Rising star Enzo Sternal: The young talent caught between France and Algeria
The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has embarked on a mission to attract new binational talent, and their latest target is a promising young player from Olympique de Marseille. Enzo Sternal, a 16-year-old Franco-Algerian striker, is already making waves in the football world despite his youth.
Enzo Sternal, under contract with OM until June 2025, is being hailed as one of the most promising talents to emerge from the club’s training center since Samir Nasri.
The young forward, who joined Marseille at the age of 15, has had an outstanding season, scoring 15 goals and providing 13 assists in 21 appearances in the French National U19 championship.
His performances have not only impressed his club but also caught the attention of the FAF, who are eager to bring him into the fold of the Algerian national team.
Currently a member of the French U17 team, Sternal’s eligibility to play for Algeria comes through his mother, who hails from Mila, Algeria.
According to La Gazette du Fennec, the FAF has already reached out to Sternal’s parents, expressing their interest in having him represent Algeria.
While Sternal has reportedly shown some interest in playing for Algeria, it remains uncertain whether he will make the switch from the French national team.
Sternal’s journey has not been without controversy. In August 2023, he made headlines while playing for the France U16 team. After scoring a goal, he celebrated by revealing a message written on his underwear that read “Allah is Great.”
🇫🇷 Vraiment, Enzo Sternal (2007 • OM) confirme week-end après week-end qu’il a un énorme potentiel.
Hâte de le voir en finale de Gambardella et encore plus la saison prochaine en pro ! pic.twitter.com/ugVs7sCGkz pic.twitter.com/qqCKDqxX1n
— EspoirsduFootball (@EspoirsduFoot) May 4, 2024
This act led to his exclusion from the team by the French Football Federation (FFF), though the planned sanctions were eventually canceled following protests from his family and lawyer.
Despite this incident, Sternal has continued to excel, standing out as one of the best players of his generation. He is poised to be a star in the upcoming Euro U17 tournament in England, showcasing his talents on a bigger stage.
Known for his dynamic and creative style of play, Sternal can operate as both a forward and a winger, adept at slipping past defenders with ease.
He has already had the opportunity to train with the OM first team and is expected to make his Ligue 1 debut next season.
With Marseille not competing in the European Cup, Sternal will need to work hard to secure playing time and establish himself among the club’s senior ranks.
As Sternal’s career continues to ascend, the decision of whether to represent France or Algeria at the highest international level remains a significant one.
Both nations recognize his potential and will be keenly watching his development, hopeful that he will choose to don their colors in future competitions.
