Andy Delort, the 29-year-old Montpellier striker, has officially chosen to represent Algeria at international level, following a previous stint with France at the under-21 level. The decision reflects his deep personal connection to the North African country, as both his mother and grandparents are Algerian. Delort’s switch in sporting nationality marks a major step in his career and opens the door for potential inclusion in the Algerian national team, the Fennecs, for upcoming competitions.
Delort first announced his choice some time ago, but on Monday, he elaborated on his motivations during the RMC radio show Le Vestiaire. He explained that the decision was a thoughtful one, made in consultation with his family, and rooted in pride for his heritage. “My mother is Algerian, and so are my grandfather and great-grandfather. I discussed it with my family and that’s when I made my decision. I chose it and I’m proud,” he said. When asked about participating in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Delort emphasized his enthusiasm while also displaying patience: “The AFCON appeals to me, yes. If I can play in it, I’ll be the happiest man alive. But if I have to wait, I’ll wait. It will come later.”
Having recently obtained his Algerian passport, Delort is now formally eligible for selection by Djamel Belmadi, the national team coach. His performances with Montpellier this season make him a strong candidate: he scored 14 goals and contributed 7 assists in 35 Ligue 1 matches, making him the league’s fourth-highest scorer. His combination of goal-scoring ability, playmaking skills, and experience in French top-flight football positions him as a potential asset for Algeria.
Despite his clear commitment and impressive statistics, Delort’s participation in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt is not yet confirmed. Coach Belmadi, in a recent interview with BeIN SPORTS, acknowledged the striker’s attachment to Algeria and stated that it would be taken into account during squad selection. However, no guarantees were made regarding Delort’s inclusion, as the coach balances team strategy, player form, and squad dynamics in finalizing his roster.
Delort’s decision highlights both a personal and professional milestone. On a personal level, it allows him to honor his family roots and play for the country that shaped his identity. Professionally, it offers an opportunity to compete on the continental stage and potentially feature in major tournaments such as the AFCON, where he could make an immediate impact given his proven scoring record.
In conclusion, Andy Delort’s switch to Algeria represents a blending of heritage, ambition, and timing. With his new citizenship in hand and a strong Ligue 1 season behind him, he is now in the mix for national team selection. While a call-up to the 2019 AFCON squad is not yet confirmed, Delort’s enthusiasm and performance have made it clear: representing Algeria is both a personal honor and a professional goal he is ready to pursue. Fans of the Fennecs now have a talented and motivated striker to watch in the coming months.
