Yassine Benzia: From Algerian heroics to Azerbaijan glory

Yassine Benzia is undoubtedly enjoying a remarkable week, crowned by a series of exceptional achievements both on the international stage and at the club level.Following his stunning comeback performance with the Algerian national team, where he secured a memorable double against South Africa in a thrilling 3-3 draw, Benzia continued his winning streak by clinching the Azerbaijan championship title with his club, Qarabag, in style.

In a resounding victory over Kapaz PFC, with a commanding 6-1 scoreline, Benzia played a pivotal role in securing Qarabag’s consecutive championship triumph.

While his contribution to the team last season was limited due to joining the club late in the season, this year, the former Olympique Lyonnais player showcased his full potential, tallying an impressive 14 goals and 10 assists across all competitions.

Benzia’s stellar performances not only earned him a triumphant return to the Algerian national team after a five-year absence but also raised speculation about his future career prospects.

Despite facing setbacks earlier in his career, including a notable departure for Fenerbahce at a relatively young age and a challenging recovery from a buggy accident in 2020, the 29-year-old has emerged as a mature and impactful player.

With his contract extending until 2025 with Qarabag, Benzia’s future remains uncertain. While the allure of returning to a top-tier championship may beckon, his successful stint in Europe with the Azerbaijani club, marked by a notable Europa League campaign, suggests a possible extension of his current tenure.

Looking ahead, Benzia is expected to continue his stellar form as he gears up to represent Algeria in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Guinea and Uganda in June.

As the Fennecs aim to secure their spot in the 2026 World Cup, Benzia’s resurgence provides a significant boost to their aspirations on the international stage.