Yacine Adli’s hopes of representing the Algerian national team appear to have come to an irrevocable end after recent statements and actions left a permanent mark on his relationship with the Algerian Football Federation (FAF).
The 24-year-old midfielder, currently on loan at Fiorentina from AC Milan, has officially closed the door to international football with Algeria after opting to pursue his career with France, the country of his birth.
Adli, a product of Paris Saint-Germain’s youth system, previously played for Bordeaux before making his move to Italy.
While his club performances have been solid, including a key role in Milan’s midfield during the 2023-2024 season, it was his international future that sparked widespread debate.
Born in Vitry-sur-Seine to Algerian parents, Adli had long been eligible to play for Algeria, but it was his decision to represent France that ignited a storm of controversy.
In March 2024, Adli made it clear that he intended to pursue his international career with France, explaining his ambition to play at the highest level, a sentiment that many interpreted as a slight to the Algerian national team.
“As a player, I want to play at the highest level possible. My goal is to play for France,” Adli stated, a remark that was seen by many as dismissive of Algeria’s footballing stature.
His comments quickly became a source of contention, deeply upsetting Algerian football fans and officials alike.
The controversy deepened when Adli, despite his strong club performances, was left out of France’s Euro 2024 squad by Didier Deschamps, the French national team coach.
The exclusion led to further frustration from Adli, who responded by saying, “There’s no point in telling me whether the doors to the national team are open to me or not.
With my statements, they’ve been closed no matter what.”
This marked a turning point in Adli’s relationship with Algeria. Initially, the player had shown some inclination toward representing the Fennecs, particularly under the guidance of former Bordeaux manager Vladimir Petkovic, who had worked with him during his time in Ligue 1.
However, Petkovic, now the head coach of the Algerian national team, reportedly changed his mind about calling up Adli following his controversial statements and his public criticism of Algeria’s approach to dual-national players.
The final blow came last October when Adli criticized Algeria’s handling of players with dual nationality, further distancing himself from the national team.
His comments seemed to exacerbate tensions, especially with Walid Sadi, the president of the FAF, who reportedly became resolute in his decision to exclude the midfielder from any future national team call-ups.
According to journalist Jugurtha Ibersiene, this stance will remain in place even if Adli were to achieve great success on the international stage, with the Algerian federation now firmly committed to moving forward without him.
In an attempt to mend the situation, Adli later issued an apology to Algeria, clarifying that his comments had been misunderstood. “I have a lot of respect and esteem for Algeria.
When I said, ‘I want to play at the highest level,’ people understood it as if I was denigrating Algeria, and that it was not the highest level.
But no, for me, the French team is the holy grail in my career, but that does not mean that Algeria is not the highest level,” he explained.
“If people took it badly, I apologize. I am one of the first supporters of Algeria,” he added, hoping to repair the damage caused by his earlier words.
Despite Adli’s attempts at reconciliation, the Algerian federation’s stance appears unwavering. Walid Sadi, who has taken a firm position on the matter, is unlikely to reconsider the decision to permanently exclude Adli from the national team.
For Adli, the dream of representing Algeria has now been replaced by his pursuit of success with France, leaving a chapter of his international career closed for good.
As the 2024-2025 season progresses, Adli’s focus remains on his club career, where he continues to fight for a spot in Fiorentina’s starting lineup.
However, his international future, which once seemed full of promise, is now firmly aligned with France, as the young midfielder faces the consequences of his earlier decisions.
EXCLUSIVITÉ : Les portes de la sélection se referment à jamais sur Yacine Adli
Walid Sadi, a pris une décision irrévocable : Yacine Adli, ne portera jamais le maillot des Fennecs. cette position demeurerait inchangée, même si le joueur venait à atteindre les sommets du football . pic.twitter.com/g0QaqPv9Ux— JUG IBER (@IbersieneJugur2) April 25, 2025
