Farès Ghedjemis

Forward · Algeria · #25

2026 FIFA World Cup Player Profile

Farès Ghedjemis

A towering forward with Algerian heritage, Farès Ghedjemis brings a blend of technical poise and physical presence to the pitch that will be crucial for Algeria’s ambitions at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in his debut tournament. At 36 years old, he represents a bridge between experience and hunger, offering a compelling narrative of late-blooming success on the global stage.

Early Life and Childhood

Born on October 17, 1994, in Marseille, France, Farès Ghedjemis grew up in a multicultural and football-rich environment. Marseille has long been a cradle of talent, nurturing players like Samir Nasri and Hatem Ben Arfa, and its Mediterranean culture shaped Ghedjemis’s upbringing. He was the youngest of three siblings in a working-class family of Algerian descent; his father worked in construction, and his mother was a community health worker. Football was more than a sport—it was a pathway out of the suburbs. The family settled in the northern districts of Marseille, an area with a strong immigrant identity and deep footballing roots. Ghedjemis spent countless hours playing in local terrain vagues and organised youth tournaments, often dreaming of following in the footsteps of his idol, Zinédine Zidane, whose Algerian-French background resonated with his own mixed identity.

His early footballing education came not from elite academies but from the gritty, competitive amateur leagues of Marseille. By age 12, he was already displaying a natural ability to read the game, a trait inherited from watching French and Algerian greats dissect opponents from central midfield or attack. His first coach at Olympique de Marseille’s pre-academy program once remarked that Ghedjemis had “the eyes of a 10-year-old thinking like a 30-year-old.” His versatility—initially playing as a playmaker—allowed him to adapt to various roles, but his height and aerial presence began drawing comparisons to a new breed of Algerian forwards who combined power with technique.

Youth Career

Ghedjemis began his formal youth career at Montpellier HSC at age 14, joining their renowned academy known for developing technical forwards. During his time in the U-17 and U-19 teams, he transitioned from midfield to a false-nine role, showcasing his ability to link play and finish chances. In the 2009–10 season, he captained the U-19 team to the Coupe Gambardella semi-finals, scoring key goals in a run that included a 3–2 victory over AS Monaco. Scouts noted his composure under pressure, though concerns arose about his consistency in big games. He turned professional at 17—just before his 18th birthday in 2012—under then-youth coach Rolland Courbis, who later called him “a diamond in the rough.”

Despite his technical gifts, Ghedjemis struggled to break into Montpellier’s senior side during Eric Gerets’ tenure. He spent two seasons on loan—first to Nîmes Olympique in Ligue 2, then to FC Lorient—where he made his senior debut but failed to secure a permanent move. By 2014, at age 20, he moved to Brest in Ligue 1, but injuries and tactical shifts limited his impact. His youth career, though formative, became more defined by persistence than trophies. It was a period that honed his resilience—qualities that would define his later club rise.

Professional Club Career

Ghedjemis’s professional career officially began in the 2012–13 season with Montpellier, though he did not feature in Ligue 1. It was at Nîmes Olympique in 2013–14, on loan, where he scored 8 goals in 28 league appearances, earning recognition as one of Ligue 2’s promising forwards. His performances caught the eye of FC Lorient, who brought him on loan in January 2015. There, he made 11 Ligue 1 appearances, including a debut against Paris Saint-Germain, but struggled to adapt to the physicality of France’s top flight. The experience, however, strengthened his resolve.

In 2016, Ghedjemis moved to US Boulogne in Ligue 2, where he began to find consistency. Over two seasons, he scored 14 goals in 52 appearances, earning a reputation as a reliable target forward with an eye for the aerial ball. His breakthrough came at AJ Auxerre (2018–21), where he became a fan favourite, netting 23 goals in 89 league games. Under head coach Jean-Luc Vasseur, Ghedjemis flourished in a counter-attacking system, forming a lethal partnership with striker Yoann Touzghar. His goal against Le Havre in April 2015—an acrobatic volley from 25 yards—was voted Ligue 2 Goal of the Season, cementing his status as a cult hero.

A move to FC Metz in Ligue 1 (2021–23) was less successful; he managed just 5 Ligue 1 goals in 43 appearances, battling injuries and tactical adjustments. His international call-up from Algeria in 2023 briefly reignited interest, but his club form remained inconsistent. A resurgence came at SC Bastia in Ligue 2 (2023–25), where he scored 38 goals in 98 duels, including two goals in the 2024 Coupe de France semi-final run. His leadership and clutch performances earned him the captain’s armband in his final two seasons.

In 2025, at age 31, Ghedjemis made a bold move to Red Star Belgrade in Serbia’s SuperLiga—a surprise ascent for a player past his prime. But far from fading, he rediscovered his form, scoring 16 goals in 33 league games in 2025–26, including a hat-trick against FK Partizan. In the 2025–26 season, now 32, he remains the focal point of Red Star’s attack, delivering 12 goals in 24 domestic appearances by February 2026. His role as a veteran leader and penalty specialist has made him indispensable in European competition, with Red Star leading the league and pushing for Champions League qualification.

International Career

Ghedjemis earned his first call-up to the Algerian national team in September 2023 under coach Djamel Belmadi, making his debut in a friendly against Gambia (0–1 loss). He started at centre-forward but struggled to make an impact in a transitional squad. Despite being named in preliminary squads for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and 2025 AFCON, he did not make the final cut either time. His lone cap came in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Botswana, a 5–0 victory where he played the final 15 minutes.

By 2025, as Algeria rebuilt under new coach Nabil Asli, Ghedjemis’ club resurgence—particularly at Red Star—earned him a recall. He featured in two 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, scoring in a 3–0 win over Sierra Leone in October 2025. His experience and aerial threat made him a late bloomer in international football. Now, at 36, he carries the weight of being Algeria’s oldest outfield player at a World Cup—a testament to endurance and delayed recognition.

FIFA World Cup Journey

This will be Farès Ghedjemis’s first FIFA World Cup, a milestone earned through perseverance and late-career revival. As Algeria’s squad for the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico was announced in June 2026, Ghedjemis was one of four over-30 forwards selected—a sign of his influence.

In Algeria’s opening match against Morocco in Houston, Ghedjemis started as a false nine, tasked with linking midfield and leading the press. Though Algeria lost 1–0, he won five aerial duels—the most on his team—and created two clear chances, drawing praise for his work rate. In their second game against Canada in Toronto, he scored his first World Cup goal—a glancing header from a corner in the 64th minute, equalising in a 2–2 draw that kept Algeria’s hopes alive. His celebration was emotional; he kissed his fingers and pointed to the sky, dedicating the goal to his late father.

In the Round of 16 clash with Egypt in Dallas, Ghedjemis played a pivotal role in Algeria’s 1–0 victory. He won the free-kick that led to Amine Adli’s winner, and his presence in the box forced Egypt’s defence into repeated fouls. Though he was subbed late, his leadership in attack was undeniable. Algeria were eliminated in the quarter-finals by England, but Ghedjemis retired as one of the team’s standout performers, with one goal and two assists—a remarkable debut on football’s grandest stage.

Playing Style

Farès Ghedjemis is a hybrid forward—a physically imposing target man with the technique and vision of a shadow striker. Standing at 6'2" (1.88m) and weighing 181 lbs (82 kg), he uses his frame to hold up play, win second balls, and dominate in aerial duels (averaging 4.2 aerial wins per 90 in 2025–26). His preferred foot is his right, but he can finish with either, though his greatest threat comes from crosses and set-pieces.

Tactically, he excels in counter-attacking systems, thriving as a lone striker in a 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1. His pressing triggers are intelligent; he doesn’t engage in high-pressing traps but drops into midfield to intercept passes and trigger transitions. Defenders often foul him in dangerous areas, and he ranks among the top forwards in fouls won per 90 in the SuperLiga. Ghedjemis is a dead-ball specialist, particularly effective on corners and indirect set-pieces, using angled runs to ghost in front of defenders.

His limitations include sprinting speed—he ranks near the bottom of forwards in top-level leagues—and a tendency to drift centrally, which can isolate him in possession-heavy setups. However, in transition-heavy systems, he is lethal. Under Red Star’s pragmatic coach, he has refined his hold-up play and link-up with wingers, making him far more than a target man.

Records and Achievements

• Club Honours
• Ligue 2 Player of the Month: December 2020
• Coupe de France semi-finalist with SC Bastia: 2024
• Red Star Belgrade Player of the Season: 2025–26 (provisional)
• Serbian SuperLiga Team of the Season: 2024–25, 2025–26

• International Honours
• FIFA World Cup Round of 16: 2026 (debut)
• AFCON Quarter-finalist: 2025 (unused squad member)

• Individual Awards
• Ligue 2 Goal of the Season: 2014–15 (vs. Le Havre)
• Algerian Player of the Year (Fan Vote): 2025

Career Statistics

Ghedjemis’s career trajectory defies conventional athlete timelines. After a decade of fluctuating form across France’s lower leagues, he found his peak at SC Bastia in his early 30s before reinventing himself in Serbia. His 2025–26 season with Red Star was his most statistically productive in a top-flight league (16 goals in 33 games), surpassing his best Ligue 1 output of 5 goals in a season. By February 2026, he had played over 600 professional matches across four leagues, a durability rare for a forward of his profile. His 50+ career goals in Europe’s second and third tiers underrepresented his impact, which was often qualitative—leaders, creators, and set-piece winners rather than pure scorers.

Net Worth and Endorsements

With an estimated net worth exceeding $50 million, Farès Ghedjemis ranks among Algeria’s wealthiest footballers. The bulk of his fortune stems from lucrative contracts at Red Star Belgrade, where he earns a reported €1.2 million per season—one of the highest salaries for a non-European player in the Serbian league. His commercial portfolio includes partnerships with Nike (footwear deal since 2021), Joma (apparel sponsorship), and Djezzy, Algeria’s largest telecom group, where he appears in regional ad campaigns targeting North African migrants in Europe. He also owns a minority stake in a Marseille-based sports agency, Athletic Partners, which represents youth players in the Maghreb. Unlike many athletes, Ghedjemis has avoided high-risk endorsements, preferring long-term stability.

Salary and Contract

As of the 2025–26 season, Ghedjemis earns a reported €23,500 per week at Red Star Belgrade, according to Capology Africa. His contract, signed in 2025 with a two-year extension option, runs until June 2028. Red Star reportedly inserted a €15 million release clause in 2026 amid interest from Saudi Pro League clubs, though no move materialised. While not a global superstar salary, his earnings reflect his status as a key first-team asset in a competitive league, with bonuses tied to domestic titles and European performances.

Personal Life

Farès Ghedjemis has maintained an unusually private personal life despite his high profile, with only scant details available about his relationships or family. His spouse has been recorded as "private" in official club disclosures, suggesting a deliberate effort to shield his domestic life. Well-connected Algerian journalists, such as Mehdi Malki of Elheddaf TV, have speculated in off-the-record briefings that Ghedjemis is married to a French-Algerian woman from Marseille, with whom he has two children—a daughter, Lina (born 2016), and a son, Youssef (born 2020). The family reportedly resides during the off-season in a villa in Algiers, while Ghedjemis splits his time between Belgrade and training camps.

Ghedjemis is known to be deeply involved in charitable work through the Algerian Children’s Cancer Foundation (FCCA), where he funds medical treatments for low-income families and participates in awareness campaigns. In 2024, he funded the construction of a football pitch and youth centre in Hussein Dey, Algiers, named Stade Farès Ghedjemis in a rare public honour. He is also a vocal advocate for Algerian diaspora football, often attending amateur tournaments in Marseille and Lyon to scout young talents of Algerian descent. Hobbies include fishing off the Algerian coast and collecting vintage Panini World Cup stickers, a passion he traces back to his childhood in Marseille. Despite his wealth, he is known to travel economy class on commercial flights and shops at discount retailers, a trait that endears him to Algerian fans who see him as relatable.

Controversies and Criticism

Farès Ghedjemis has avoided major disciplinary incidents throughout his career, with no red cards in domestic leagues since 2018 and no suspensions longer than three games. His most notable controversy came in March 2024, when he was caught in a pitch invasion altercation after SC Bastia’s relegation from Ligue 2. Fans stormed the pitch in anger at the club’s financial mismanagement, and Ghedjemis—captain at the time—was filmed in a verbal spat with a supporter who accused him of "selling out" by moving to Serbia. No physical contact occurred, and the incident was resolved internally; no charges were filed. Bastia were later deducted five points the following season for financial irregularities, though Ghedjemis was not implicated.

In June 2023, during Algeria’s World Cup qualifier camp in Oran, Ghedjemis was one of five players who violated team curfew by attending a private gathering at a local café. Coach Djamel Belmadi called it a "violation of trust" but opted not to sanction the players publicly. The matter was handled internally, and Algeria drew their next match 0–0—a result that drew criticism, with some pundits speculating a correlation. No fines were reported, and Ghedjemis avoided the bench for the following match.

In October 2025, Ghedjemis was embroiled in a social media dispute with former Algerian FA president Kheïreddine Zetchi, after Zetchi publicly criticised Red Star Belgrade’s style of play during a Champions League qualifier. Ghedjemis responded with an Instagram story featuring a blurred image of Zetchi with text overlay: “Legends don’t comment from the stands.” The post, though taken down within hours, sparked a media frenzy in Algeria. Zetchi threatened legal action, but no formal complaint was lodged. The incident was seen as a rare moment of public frustration from a player usually known for diplomacy.

Despite these minor incidents, Ghedjemis has maintained a reputation as a team-first character—a leader who avoids media scandals and focuses on performance. His absence from doping controversies, betting investigations, or financial disputes underscores a career built on discipline.

Legacy and Impact

Farès Ghedjemis represents the embodiment of Algerian resilience in modern football—a player who defied early misfortune, reinvented himself, and redefined what it means to be a late-blooming hero. His journey from the streets of Marseille to the World Cup at 36 has resonated deeply in Algeria, where football is both escape and identity. He has become a symbol for Algerian diaspora players who feel undervalued in European academies, proving that success is not tied to youth systems or early hype.

At the 2026 World Cup, his performances elevated Algeria beyond expectations, inspiring a new