Despite the much less stellar period in terms of sporting performances, Algeria is still capable of selecting gems. Besides Mohammed Amoura, Ibrahim Maza and Anis Hadj-Moussa, one name is starting to make its mark in defense: Rafik Belghali. Summoned for the first time during the October rally, the 23-year-old right defender quickly established himself in the Greens’ eleven. With Youcef Atal in decline and in fragile health, the native of Louvain seemed obvious. However, his arrival in the selection was slow to happen. Ardently coveted by Belgium, his native country, the person concerned has always wanted to represent the Fennecs.
Despite two good seasons between 2023 and 2025 in Mechelen, the right defender ultimately needed a transfer to Serie A and Hellas Verona to explode in the eyes of Vladimir Petkovic. Unbreakable as a right piston, the number 7 of the Verona club has only been a substitute three times during his fifteen appearances in the league this season. In addition to this reliability, Belghali shines: combining speed and technical quality, he poses a lot of problems for his opponents with his dazzling attacks and already has two goals this season in Serie A. Defensively, he is also endowed with certain qualities and Italian football increasingly allows him to overcome certain tactical deficiencies. An effective mix which allows the Algerian international (4 caps) to make a name for himself on the other side of the Alps.
Belghali, Algeria’s X factor at CAN 2025?
For a 23-year-old player, this progression is interesting and catches the eye of many top transalpine players. According to several Italian sources, Inter Milan, Juventus Turin and even AS Roma are watching him closely. Having spent a season with PSV Eindhoven during his training, Belghali has the shoulders and is formatted to play in a big club. Recruited for only two million euros last summer, the Algerian is estimated at fifteen million euros by his managers. In an interview with the Italian press, Italo Zanzi, the president of Hellas, put barbed wire around his player: “the transfer window should not create agitation. That’s not the right term. In each transfer period, Verona seeks above all to improve. If we didn’t have players wanted by other clubs, it would be a problem. When players generate interest, it means they are good.
To increase this value, Belghali would be inspired to achieve a beautiful CAN. Holder at the last two gatherings, Belghali has won over the Algerian people. Technically in tune with his teammates, the 23-year-old has no real competition in his position. With a Youcef Atal less and less sharp and a Samir Chergui who could help out more in the center or in a three-way defense, Belghali has everything to be one of the revelations of this CAN 2025. One thing is certain, Algeria will need its performances like its start to the season in Italy to hope to win a third star in Morocco.
