Le Havre defender Yanis Zouaoui has openly expressed his ambition to represent Algeria on the international stage, fueled by his impressive performances in the French Ligue 1 this season. The 27-year-old left-back has become a key player for the historic French club, exceeding expectations since the start of the campaign.
In an interview with the official Ligue 1 website, Zouaoui emphasized his strong connection to Algeria, stating that he regularly follows the national team’s matches and feels a deep sense of belonging to his country of origin. This connection, he explained, makes the prospect of playing for Les Fennecs (The Desert Foxes) an appealing one.
Zouaoui didn’t shy away from revealing his dream of earning a call-up to the national team and potentially participating in the 2026 World Cup. He believes that playing at a high level in one of Europe’s top leagues gives him hope of catching the eye of the Algerian national team’s coaching staff, even if that dream remains in the background for now.
“Ultimately, the responsibility lies with me,” Zouaoui stated. “Continuing to work hard and improve my performance is the only way to showcase my abilities and attract the attention of the Algerian national team’s technical staff, especially given the intense competition for places.”
While Zouaoui’s ambition is clear, breaking into the national team won’t be easy. The left-back position is currently well-stocked with talented players, including Rayan Aït-Nouri and Jaouen Hadjam, both of whom appear to have the full confidence of coach Vladimir Petković.
Despite the competition, Zouaoui’s consistent performances this season speak for themselves. He has featured in 15 Ligue 1 matches, primarily as a starter, and has provided one assist, demonstrating his importance to the Le Havre squad and marking a new chapter in his professional career. He will need to continue this form to force his way into Petkovic’s plans.
DZWatch Analysis: Zouaoui’s open desire to play for Algeria is a positive sign. However, he faces a tough battle to displace the current incumbents in the left-back role. His continued strong performances in Ligue 1 will be crucial in convincing the national team selectors of his capabilities.
