Brahim Hemdani is the new coach of the Algeria national team.

Following the Federal Bureau meeting in September, the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) made a decision: Brahim Hemdani will lead the technical direction of the senior national team for the upcoming competitions.

This announcement was made official on Saturday during the FAF Federal Bureau meeting held at the National Technical Center (CTN) in Sidi Moussa.

As part of this restructuring of the technical and administrative staff of the first team, former international Antar Yahia has been appointed assistant coach, while Moussa Saïb will take on the role of general manager.

Additionally, regarding the youth selections, the FAF has appointed Hocine El Orfi to lead the under-20 national team (U20) to continue developing the base and preparing for upcoming competitions.

Mediterranean gold to the bench of the Greens: who is Brahim Hemdani?

Just a few days ago, Brahim Hemdani was celebrating a memorable victory with his players: a gold medal bravely won at the Mediterranean Games in Taranto, Italy.

Today, the former Algerian international, thrust into the spotlight, faces the biggest challenge of his coaching career. By succeeding Swiss coach Vladimir Petković, he takes charge of a national team in search of renewal.

🟢 ALSO READ: Kaylia Nemour wins a 3rd gold medal: Algeria makes an impression at the JM 2026 this Wednesday

This is a rapid rise for a coach whose name was rarely mentioned in discussions of national football just a few months ago.

From Paris to European heights

Born on March 15, 1978, in Colombes, France, Brahim Hemdani built a solid reputation as a defensive midfielder, known for his resilience, discipline, and impeccable tactics.

Trained at Cannes and later at Strasbourg, he achieved his greatest successes at Olympique de Marseille, where he wrote the most beautiful chapters of his career.

Between 2001 and 2005, he established himself as a key player for the Marseille club, becoming captain and reaching the UEFA Cup final in 2004.

He then confirmed his status by joining the Glasgow Rangers in Scotland, where he played for four seasons and reached a second European final in 2008.

A brief stint with the national team, a return through the front door

Although his club career was rich, his time with the national team as a player was relatively short, with a limited number of caps before his professional retirement in 2009.

🟢 ALSO READ: End of the Mediterranean Games Taranto 2026: what ranking for Algeria?

However, his story with the Greens did not end there. He returned as a coach, methodically integrating into the project of rebuilding the national teams.

Learning in the shadows

Away from the media spotlight, Hemdani chose a rigorous learning path. After hanging up his boots, he started as an assistant coach in southern France, then took charge of teams in the Paris region before climbing the ranks at Marignane Gignac FC. This behind-the-scenes work allowed him to gain solid experience on the field.

The breakthrough with youth teams

In July 2026, the FAF entrusted him with the under-20 national team (U20). It didn't take long for his tactical touch to yield results.

During the Mediterranean Games in Taranto, he guided the young Fennecs to a perfect run, culminating in a gold medal, ending 51 years of Algerian drought in this competition.

This significant title acted as a true catalyst. Within days, the U20 coach became the obvious candidate to take charge of the first team.

Holding the UEFA Pro license, essential to operate at the highest continental level, he became a clear choice for the decision-makers in Sidi Moussa.

Today, a new era begins for Brahim Hemdani. The position of head coach of the Algerian national team is unique: subjected to constant public and media pressure, it demands immediate results at the highest level.