact on generations of young footballers in Algeria.
Abdellah Medjadi Liégeon’s story is one of dedication, integrity, and unshakeable commitment to his roots. His passing marks the end of an era, but his name will forever remain synonymous with Algerian football’s golden generation.
