Islam Slimani has spoken candidly about the potential inclusion of Rayan Cherki in Algeria’s national team, urging the young Lyon star to make a definitive choice regarding his international future.
Cherki, 21, has garnered attention both for his performances at Olympique Lyonnais—where he has scored five goals and provided eight assists in 22 appearances this season—and for his eligibility to represent three national teams.
Born in Lyon, he qualifies for France, Italy through his father, and Algeria through his mother.
The French Espoirs international, who has amassed 22 caps and scored 12 goals for France’s U21 side, was also part of the silver medal-winning French Olympic team at the Paris 2024 Games.
Despite being courted by Algeria and Italy, Cherki has yet to commit, and France coach Didier Deschamps has shown no urgency in calling him up to the senior squad.
The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has opted for a measured approach, avoiding direct pressure while expressing optimism about Cherki’s eventual decision.
FAF communications officer Saïd Fellak recently hinted at progress, stating, “There is positive feedback,” though he acknowledged, “There is nothing official yet.
However, Slimani, a veteran of the Algerian team, has been less subtle in his stance.
In an interview with El Khabar, relayed by DZfoot, the former Lyon player made it clear that Cherki must resolve his indecision soon.
“When I knew him, he was still very young and not thinking seriously about his international future or Algeria,” Slimani remarked.
🚨💥Islam Slimani s’exprime sur Rayan Cherki :
“ L’equipe nationale N’EST PAS UN CLUB que l’on choisit. SOIT ON EST ALGÉRIEN, SOIT ON NE L’EST PAS.
S’il est Algérien, il a LE DEVOIR de choisir l’Algérie.”
🗞️@DZfoot pic.twitter.com/hROtYnWNUy
— Algérie Football Média 🇩🇿 (@DZFOOTBALLDZ) January 22, 2025
But things evolve. My stance has always been the same: the national team is not a club that you choose.
Either you are Algerian or you are not.
Cherki’s potential inclusion has sparked significant interest in Algeria, where fans and officials alike view him as a prodigious talent who could strengthen their squad.
With the FAF taking a patient but optimistic approach, the pressure from Slimani and public opinion adds another layer of complexity to the young player’s decision.
As Algeria continues to make its case, the ball remains in Cherki’s court.
Whether he chooses to represent the country of his maternal heritage or pursue opportunities with France or Italy will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of his international career.
