Ismaël Bennacer

Although he had previously represented France at youth level, on 31 July 2016, the Algerian Football Federation announced that Bennacer had opted to switch his international allegiance and represent Algeria internationally.[12] He debuted for the Algeria national team in a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier, a 6–0 win over Lesotho.[13] Bennacer was called up on 11 January 2017 to Algeria's squad for the African Cup of Nations of 2017[14] to replace Saphir Taïder, who suffered an injury in training.[15]

At the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, Bennacer helped Algeria to their first title in 29 years, finishing the competition as the joint-top assist provider, alongside Franck Kessié, with three assists, including one for Baghdad Bounedjah's match-winning goal against Senegal in the final on 19 July.[16][17][18] He was later voted both the "Best Young Player" and the "Best Player" of the tournament.[19][20][21]

A dynamic, tenacious, energetic, diminutive, and versatile left-footed player, who is regarded as a highly promising prospect in modern football, Bennacer is capable of playing in several midfield roles, and has been used as a deep-lying playmaker in a holding role in midfield, as an attacking midfielder, or as an central offensive-minded midfielder, known as the mezzala role in Italian football. His main characteristics are his speed, vision, intelligence, composure, dribbling skills, passing, and technique; he is also known for his ability to transition from defence into attack.[22][23][24]

Bennacer was born in Arles, France to a Moroccan father and an Algerian mother.[25] He has described himself as a devout practicing Muslim, praying 5 times a day, including training sessions and half-time breaks.[26][27]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Ismaël Bennacer.

• Ismaël Bennacer at Soccerbase
• Ismaël Bennacer at Soccerway
• Ismaël Bennacer at the French Football Federation (in French)