Amine Gouiri has reaffirmed his full commitment to the Algerian national team, dismissing speculation and clearing up long-standing rumours about the timing and nature of his decision to represent the Fennecs.
In an in-depth interview with Onze Mondial, the Olympique de Marseille forward offered rare insight into his international allegiance and the events that led to his switch from France to Algeria.
Amid swirling debate about his motivations and timing, Gouiri addressed the issue head-on, insisting that his decision had been straightforward once official contact was made.
“Some things need to be rectified,” Gouiri stated firmly. “People talked a lot about my supposed arrival, about my choice, there were many debates.
But you have to know one thing: the first time I spoke to coach Djamel Belmadi on the phone was in September or October 2023.
I joined the national team in November 2023. Before that, everyone was talking, but there was nothing. No one had called me.”
Trained at Lyon and a regular for France’s youth teams, Gouiri made clear that he had never rejected Algeria, but simply had not been approached.
“If the coach had called me beforehand, I might have come sooner. But I hadn’t received any calls, it was all just hearsay. As soon as he called me, I came. There was no hesitation. It all happened quickly.”
With this clarification, the former Nice striker pushed back against suggestions of opportunism or indecision.
Rather than delay a switch out of indecisiveness, Gouiri said he had simply been waiting for a legitimate opportunity, one that came only when Belmadi made direct contact.
“I was waiting for the call,” he explained. “I was with the French U21s. I wasn’t going to turn down the U21s for Algeria when I wasn’t even selected. That would have made no sense.”
Now fully integrated into the Algerian setup, Gouiri speaks with passion about the future. With key tournaments ahead, including the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualification campaigns, he is focused on contributing to a strong and united squad.
Speaking at the recent UNFP Trophies ceremony, where he was honoured with the Ligue 1 Goal of the Season award, Gouiri outlined his ambition. “We have a CAN to play with Algeria. We have a World Cup to go for. I’m very excited, and I really can’t wait to play in all these competitions.”
His vision for Algeria’s future is one of competitiveness and urgency. With players like Rayan Cherki and Akliouche still weighing their international futures, Gouiri made it clear that time is of the essence.
“We hope to have the best team,” he said. “A squad is being formed. It is already involved in World Cup qualifiers and preparing for the African Cup of Nations.
If others don’t decide soon, the group will be finalised without them.”
In Gouiri’s words, there is a mix of ambition, clarity and loyalty. His journey with Algeria may be just beginning, but he has already positioned himself as a leader in the new generation of Fennecs players, one ready to embrace the green jersey with pride and purpose.
⚠️Alerte Kiosque⚠️
Onze Mondial N°372 : @aminegouiri : « Le combo OM-Algérie, un cocktail incroyable » 🤝
➡️ ITV : Omar Sissoko, @AVirginius_ , Waniss Taïbi, Kelly Gago🎙
➡️ Event : le Onze d’Or ⭐️
➡️ Tactique : Éric Chelle 👨🏫
➡️ Made in France : ils ont marqué 2024-2025 de leur… pic.twitter.com/AHFqplRdVG— Onze Mondial (@OnzeMondial) May 14, 2025
