Ismaël Bennacer, born in France to a Moroccan father and an Algerian mother, made a defining decision in his career when he opted to represent Algeria at the international level.
While he had previously worn the colours of France’s youth teams, his switch to the Fennecs was influenced by a combination of personal and professional factors.
A Career-Driven Decision
Bennacer has often described his choice as one made with both the heart and mind, but beyond that sentiment, several key elements played a role.
Initially, he considered representing Morocco and was keen to progress swiftly into senior international football. However, Morocco did not offer him an immediate opportunity with the senior squad.
Algeria, on the other hand, showed direct interest and integrated him into the senior national team without delay.
This immediate pathway into top-level international football was a decisive factor. According to L’Équipe journalist Hervé Penot, the assurance of a place in Algeria’s squad significantly influenced Bennacer’s choice, as it provided a clear route for his development on the international stage.
Christian Gourcuff’s Influence
A crucial figure in Bennacer’s decision was Christian Gourcuff, Algeria’s former head coach. Gourcuff played a key role in persuading the midfielder to commit to the Algerian national team, offering him a significant role within the squad.
Sports journalist Nabil Djellit has also highlighted the contributions of other influential figures, such as former Algerian captain Yazid Mansouri, in convincing Bennacer that Algeria was the best choice for his international career.
A Strategic Move That Paid Off
While some saw Bennacer’s decision as purely emotional, it was, in reality, a calculated career move.
By choosing Algeria, he secured a faster route to senior international football, allowing him to develop his skills at the highest level.
Now a key figure in the Algerian squad, Bennacer has justified his decision with standout performances on the international stage.
His career continues to flourish, proving that his choice to represent Algeria was not only heartfelt but also strategically astute.
