Mahrez and Ben Nasser lead list of Algeria stars without clubs

Several Algerian football stars find themselves in an unusual situation as the 2026-2027 sporting season kicks off, having found themselves without clubs despite their illustrious careers filled with titles and experiences in the top European and Arab leagues.

The list of Algerian players who have not yet decided on their new destinations includes prominent names such as Riyad Mahrez and Ismaël Bennacer, alongside a group of others awaiting suitable offers, amid stalled negotiations and the impact of injuries or unresolved future options.

Ismaël Bennacer, 28, is among the notable names available after his time with AC Milan, having also played for clubs like Olympique Marseille and Dinamo Zagreb, as well as earning 56 caps for the Algerian national team. The midfielder has been linked with Qatari clubs, notably Al-Gharafa and Al-Khor, but his situation remains unresolved.

Riyad Mahrez is looking for a new club after his stint with Al Ahly FC, where he won two titles in the AFC Champions League Elite. Mahrez ended his international career with Algeria following the FIFA World Cup 2026, having played 119 matches and scored 40 goals, while he has been linked with several clubs, including Al-Qadisiyah and Al-Shabab in Saudi Arabia, Al-Wahda and Al-Wasl in the UAE, Olympique Marseille in France, and Deportivo La Coruña in Spain.

Among other names, Youssef Attal has become a free agent since July 2026 after two years with Al-Sadd, amid concerns about his future due to recurring injuries. Meanwhile, Yassine Benzia is searching for a new team after the end of his experience with Al-Fayha FC, following a failed transfer to MC Algiers and his name being linked with a potential move to Maribor. As for Sofiane Hanni, 35 years old, he has not yet decided on his destination after leaving Al-Khor, with speculation about the possibility of his retirement.

The list of Algerians still without clubs also includes Rachid Ghezzal, Ibrahim Ben Zaza, Ryad Boudebouz, Yannis Hamache, and Ibrahim Hachoud, as these names await clarity on their futures in the coming period, whether through offers from Arab or European clubs, in order to return to competition at the start of the new season.