A Pillar of the Fennecs
At 32 years old, Bougherra bows out after more than a decade of loyal service, having captained Algeria and served as a defensive cornerstone in some of the national team’s greatest moments.
He revealed he will play one final farewell match in a friendly scheduled for March 2015, allowing fans and teammates a proper sendoff.
Career Highlights with Algeria
First match (2003): Remembered fondly for assisting Antar Yahia during a youth game.
“Oum Derman” Battle (2009): Iconic World Cup playoff win against Egypt in Sudan.
CAN 2010: Dramatic quarter-final victory over Ivory Coast, where Bougherra scored a memorable header.
Emotional Farewell
Fans flooded social media to pay tribute to their captain. One tweet read:
“It was your last match El Padre. Bougherra, we love you and we won’t forget you – the ‘Tonton’ of the Fennecs since the beginning.”
— @notyouratay
Legacy
Bougherra leaves behind a legacy of leadership, passion, and grit. As Algeria enters a new chapter, his contribution will continue to inspire generations of defenders.
Thank you, El Capitano. 🇩🇿🦊