Bild criticises Algerian star Mohamed Amine Amoura after difficult Wolfsburg season

Mohamed Amine Amoura has come under intense criticism in Germany after a difficult season with VfL Wolfsburg, as the club prepares for crucial Bundesliga relegation playoffs against SC Paderborn.

The 2025-26 campaign has proven challenging for both player and club, with Wolfsburg struggling near the bottom of the Bundesliga standings and eventually being forced into the relegation-promotion playoff.

Amoura’s performances have also fallen below expectations following an impressive first season in Germany.

The Algerian forward finished the campaign with eight goals and four assists in 31 appearances, a noticeable decline from the previous season when he contributed 10 goals and 12 assists across 34 matches.

His form, combined with periods of inconsistency and reported disciplinary concerns, attracted strong criticism from German newspaper Bild.

According to the publication, Amoura has experienced difficulties not only on the pitch but also mentally throughout the season.

The report stated that the player was sidelined from the squad on several occasions, including for the important match against Bayern Munich on May 9.

Amoura had been strongly linked with a move to Benfica last summer but ultimately remained at Wolfsburg. Expectations were high that he would continue progressing after a successful debut campaign, yet the anticipated breakthrough never fully arrived.

While the forward showed promising form during the first half of the season, particularly with the Algerian national team during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, his performances later declined as Wolfsburg’s season deteriorated.

Bild delivered a particularly severe assessment of the player’s campaign, writing that Amoura had “gone from a rising star to the team’s biggest stubborn mule and a liability,” while also claiming that “he has been suspended several times.”

Despite the criticism, the upcoming playoff matches against Paderborn could still offer the Algerian an opportunity to change perceptions before joining the national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

The two decisive fixtures, scheduled for the 21st and 25th of this month, are expected to play a major role in determining both Wolfsburg’s future and Amoura’s standing at the club.

His performances could also be closely monitored by Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic, particularly regarding the player’s mental and emotional condition following a demanding campaign.

For Amoura, the playoffs now represent more than just a fight for survival with Wolfsburg. They may also become his final opportunity to rebuild confidence after one of the most difficult periods of his career.