Nabil Fekir’s International Allegiance Sparks Tug-of-War Between France and Algeria
The international future of Nabil Fekir has taken a dramatic turn, with his father declaring on Wednesday that the Olympique Lyonnais playmaker has chosen to represent Algeria over France.
“My son Nabil has made his decision, he will only play for the Algerian national team,” said Fekir’s father. “He chose his country out of conviction and he will be very proud to honor his first selection. The whole family is behind him and supports him fully.”
However, France U21 coach Pierre Mankowski appears unfazed by the announcement, including Fekir in his squad for the Euro 2015 playoff against Sweden, a critical fixture for Les Bleuets. The call-up suggests that the French Football Federation (FFF) is not giving up on securing the talented midfielder for France.
Meanwhile, Algeria coach Christian Gourcuff must wait patiently for a definitive answer, as Fekir’s official international status remains undecided until he features in a competitive senior match.
Fekir’s case is emblematic of a wider trend: several dual-nationality players of African descent are also at the heart of similar debates. France U21’s latest squad includes the likes of Samuel Umtiti, Giannelli Imbula, Paul-Georges Ntep, Geoffrey Kondogbia, Kurt Zouma, and Benjamin Mendy, all of whom are eligible to represent African nations.
Fekir, born in Lyon to Algerian parents, is considered one of France’s brightest emerging talents. His decision could set a precedent for others navigating the delicate balance between personal identity, family heritage, and professional ambition.
