Algerian football icon Lakhdar Belloumi has publicly named his son, Bachir Belloumi, as a potential candidate to succeed Riyad Mahrez in the national team, as the veteran winger signals the approaching end of his international career.
Speaking to Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, the former Ballon d’Or Africa winner shared his thoughts on the future of the national side, especially in light of Mahrez’s anticipated departure after the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2025.
“There are several players capable of taking over after Mahrez’s departure,” Belloumi said. “But I hope it will be done in the best possible conditions. Why not my son Bachir?”
The comment comes as Mahrez, currently playing for Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia, confirmed his ambitions to retire from international duty following the 2025 AFCON tournament in Morocco, which is set to take place between 21 December 2025 and 18 January 2026.
The 34-year-old captain of the Fennecs stated: “I want to win another title with the national team,” in what is widely interpreted as his final major objective with Algeria.
Mahrez, who has earned 97 caps and scored 31 goals for his country, remains one of the most influential figures in Algerian football history.
His defining moment came during the 2019 AFCON in Egypt, where he played a key role in guiding the team to continental glory.
However, recent years have seen mixed fortunes, including an early exit from the 2023 edition of the tournament and a challenging adaptation to football in the Saudi Pro League.
With the national team potentially preparing for life after Mahrez, the question of succession has become a central topic among fans and pundits.
Lakhdar Belloumi, a former national team captain with 98 caps and 26 goals, believes his son has the attributes to take on that mantle—if he can return to fitness and form.
Bachir Belloumi, 22, currently plays for Hull City in England but is recovering from a serious knee injury. He suffered a cruciate ligament rupture in November 2024 and has been sidelined since.
“Everything will depend on his development and progress in his professional career,” Belloumi added. “He is currently in the rehabilitation phase and hopes to return to competition next season with Hull City.”
Despite his potential, Bachir remains behind in the pecking order compared to other emerging talents. Amine Gouiri of Olympique de Marseille and Mohammed Amoura of Wolfsburg have both impressed in recent national team appearances, with Amoura, in particular, gaining praise for his performances during Algeria’s latest international fixtures.
To date, Bachir Belloumi has received just one senior national team call-up, in October 2023, but did not feature in any matches.
His path to becoming Mahrez’s successor may be challenging, but with his father’s belief and a return to competitive football on the horizon, the door remains open.
As Mahrez prepares for a possible final flourish in Morocco, Algeria’s coaching staff will be closely monitoring the next generation of attacking talents. Whether Bachir Belloumi can rise to meet that challenge remains to be seen.
Lakhdar Belloumi : “La relève de Mahrez ? Pourquoi pas mon fils !” #TeamDZ
Lire l’article > https://t.co/EzBPnPvy9L pic.twitter.com/dEYYcqOWFm— La Gazette du Fennec (@LGDFennec) May 10, 2025
