Algerian football is in mourning following the passing of former national team striker Djamel Menad at the age of 64. His former club, JS Kabylie, confirmed the heartbreaking news on Saturday.
Menad, a key figure in Algeria’s football history, had been battling a severe illness for the past two months. His health deteriorated rapidly, leading to his hospitalization in Algiers on March 14 after undergoing treatment in Brussels.
Born on July 22, 1960, in El Bayadh, Menad was a force to be reckoned with on the pitch. He earned 79 caps for the Algerian national team, scoring 25 goals over a distinguished 15-year international career. His outstanding performances were instrumental in Algeria’s qualification for the 1986 FIFA World Cup, earning him the prestigious title of Algerian Sportsman of the Year in 1985.
Menad also shone in the 1990 Africa Cup of Nations, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with four goals in five games as Algeria lifted the trophy on home soil.
At the club level, he made his mark with Algerian giants JS Kabylie, CR Belouizdad, and USM Alger, while also showcasing his talent in Europe with stints at Nîmes (France), Famalicão, and Belenenses (Portugal).
After hanging up his boots, Menad transitioned into coaching and later took on the role of Sporting Director at JS Kabylie.
His legacy as a football legend and national hero will forever be remembered in Algerian football history.
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