Algerian · Algiers, Algeria · Born 18 June 1988Prolific Algerian striker whose goalscoring across the Premier League, La Liga and Serie A established him as one of Africa's finest forwards.
Islam Slimani was born in Algiers, Algeria on 18 June 1988. A technically skilled, powerful striker with excellent hold-up play and finishing instincts, Slimani came through CR Belouizdad in Algeria before moving to Sporting CP in Portugal. His outstanding performances there — particularly in the UEFA Champions League — earned a £29.7m move to Leicester City in 2016, making him the most expensive Algerian footballer in history at the time. At Leicester he contributed goals, but his Premier League career was disrupted by loans to Newcastle, Monaco, Fenerbahçe, Aston Villa and Lyon. He later played in Greece. For Algeria he earned over 70 caps and was the nation's all-time leading scorer with 42 goals, helping them win the AFCON in 2019. He appeared at the 2014 and 2019 World Cup qualifying campaigns.
Algeria's all-time leading goalscorer
With 42 goals, he became Algeria's all-time leading scorer, surpassing Lakhdar Belloumi's long-standing record and cementing his status as the country's most prolific international striker.
Did You Know?How They Played
Physical target man with strong aerial ability and clinical finishing
Lasting Impact
Slimani's success in European leagues helped raise the profile of Algerian football and inspired a generation of North African players to pursue careers abroad.
Career Honours
- AFCON 2019
- Primeira Liga 2015 (Sporting CP)
- Primeira Liga 2015
| Club | Period | Fee | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CR Belouizdad | 2010–2013 | — | — | 15 | #9 |
| Fenerbahçe | 2019–2021 | — | 110 | 27 | #9 |
| Leicester City | 2016–2021 | — | 92 | 22 | #9 |
| Monaco | 2018–2019 | — | 85 | 18 | #9 |
| JSM Chéraga | 2009–2010 | — | 0 | 0 | — |
| Sporting CP | 2013–2016 | — | 111 | 57 | — |
| Newcastle United | 2021–2022 | loan | 20 | 4 | — |
| Brest | 2022–2024 | — | 54 | 12 | — |
 Algeria | — | — | 103 | 43 | — |
Algerian Athletes