What does Karim Benzema's wearing Alegrian Jersey mean?

Former Ballon d'Or winner and Real Madrid skipper, Karim Benzema is making headlines for a shocking reason. On Tuesday, he shared a photo on Instagram proudly showing the jersey of the Algerian national team, a gift he received from the Fennecs last June. This gesture has resonated with many fans on social media, who are interpreting it as a sign of his departure to the African nation.

Is Benzema heading to the African nation? 

The unveiling of Benzema in the Algerian jersey carries a deep meaning. As a player of Algerian descent through his parents, he has consistently expressed pride in his heritage. Last June, during a trip to Algeria, he took the opportunity to meet the national team ahead of their match against Guinea in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. During his visit, the Algerian national team gifted him a jersey featuring his name and his iconic shirt number '9'.

By displaying the jersey on Instagram, Benzema made a clear statement about his origins and the community he represents. This action quickly garnered thousands of reactions, igniting a wave of pride from the Algerian diaspora and sparking intense discussions on social media about identity and roots.

Benzema, since joining Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, has shown that he hasn’t lost a step. With a remarkable tally of 10 goals in just 11 matches this season, he is not merely a key player; he is the main man of his team's dominance in the Saudi league.

Meanwhile, the Algerian national team is in a period of undeniable strength. With three victories out of four matches, they are firmly in first place in their group for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Additionally, Algeria has secured its spot in the 2025 tournament, set to take place in Morocco.

A Moment of Delight for Alegrian Fans 

For Algerian fans, witnessing a legend like Karim Benzema wearing their jersey ignites a sense of motivation and pride. 

On X, fans are decisively advocating for the dream of a meaningful collaboration between Benzema and Algeria, while others commend his unwavering respect for his roots.