Islam Slimani

Islam Slimani
Born	(1988-06-18) June 18, 1988 Algeria
Occupation	Professional footballer
Years active	2009–present
Known for	Striker for CFR Cluj and Algeria national team

Islam Slimani (; born 18 June 1988) is a professional Algerian football player who occupies the position of striker for the Romanian Liga I side CFR Cluj.

Slimani started his football journey in Algeria, featuring for JSM Chéraga before moving to CR Belouizdad. His European career commenced in 2013 when he joined Sporting CP, where over three seasons he consistently found the net and contributed to the club's 2015 Taça de Portugal triumph. In 2016, Slimani became Leicester City's record signing at £28 million. After a year and a half, he experienced multiple loan spells at Newcastle United, Fenerbahçe, and Monaco.

In 2021, Slimani signed for Lyon. He had a brief return to Sporting CP in 2022, followed by short-term engagements with Brest, Anderlecht, Coritiba, and Mechelen. In 2024, he rejoined CR Belouizdad and was subsequently loaned out to Westerlo in 2025.

On the international stage, Slimani made his Algeria debut in 2012 and has competed in several Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, including the victorious 2019 edition. He was also selected for the 2014 FIFA World Cup squad, finishing as joint top scorer with two goals. As of January 2024, he has accumulated over 100 appearances and scored 45 goals for Algeria, establishing himself as the nation's highest goal scorer ever.

Early career

Slimani joined CR Belouizdad from JSM Chéraga in May 2009 for a fee of 800,000 Algerian dinars, agreeing to a two-year deal. He made his first appearance in August during the opening match of the 2009–10 Algerian Championnat National season against MC Oran, concluding his debut campaign with eight goals from 30 matches.

On 17 May 2011, he notably scored four times in a commanding 7–1 league win over JS Kabylie. Despite interest from French clubs such as Nice and Le Havre, Slimani chose to renew his contract with CR Belouizdad for an additional two years in July 2011.

2013–14 season

Slimani signed for Sporting CP on 6 August 2013 for an undisclosed transfer fee. Initially deployed mainly as a substitute, he earned a starting role following underwhelming performances from Fredy Montero. During early March 2014, Slimani scored four goals across four consecutive matches against opponents including Rio Ave, Braga, Vitória de Setúbal, and rivals Porto. In December of that year, he received the Algerian Golden Ball award recognizing him as the best Algerian footballer of the year.

2014–15 season

In his sophomore season at Sporting CP, Slimani became an indispensable figure. He opened his scoring account with a goal in the Lisbon derby that ended in a 1–1 draw away to Benfica. In European competition, he secured a last-minute goal against Schalke 04, ensuring a 4–2 victory at the Estádio José Alvalade. Sporting concluded the league campaign in third place but advanced to the final of the Taça de Portugal, where Slimani scored to help overturn a two-goal deficit and contributed to winning the trophy after a penalty shootout ended 3–1. He finished that season with a total of fifteen goals from thirty-three appearances, twelve of which came in league play.

2015–16 season

During the 2015–16 campaign, Slimani announced that it would be his final year with Sporting, with the objective of clinching the Primeira Liga title, which had eluded the club for 14 years. Under the guidance of coach Jorge Jesus, he played a pivotal role, opening the scoring in the Supertaça triumph against Benfica, earning his second trophy. Early in the season, he netted against Académica and achieved his inaugural Portuguese league hat-trick versus Vitória de Guimarães. A highlight included scoring twice past Porto’s goalkeeper Iker Casillas, instrumental in helping Sporting regain the league’s top position. He maintained a steady scoring run, including six goals across four consecutive fixtures against Vitória de Setúbal, Braga, Tondela, and Paços de Ferreira.

Ahead of a crucial derby clash with Benfica, Slimani faced allegations of assault but was ultimately cleared to participate. Despite Sporting suffering a 1–0 defeat and slipping to second place, Slimani soon reached his 20th goal of the season. He then added four more goals in later matches, notably scoring twice at Porto’s Estádio do Dragão. He completed the season with 27 league goals, ranking second behind top scorer Jonas, who tallied 32.

While Sporting sought to retain him for the following season, Slimani was determined to move on. On 28 August 2016, he featured in his final game for Sporting against Porto at Estádio José Alvalade, contributing a goal in a 2–1 victory.

2016–17 season

On 31 August 2016, Slimani transferred to Premier League champions Leicester City, signing a five-year deal for a club-record fee of £28 million from Sporting. His acquisition was secured ahead of interest from West Bromwich Albion.

He made his debut on 14 September in the UEFA Champions League, featuring for 62 minutes during a 3–0 win over Club Brugge. Just three days later, he marked his Premier League debut with two goals in a 3–0 victory against Burnley. On 27 September, Slimani scored the decisive goal in a 1–0 Champions League triumph over Porto, assisted by Riyad Mahrez. This goal represented his sixth against Iker Casillas during 2016, five of which were scored while at Sporting.

His subsequent league goal arrived on matchday 11 against West Brom, assisted by Mahrez; however, Leicester lost that match 2–1. On matchday 13, he secured a last-minute penalty to draw level against Middlesbrough. He then contributed two assists during an impressive 4–2 win over Manchester City on matchday 15. On 31 December, Slimani netted the winning goal versus West Ham United at King Power Stadium, delivering Leicester’s fifth Premier League victory of that season.

By January 2017, four out of his five league goals had come via headers, although his shot accuracy stood at just 38%. Following an injury sustained after returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, both his playing time and influence diminished; he managed only two additional goals that season against Sunderland and Everton. In the subsequent season's League Cup competition, he scored twice in a match against Sheffield United.

2017–18 season: Newcastle United (loan)

On 31 January 2018, Slimani secured a loan move to Newcastle United for the remainder of the season. His debut was postponed by a thigh injury, which kept him sidelined for two months. Upon returning, he played a crucial part in the decisive goal during a 1–0 triumph over Huddersfield Town, providing the assist to Ayoze Pérez. Later, on 15 April, he was instrumental in setting up the winning goal in a 2–1 victory against Arsenal, where his header led to Matt Ritchie scoring.

On 3 May, Slimani was handed a three-match suspension following an off-the-ball altercation with West Bromwich Albion defender Craig Dawson, effectively concluding his campaign at Newcastle.

Fenerbahçe (loan)

Slimani joined Turkish Süper Lig side Fenerbahçe on a season-long loan deal on 11 August 2018. He made his first appearance on 18 August, completing the full ninety minutes in a 1–0 defeat to Yeni Malatyaspor. His inaugural goal for Fenerbahçe came on 1 September 2018, scoring their second in a narrow 3–2 loss against Kayserispor.

Monaco (loan)

On 21 August 2019, Slimani was loaned to Ligue 1 outfit Monaco for one season. Despite registering nine goals and seven assists across 18 league fixtures before the premature end of the Ligue 1 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Monaco opted not to pursue a permanent transfer.

Lyon

Slimani signed with Ligue 1 club Lyon on 13 January 2021. He made his debut as a substitute on 18 January during a 0–1 loss to Metz. His first goal for Lyon arrived on 9 February in a commanding 5–1 victory over Ajaccio in the Coupe de France. He opened his league scoring account on 21 March in a 4–2 defeat against Paris Saint Germain. On 1 February 2022, both parties agreed to terminate his contract, rendering him a free agent.

Return to Sporting CP

Slimani promptly returned to Sporting CP by signing a contract lasting one and a half years. He reappeared on 6 February 2022 as a substitute in a 2–0 league win over Famalicão. His first goal after rejoining came on 26 February in an away draw of 1–1 with Marítimo, where he converted a cross from teammate Matheus Reis.

Brest

On 25 August 2022, Slimani committed to Ligue 1 club Brest.

Anderlecht

On 1 February 2023, Slimani signed with Belgian Pro League side Anderlecht, agreeing to remain until the conclusion of the 2022–23 season.

Coritiba

Brazilian team Coritiba announced Slimani’s acquisition on 20 August 2023, with a contract extending through December of 2024.

Mechelen

On 1 February 2024, Slimani joined Belgian club Mechelen, signing until the end of the ongoing 2023–24 campaign.

Return to CR Belouizdad

In September 2024, Slimani made his return to Algerian side CR Belouizdad.

Loan Move to Westerlo

On 16 January 2025, Slimani was loaned back to Belgium, joining Westerlo for the remainder of the 2024–25 campaign.

Transfer to CFR Cluj

In September 2025, Slimani secured a contract with Romanian Liga I outfit CFR Cluj, committing until June 2026.

International Career

Slimani made his first appearance for Algeria's senior team in May 2012 during the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification phase. He quickly became a key player by netting several goals in qualifying matches against Rwanda, Mali, and Gambia. He was included in Algeria’s squad for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, participating in all group stage fixtures.

Manager Vahid Halilhodžić selected him for Algeria’s 2014 FIFA World Cup squad, where Slimani scored crucial goals against South Korea and Russia. His contributions helped Algeria advance to the knockout rounds for the first time in their history. Although they were narrowly defeated by Germany in the round of 16, Algeria earned widespread acclaim for their performance.

At the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, Slimani opened the scoring in Algeria’s initial victory over South Africa. He also played a significant role in Algeria’s triumph at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, adding a goal during the group stage.

During the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification (CAF), Slimani scored four goals in an 8–0 rout of Djibouti. He subsequently became Algeria’s all-time leading scorer with 38 goals, surpassing the previous record held by Abdelhafid Tasfaout.

In December 2023, Slimani was named in Algeria’s squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, marking his centennial international appearance during the tournament opener against Angola.

Club

Sporting CP 2021-22 Sporting CP season Primeira Liga 9 || Brest 2022-23 Stade Brestois 29 season Ligue | 16 || Anderlecht 2022-23 R.S.C. Anderlecht season Belgian Pro League 10 || Coritiba 2023 Brazilian football Campeonato Brasileiro Série A 11 || Mechelen 2023-24 K.V. Mechelen season Belgian Pro League 13 || CR Belouizdad 2024-25 CR Belouizdad season Algerian Ligue | 8 || Westerlo (loan) 2024-25 K.V.C. Westerlo season Belgian Pro League 18 || CFR Cluj 2025-26 CFR Cluj season Liga I 8 || Career total 414  !! 146  !! 37  !! 16  !! 6  !! 4  !! 49  !! 13  !! 3  !! 2  !! 510  !! 181

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

Club	Season	League			National cup		League cup		Continental		Other		Total
		Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
JSM Chéraga	2007–08	Algerian Championnat National 2	18	1	?	?	—		—		—		18	1
	2008–09	Division Nationale Amateur	20	18	?	?	—		—		—		20	18
	Total		38	19	0	0	—		—		—		38	19
CR Belouizdad	2009–10	Algerian Championnat National	30	8	3	1	—		8	1	—		41	10
	2010–11	Algerian Ligue 1	27	10	3	1	—		—		—		30	11
	2011–12	Algerian Ligue 1	26	10	5	2	—		—		—		31	12
	2012–13	Algerian Ligue 1	15	4	3	4	—		—		2	2	20	10
	Total		98	32	14	8	—		8	1	2	2	122	43
Sporting CP	2013–14	Primeira Liga	26	8	2	2	2	0	—		—		30	10
	2014–15	Primeira Liga	21	12	5	1	0	0	7	2	—		33	15
	2015–16	Primeira Liga	33	27	2	2	1	0	7		44	31
	2016–17	Primeira Liga	2	1	—		—		—		—		2	1
	Total		82	48	9	5	3	0	14	4	1	0	109	57
Leicester City	2016–17	Premier League	23	7	1	0	—		5	1	—		29	8
	2017–18	Premier League	12	1	3	0	3	4	—		—				18	5
	2020–21	Premier League	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	—				1	0
	Total		36	8	4	0	3	4	5	1	—				48	13
Newcastle United (loan)	2017–18	Premier League	4	0	—				—				—				4	0
Fenerbahçe (loan)	2018–19	Süper Lig	15	1	3	1	—				7	3	—				25	5
Monaco (loan)	2019–20	Ligue 1	18	9	0	0	1	0	—				—				19	9
Lyon	2020–21	Ligue 1	18	3	3	1	>—												21	4|-| 2021-22 Olympique Lyonnais season Ligue |
	Total 30 ||
	6 ||

International

National team appearances and goals by year

Team	Year	Appearances	Goals
Algeria	2012	6	5
	2013	12	5
	2014	13	4
	2015	11	7
	2016	5	3
	2017	9	3
	2018	4	0
	2019	9	3
	2020	0	0
	2021	11	9
	2022	12	3
	2023	6	3
	2024	4	1
Overall total		101	45

The score column reflects Algeria's goals first, with the score displayed immediately following each Slimani goal

... (Additional entries omitted for brevity; full details available in original source) ...

Goal No.	Date	Location	Opponent	Score after goal	Final result	Competition	Reference
1	2 June 2012	Mustapha Tchaker Stadium, Blida, Algeria	Template:Fb	3–0	4–0	2014 FIFA World Cup qualification – CAF second round
2	10 June 2012	Stade du 4 Août, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso	Template:Fb	1–0	1–2
44	16 November 2023	Nelson Mandela Stadium, Algiers, Algeria	Template:Fb	3–1	3–1	2026 FIFA World Cup qualification – CAF Group G
45	9 January 2024	Stade de Kégué, Lomé, Togo	Template:Fb	3–0	4–0	Friendly match

Honours

CR Belouizdad

• Runner-up in the 2011–12 Algerian Cup

Sporting CP

• Winner of the 2014–15 Taça de Portugal
• Holder of the 2015 Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira

Algeria

• Champion of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations

Individual accolades

• Awarded Algerian Footballer of the Year in 2013
• Recognized as SJPF Player of the Month in December 2015
• Named Player of the Season at Leões/Lions Awards in 2016

Decorations

• Received the Achir of the National Order of Merit from Algeria in 2019

See also

• List of men's footballers with 100 or more international caps
• List of top international men's football goal scorers by country

External links

• Player profile on the R.S.C. Anderlecht official site