Islam Slimani

Islam Slimani (Arabic: إِسْلَام سُلَيْمَانِيّ; born 18 June 1988) is an Algerian professional footballer who plays as a striker for Belgian Pro League club Westerlo on loan from CR Belouizdad in the Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 1, and the Algeria national team.

Slimani began his career in his homeland with JSM Chéraga and CR Belouizdad. In 2013, he moved to Europe, signing for Sporting CP. He played and scored regularly during his three seasons in Portugal, helping his team win the Taça de Portugal in 2015. In 2016, Slimani was transferred to Leicester for a club record £28 million fee.

An Algerian international, Slimani made his international debut in 2012 and played at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2021 and 2023, and was also a part of the Algeria side that won the 2019 tournament. He was additionally part of Algeria's squad at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, where he finished as the team's joint top scorer with two goals. As of January 2024, he has won over 100 international caps and scored 45 goals, making him Algeria's highest all-time goalscorer.