Maxime Lopez Declares for Algeria: A New Chapter for the Marseille-Born Midfielder
After years of waiting for a call that never came from the French national team, midfielder Maxime Lopez has publicly thrown his hat into the ring for Algeria. The 27-year-old has made a significant appeal to the Algerian Football Federation (FAF), declaring his readiness to represent “Les Fennecs” on the international stage.
From French Hopes to Algerian Aspirations
A former French youth international, Lopez’s career is poised for a dramatic turn. In a candid interview on Canal+’s Dtective Mathoux, the Paris FC player left no room for doubt about his intentions. “If Algeria calls me, I will go,” he stated frankly.
Having been developed at Olympique de Marseille, Lopez proudly wore the blue jersey for France’s Under-20 and Under-21 squads between 2016 and 2019. Yet, despite his promising trajectory, the coveted summons from senior team coach Didier Deschamps remained elusive. This reality forced a period of introspection, ultimately leading him to embrace his heritage.
A Decision Rooted in Heritage, Not Opportunism
Eligible for Algeria through his mother, Lopez is fully aware that some may label his decision as opportunistic, especially with major tournaments like the Africa Cup of Nations on the horizon. However, he firmly rejects this narrative.
“People will say I’m opportunistic, because there’s the Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup,” Lopez acknowledged. “But even without these competitions, if I had been called up, I would have gone. I am a competitor, and I also want to play for a national team.”
For the Marseille-native, this is a sincere desire to connect with his roots. His conviction is bolstered by recent contact from the FAF, which has already initiated preliminary discussions. “I was recently called to find out where I stood,” he revealed, confirming that the wheels are in motion.
Closing One Door, Opening Another
Lopez also addressed his past ambitions with the French squad, framing his current stance as a natural evolution. “It’s often said that I used to talk about the French team, but that’s normal,” he explained. “It’s the country where I was born and I had never been approached by the Algerian side. Today, things are different.”
This shift represents more than just a change of jersey; it’s the pursuit of a full and authentic international career. After solid spells in Ligue 1 and Italy’s Serie A with Sassuolo and Fiorentina, Lopez brings a mature, technically gifted profile to the table. His game intelligence, vision, and positional sense could offer manager Vladimir Petković the precise balance he seeks in Algeria’s midfield.
What Comes Next for Lopez and Algeria?
The ball is now firmly in the court of the Algerian Football Federation. The remaining questions are administrative and tactical: Will the FAF complete the necessary paperwork, and will Petković integrate Lopez into his plans for the upcoming fixtures?
One thing is certain: Maxime Lopez has sent a clear and unambiguous signal. He is waiting for the official call to pull on the green and white, ready to write an exciting new chapter in his professional story.
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