Islam Slimani

Islam Slimani (born 18 June 1988) is an Algerian professional footballer who plays as a striker for Ligue 1 club Brest and the Algeria national team.

Slimani began his career in his native country with JSM Chéraga before moving to CR Belouizdad in 2010. He spent two seasons with the club, scoring 22 goals in 44 appearances. His performances earned him a move to Portuguese club Sporting CP in 2013.

Slimani quickly established himself as a key player for Sporting, scoring 31 goals in 65 appearances in all competitions. He helped the club win the Taça de Portugal in 2015 and was named the Primeira Liga Player of the Year for the 2014–15 season.

In August 2016, Slimani joined Leicester City for a club-record transfer fee of £29 million. He scored 10 goals in 46 appearances for the Foxes, including a hat-trick against Burnley in December 2016.

However, Slimani struggled to hold down a regular place in the Leicester team and was loaned out to Newcastle United in January 2018. He scored four goals in 13 appearances for the Magpies, but they were unable to avoid relegation from the Premier League.

Slimani returned to Leicester for the 2018–19 season, but he was again unable to break into the first team. He was loaned out to Fenerbahçe in January 2019, scoring five goals in 17 appearances for the Turkish club.

In September 2019, Slimani joined Monaco on a season-long loan. He scored nine goals in 32 appearances for the Monegasques, helping them to finish ninth in Ligue 1.

Slimani returned to Leicester for the 2020–21 season, but he was again unable to force his way into the team. He left the club by mutual consent in January 2021, joining Lyon on a free transfer.

Slimani has made over 80 appearances for the Algerian national team, scoring 36 goals. He was part of the Algeria squad that won the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

Slimani is a strong and physical striker who is good in the air and has a powerful shot. He is also a good dribbler and passer.