CAN 2025 – Algeria: Oussama Benbot ends his international career (official)
The decision of Oussama Benbot has shocked the Algerian football scene. Demoted to third-choice goalkeeper behind Luca Zidane and Antonio MandreaThe international goalkeeper has officially announced his retirement from the national team through a press release. It’s a bold and decisive move, coming just six months before the 2026 World Cup, especially as he was tipped to make the final team.
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This decision comes in a unique context, marked by his descent in the pecking order among goalkeepers, now dominated by Luca Zidane and Antonio Mandrea. It is a demotion that contrasts sharply with previous expectations for Benbot, who was once considered a serious contender for the starting job before Zidane’s arrival.
Without delving into the player’s personal motivations, this withdrawal revives the current debate about the role of national players in the national team. It is a sensitive issue, which goes beyond the Benbot case and raises questions about the balance within the team led by Vladimir Petkovic.