Ismaël Bennacer recalls Djamel Belmadi’s defining words ahead of Algeria’s continental return

Algeria head into the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco seeking to reconnect with a sense of belief that has eluded them since their triumph in 2019, and Ismaël Bennacer has offered a revealing insight into the mindset that carried the Fennecs to glory six years ago.

The reigning African champions of that era have struggled to rediscover their authority on the continental stage.

Since lifting the trophy in Egypt, Algeria have failed to progress beyond the group phase, finishing fourth in their section at both the 2021 and 2023 tournaments.

With expectations once again high ahead of the 2025 edition, memories of past success are being revisited as a source of inspiration.

Central to that historic run was head coach Djamel Belmadi, whose leadership style, discipline and motivational clarity defined the team’s identity.

Speaking days before the new campaign begins, Bennacer reflected on the approach adopted by Belmadi in 2019, particularly the message delivered before the final against Senegal.

He told us, brothers, what you are going to experience today, you may never experience again in your career. If there is one day you must not miss, it is today, confides the AC Milan midfielder, currently on loan at Dinamo Zagreb.

The words, Bennacer explained, carried a weight that transcended tactics or team talks.

Belmadi’s strength lay not only in addressing the group collectively but also in connecting with players on an individual level, tailoring his message to their circumstances and careers.

Recalling that moment, Bennacer added how the coach singled him out with a reminder of the fleeting nature of such occasions.

Isma, you are 21 years old. Maybe you will never experience another AFCON final, recalled the best player of the 2019 AFCON.

The impact was immediate and profound.

According to Bennacer, the dressing room atmosphere shifted entirely once Belmadi had finished speaking.

We didn’t even need to talk amongst ourselves anymore, he said, underlining how the coach’s words forged a shared determination before a ball had even been kicked.

That unity translated into success on the pitch.

Algeria secured the title with a narrow victory, decided by Baghdad Bounedjah’s early strike in just the second minute of the final.

The goal proved enough to crown a campaign built on collective belief, defensive solidity and unwavering focus.

As Algeria prepare for another attempt to assert themselves among Africa’s elite, the contrast with recent tournaments is stark.

Early exits have raised questions about consistency and mentality, despite a squad rich in experience and talent.

For many within the group, the lessons of 2019 remain a benchmark rather than a distant memory.

Bennacer’s reflections serve as a reminder that Algeria’s past success was shaped as much by leadership and mindset as by technical quality.

With Belmadi still at the helm, the challenge in Morocco will be to rekindle that same hunger and discipline, and to turn memories of past glory into renewed ambition on the continental stage.