Oussama Benbot crowned Algeria’s best goalkeeper after outstanding season with USM Alger

Oussama Benbot has been rewarded for an exceptional campaign with USM Alger after being named the best goalkeeper in the Algerian league for 2026 by DZ Match, finishing ahead of fellow goalkeepers Gaya Merbah and Farid Chaal.

The award comes after a season in which the 31-year-old established himself as one of the most consistent performers in Algerian football.

Reliable in domestic competition and influential in continental matches, Benbot played a central role in USM Alger’s success throughout the campaign.

His performances repeatedly proved decisive in key moments, with the goalkeeper producing important saves that helped keep his side competitive in several major fixtures.

Calm under pressure and commanding inside the penalty area, he became one of the leading figures of the club’s season.

The recognition has been widely viewed as a reflection of his impact over recent months.

Benbot’s consistency allowed him to stand out among the league’s top goalkeepers, eventually earning him the individual honour ahead of strong competition from Merbah and Chaal.

USM Alger also benefited from his experience during their successful Algerian Cup campaign.

Benbot delivered several important performances during the tournament and played a major role in helping the club overcome difficult moments on their way to lifting the trophy against CR Belouizdad.

Throughout the season, his composure became one of the defining features of his game.

In tense matches, especially during knockout fixtures, he provided reassurance to his defenders while also demonstrating leadership across the team.

The goalkeeper’s influence was not limited to domestic football alone.

In African competition, Benbot again showed his value with a series of solid displays that reinforced his reputation as one of the most dependable goalkeepers in Algeria.

For years, he had been regarded as one of the league’s most reliable players in his position, but this latest distinction now confirms his rise to another level.

The award also arrives at a particularly important moment in his career, especially regarding his international future with Algeria.

After the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations held in January, Benbot surprised many observers when he announced his intention to step away from international football.

At the time, the decision generated considerable debate because of the goalkeeper’s form and experience.

Many believed he still had an important role to play for Algeria, particularly with the 2026 World Cup approaching.

His performances for USM Alger since then have only strengthened those arguments.

In recent weeks, however, the goalkeeper has appeared to reconsider his international future.

Speaking after receiving the award, Benbot made it clear that he is now fully prepared to return to the national team setup.

“I am 100% ready to join the national team.”

That statement is likely to attract attention from Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic as preparations continue for the World Cup, which begins in just a month.

Competition for places in the Algeria squad remains intense, especially in the goalkeeping department, but Benbot’s recent form has strengthened his case considerably.

His experience, leadership and ability to perform in high-pressure situations could provide valuable depth for the national side.

The timing of the award also adds further weight to his return ambitions.

Individual honours often reflect long-term consistency, and Benbot’s performances across the season have placed him among the most respected players in the Algerian championship.

At 31, he combines experience with confidence and arrives at a stage of his career where he appears fully established both mentally and technically.

That maturity has been visible in his displays for USM Alger throughout the year.

While attention now turns toward Algeria’s preparations for the World Cup, Benbot’s latest achievement serves as recognition of a season built on discipline, consistency and decisive performances.

His campaign with USM Alger has not only brought collective success for the club, but also personal recognition that could reopen the door to the international stage.

For Benbot, the award marks another important chapter in a career that continues to gather momentum at a crucial moment for both club and country.