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Faouzi Chaouchi
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Faouzi Chaouchi (Arabic: فوزي شاوشي; born 5 December 1984) is an Algerian professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for USM El Harrach.[1]
Key Information
Chaouchi is considered to be national hero by many Algerians, as he put in a heroic performance in the play-off that put the Algerian national team into their first World Cup since 1986 at the expense of their bitter rivals Egypt. He constantly denied the Egyptian national team all scoring opportunities. Chaouchi was only 23 years of age at the time of the play-off and played in place of suspended Lounès Gaouaoui. It was only Chaouchi's third cap during the unforgettable night in Al Merreikh Stadium, Omdurman (Sudan). In 2010, Chaouchi was known to have been Algeria's highest-paid footballer, earning roughly around 13 million Algerian dinars.[2]
Early life
[edit]Born in Bordj Ménaïel, Boumerdès, Chaouchi was born to Houria and Rachid Chaouchi a former goalkeeper himself that played for JS Bordj Ménaïel.[3] It was his father Rachid Chaouchi that noticed Faouzi's talent when he watched him play with other children in their neighbourhood.
"I supervised from a distance and discretion to perceive, in fact, he had good arrangements to move to the position of goalie".
— Rachid Chaouchi[4]
A few days later Faouzi asked his father if he could sign the authorization form so that he could join the JS Bordj Ménaïel youth team. According to his mother he abandoned his education in favour of having a career in what he loved most – football, which angered her at the time, but acknowledged that she knew he had a great future ahead of him in football at the time.[3]
Club career
[edit]JS Bordj Ménaïel
[edit]Chaouchi began his career playing for his hometown club JS Bordj Ménaïel. He was the captain of the team during the 2005/06 season. His good form that season, conceding just seven goals in 32 games, had begun to create interest from other clubs.[5]
JS Kabylie
[edit]Chaouchi signed for JS Kabylie from Inter-Régions club JS Bordj Ménaïel in 2006. It was confirmed that the goalkeeper was joining after agreeing terms and signing a three-year contract. He was pleased to be joining such a club
"It's a childhood dream come true, especially since I have been very well received by the players of JS Kabylie".
— Faouzi Chaouchi[4]
He won the Algerian Championnat National in 2008, which was his greatest achievement as well as the highlight of his three-season spell at the club from 2006 to 2009. He is also remembered by the canary fans for scoring a penalty against Cotonsport Garoua in the CAF Champions League with a powerful shot. He was nicknamed “The Canary” by the supporters of the club and is fondly remembered.
Whilst at JS Kabylie, Chaouchi was rumoured to be leaving the club at the end of the season and had talks with various clubs such as Lille OSC, ES Sétif and MC Alger. Chaouchi had a string of discipline problems with manager's and the team president since replacing Gaouaoui in the starting line up in the 2007–08 season.[6][7][8]
ES Sétif
[edit]Chaouchi signed for ES Sétif in June 2009, after the club won the race to recruit the goalkeeper who was known for his outstanding performances at JS Kabylie, where he had shown his abilities and his dramatic shot stopping. He was also known for his extrovert humour prior to making his move to ES Sétif.
In December 2009, Chaouchi helped his side win the North African Cup of Champions tournament by beating ES Tunis in the final, after a penalty shoot-out. Chaouchi was selected as the best goalkeeper in the tournament.[9] On 1 May 2010, Chaouchi played in the final of the Algerian Cup (coupe d'Algerie) against CA Batna by winning 3–0 and helping the club lift the Algerian Cup for the first time in twenty years and the seventh in their history, with the last being in 1989. The Algerian president Abdelaziz Bouteflika presented the trophy with the head of state presenting the medals.[10][11][12]
In 2009, a number of European clubs had shown an interest in Chaouchi, predominantly Olympique de Marseille. In 2010, during an interview a few days after the win against CA Batna in the Algerian Cup final he was asked if he had received any new offers from clubs abroad, he replied by confirming that his agent had been informed that representatives from Marseille would be attending the friendly between the Republic of Ireland and Algeria in Dublin on 28 May 2010 to have another look at him. whilst also confirming that he is still in contact with French club Le Mans since the previous transfer window. He also confirmed he had just received a proposal from a club in the gulf, but didn't want to mention the club as he had no interest in joining any Arabian clubs as he wanted to join an ambitious club based in Europe.[13]
On 17 October 2010, there were reports that Chaouchi was involved in a car accident. These reports were verified, stating that Chaouchi was involved in a minor car accident whilst visiting family and friends in his home-town Bordj Ménaïel. According to the reports he did not sustain any serious injuries, but the car was damaged beyond repair.[14]
On 30 November, the Ligue National de football disciplinary committee decided to give a one match ban to Chaouchi, and a fine of 20.000,00 Algerian dinars along with Khaled Lemmouchia for contesting the decision of the penalty against AS Khroub, which ended 3–3. He was suspended for the game against MC Oran.[15][16]
MC Alger
[edit]On 19 July 2011, Chaouchi joined MC Alger, signing a one-year contract with the club.[17] In June 2012, Chaouchi flew to Turkey to negotiate contract offers with newly promoted Süper Lig clubs Elazığspor and Kasımpaşa S.K.[18]
International career
[edit]Chaouchi received his first call-up to the Algerian national team on 4 February 2008 for training which was due to be held in France, after his good form for club JS Kabylie did not go unnoticed by the national team coach Rabah Saâdane.[19] On 26 March 2008, he made his debut for Algeria in a friendly against DR Congo coming on as a substitute at half-time for Lounès Gaouaoui.
On 18 November 2009, Chaouchi was selected to play fierce rivals Egypt in what was to be the most important match of his football career, the reward being the remaining African place for the 2010 World Cup finals as first-choice goalkeeper Gaouaoui was ruled out through suspension.[20][21] [22][23] Chaouchi put in a heroic performance in the play-off as he constantly denied Egypt to send Algeria through to the 2010 FIFA World Cup, with the final score being 1–0 with centre-back Antar Yahia scoring the only goal with a stunning first-half volley at an angle eight yards out from Karim Ziani's punt into the box. After his heroic performance Chaouchi gave Saâdane something to think about whilst preparing for the 2010 African Cup of Nations.
In December 2009, Chaouchi was selected by Saâdane to play in the 2010 African Cup of Nations hosted in Angola. He was normally regarded as second-choice goalkeeper under coach Saâdane, who had been using Gaouaoui as his first-choice goalkeeper, but due to Chaouchi's heroic performance in Khartoum and Gaouaoui withdrawing from the 2010 African Cup of Nations due to an attack of acute appendicitis, Saâdane did not hesitate in using Chaouchi as first-choice goalkeeper in the 2010 African Cup of Nations. Chaouchi's sending off in the semi-final against Egypt for receiving two cautions along with his head-butting of referee Coffi Codjia saw him earn a suspension for 3 matches and $10,000 fine from CAF.
Chaouchi started his country's first match of the World Cup against Slovenia and was at fault for the Slovenian winner scored by captain Robert Koren. The goalkeeper allowed the shot to squirm past his body, condemning Algeria to a 1–0 defeat.[24] He was replaced by Rais M'Bohli for the match against England.
Career statistics
[edit]| Club | Season | League | Algerian Cup | Africa | Total | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| JS Bordj Ménaïel | 2003–04 | Ligue Inter-Régions | – | – | ||||||
| 2004–05 | – | – | ||||||||
| 2005–06 | 32 | 0 | – | – | 32 | 0 | ||||
| Total | ||||||||||
| JS Kabylie | 2006–07 | Championnat National | 23 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 11 | 0 | 37 | 0 |
| 2007–08 | 24 | 0 | 4 | 1 | - | |||||
| 2008–09 | 29 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 31 | 0 | ||
| Total | 76 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 17 | 1 | 96 | 1 | ||
| ES Sétif | 2009–10 | Championnat National | 19 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 27 | 0 |
| 2010–11 | Ligue 1 | 13 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 10 | 0 | |||
| Total | 32 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 41 | 0 | ||
| Career total | 131 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||||
Honours
[edit]JS Kabylie
- Algerian Championnat National: 2007–08
ES Sétif
- Algerian Championnat National runner-up: 2009–10
- North African Cup of Champions: 2009
- Algerian Cup: 2009–10
- North African Super Cup: 2010
- North African Cup Winners Cup: 2010
References
[edit]- ^ "La Fiche de Fawzi CHAOUCHI – Football algérien". Dzfoot.com. Archived from the original on 26 January 2010.
- ^ Randall, Colin (31 January 2013). "Algerians in a football league of their own – The National". Thenational.ae. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 17 August 2019.
- ^ a b "Les mamans des joueurs révèlent quelques secrets de leur fils". . Le Buteur. Archived from the original on 10 June 2010.
- ^ a b "La JS Kabylie recrute Fawzi Chaouchi". algerie-dz.com. 18 November 2009. Retrieved 18 November 2009.
- ^ "Faouzi Chaouchi Profile". FIFA. 1 June 2010. Archived from the original on 8 June 2010. Retrieved 1 June 2010.
- ^ "Daily Fix: Belhadj Seals Pompey Move". Boita Chemma – Algerian Football – It is what it is!. 18 November 2009. Retrieved 18 November 2009.
- ^ "Maghreb mercato shakes up football player, coach rosters". Magharebia News. 18 November 2009. Retrieved 18 November 2009.
- ^ [1] Archived 3 February 2010 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "UNAF : Metref et Chaouchi meilleurs joueurs". Foot Afrique News. 18 November 2009. Archived from the original on 11 July 2011. Retrieved 18 November 2009.
- ^ "Bouteflika crowned ESS with its 7th cup". Ennahar Daily Newspaper. 18 November 2009. Archived from the original on 26 July 2011. Retrieved 18 November 2009.
- ^ "L'ESS remporte la Coupe d'Algérie face au CAB (3–0) : L'Entente de Sétif au septième ciel". El Watan Newspaper. 18 November 2009. Retrieved 18 November 2009.
- ^ "Algeria Football Cup 2010: ES Sétif win its 7th title". El Moudjahid Newspaper. 18 November 2009. Archived from the original on 12 May 2010. Retrieved 18 November 2009.
- ^ "Chaouchi : "Si je pars de Sétif, ça sera uniquement pour l'étranger"". Le Buteur. 3 May 2010. Archived from the original on 5 May 2010. Retrieved 3 May 2010.
- ^ Kobo, Kingsley (19 October 2010). "Algeria Goalkeeper Fawzi Chaouchi in Safe Condition After Car Accident". Goal.com.
- ^ "LFP – Ligue de Football Professionnelle". Lnf.dz. Archived from the original on 19 July 2011. Retrieved 5 December 2010.
- ^ "Ennahar Online". Ennahar Online.
- ^ "Transferts : Fawzi Chaouchi rejoint le MC Alger". Dzfoot.com. 19 July 2011. Archived from the original on 21 July 2011.
- ^ "MCA : Chaouchi n'a pas trouvé un terrain d'entente avec Elazig Sport et Kasimpasa". . Le Buteur. 17 June 2012. Archived from the original on 19 June 2012.
- ^ "EN : Point de presse de Saâdane ce samedi". Dzfoot.Com. 29 January 2008. Archived from the original on 1 February 2008.
- ^ "Preview: Algeria v Egypt – World Cup Qualifying – CAF – ESPN FC". ESPN. 18 November 2009. Archived from the original on 21 October 2012. Retrieved 14 March 2010.
- ^ Bandini, Nicky (18 November 2009). "World Cup play-off: Algeria v Egypt – as it happened". The Guardian Newspaper. London. Retrieved 18 November 2009.
- ^ "World Cup Qualifying Preview: Egypt – Algeria". Goal.com. 17 November 2009.
- ^ "Yahia sends Algeria to World Cup". BBC News. 18 November 2009.
- ^ Taylor, Daniel (14 June 2010). "World Cup 2010: Algeria rally round their goalkeeper after howler". The Guardian. London.
External links
[edit]- Faouzi Chaouchi at Soccerway
- Faouzi Chaouchi at DZFoot.com (in French)
- Faouzi Chaouchi at National-Football-Teams.com
- Faouzi Chaouchi at L'Équipe Football (in French)
- Faouzi Chaouchi – FIFA competition record (archived)
Faouzi Chaouchi
View on GrokipediaEarly years
Birth and family
Faouzi Chaouchi was born on 5 December 1984 in Bordj Ménaïel, a town in Boumerdès Province, Algeria.[1] He was raised by his mother, Houria Chaouchi, and father, Rachid Chaouchi, a former goalkeeper who played for local club JS Bordj Ménaïel and significantly influenced his son's passion for the sport.[10][11] Growing up in a family with a strong sporting tradition, Chaouchi developed an early love for football, often playing in local matches where his father's experience as a goalkeeper shaped his initial training and aspirations.[11] From a young age, Chaouchi prioritized football over formal education, eventually abandoning his studies to dedicate himself fully to the sport—a decision his mother initially opposed but ultimately supported as he progressed in youth teams.[11] This choice reflected the family's recognition of football as a viable path amid limited opportunities in their community.[11]Youth development
Chaouchi first discovered his passion for football through informal street games in his hometown of Bordj Ménaïel, where his natural aptitude for goalkeeping quickly emerged while playing with neighborhood children.[10] His father, Rachid Chaouchi, a former goalkeeper for JS Bordj Ménaïel, observed these early displays and discreetly supervised his development, recognizing potential in his reflexes and positioning from around age 10.[10] In 1995, at the age of 11, Chaouchi signed his first license and joined the youth academy of JS Bordj Ménaïel as a benjamin, marking the start of his organized training.[10] Under the guidance of his initial coach, Mohamed Tahanouti, and later his father—who served as the club's goalkeepers' coach—Chaouchi honed fundamental skills such as shot-stopping, distribution, and reading the game during his progression through the junior ranks.[10] By his cadet years (approximately ages 14–16, around 1998–2000), he was already training with senior players, including sessions in 2000–2001 where Rachid Chaouchi directly coached him on advanced techniques like handling pressure and commanding the defense.[10] Chaouchi's breakthrough came with his promotion to the senior squad of JS Bordj Ménaïel in 2003, at age 18, transitioning from youth to competitive adult football.[1] His development culminated in the 2005–06 season, where standout performances in key regional matches helped secure the team's promotion to the Division Interrégions, a pivotal achievement that showcased his readiness for higher-level play and paved the way for his professional move.[10]Club career
JS Bordj Ménaïel (2003–2006)
Chaouchi made his professional debut with JS Bordj Ménaïel in 2003 at the age of 18, marking the start of his senior career in the Algerian lower divisions. Born and raised in the town, he transitioned from the club's youth setup to the first team, facing immediate local expectations as the son of a former goalkeeper for the same club. Over three seasons, Chaouchi appeared in 87 matches for JS Bordj Ménaïel, solidifying his role as the primary goalkeeper and demonstrating steady growth amid the pressures of representing his hometown team.[12] His time there highlighted his emergence as a dependable shot-stopper, with strong command of the penalty area and quick reflexes that earned him respect from teammates and fans. The 2005–06 season stood out as a breakthrough, where Chaouchi captained the squad and played 32 matches, conceding just 7 goals in the process.[1] This solid defensive record played a key part in the team's competitive push for promotion to a higher tier, underscoring his leadership and reliability under intense regional scrutiny.JS Kabylie (2006–2009)
Chaouchi transferred to JS Kabylie from the lower-division club JS Bordj Ménaïel on July 1, 2006, signing a three-year contract.[13] His arrival marked a significant step up to one of Algeria's most storied clubs, where he quickly established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper. Over the course of his tenure from 2006 to 2009, Chaouchi made 104 appearances across all competitions and scored one goal, a rare feat for a goalkeeper achieved via a penalty kick.[4] He played a pivotal role in the team's defensive solidity, contributing to JS Kabylie's success in the domestic league. In the 2007–08 season, Chaouchi was instrumental in JS Kabylie's triumph in the Algerian Ligue 1, helping secure the title with consistent performances that limited opponents' scoring opportunities.[4] His reliability between the posts was a cornerstone of the campaign, bolstering the club's championship-winning effort. Chaouchi also gained continental exposure through JS Kabylie's participation in the 2008 CAF Champions League, where the team advanced to the group stage.[14] A highlight came in a group match against Cotonsport Garoua on May 9, 2008, when he converted a late penalty to score the winning goal in a 2–1 victory, demonstrating his composure under pressure.[15]ES Sétif (2009–2011)
Chaouchi joined ES Sétif in July 2009, following his standout performances with JS Kabylie and the Algerian national team during World Cup qualification, which generated significant anticipation for his impact at the club.[1][4] During his two-season stint, he made 56 appearances across all competitions, establishing himself as the first-choice goalkeeper and contributing to key defensive efforts.[4] His performances included pivotal saves in knockout stages, notably during the 2009 UNAF Club Cup final against ES Tunis, where ES Sétif secured a 1-1 draw before winning on penalties; Chaouchi was described as majestic in thwarting the opposition shooters.[16] This triumph marked ES Sétif's victory in the North African Cup of Champions, with Chaouchi earning recognition as the tournament's best goalkeeper.[16][4] In the 2009–10 Algerian Cup, Chaouchi featured in four matches, including the final where ES Sétif defeated CA Batna 3–0 on May 1, 2010, at the 5 July 1962 Stadium, keeping a clean sheet in the decisive victory.[17] These cup successes, alongside his consistent league showings, solidified his reputation as one of Algeria's premier goalkeepers, paving the way for his prominent role in the national team at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.[4]MC Alger (2011–2018)
Chaouchi joined MC Alger on 19 July 2011, signing a one-year contract with the club after leaving ES Sétif. During his initial stint from 2011 to 2013, he established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper, making 51 appearances across all competitions and scoring a rare goal in a domestic match.[4] His performances contributed to MC Alger's competitive showings in the Algerian Ligue 1, where the team challenged for top positions but finished 5th in the 2013–14 season following his departure.[18] Following the expiration of his contract in summer 2013, Chaouchi spent the 2013–14 season without a club amid personal and professional uncertainties, before returning to MC Alger on a free transfer in June 2014. This second stint from 2014 to 2018 marked a period of renewed stability, during which he made 117 appearances and played a pivotal role in the club's continental and domestic campaigns. In the 2016–17 CAF Confederation Cup, Chaouchi featured in 12 matches, helping MC Alger reach the quarter-finals with key saves in group stage victories against teams like Al-Hilal Omdurman.[4] Domestically, his consistent shot-stopping and command of the penalty area were instrumental in securing the 2014–15 Algerian Super Cup and the 2015–16 Algerian Cup, where he kept clean sheets in crucial knockout rounds.[19] Over his two spells at MC Alger, Chaouchi amassed 168 appearances and 1 goal in all competitions, solidifying his status as a cornerstone of the team's defense during a decade of ambition for the historic club.[4] His time there also highlighted his position among Algeria's elite earners in the early 2010s, reflecting the peak financial rewards of his national team exploits and club stature, with reports estimating his annual salary around 13 million Algerian dinars by 2010—a figure that underscored his market value entering this phase.[20]CA Bordj Bou Arréridj (2018–2020)
In July 2018, Faouzi Chaouchi transferred to CA Bordj Bou Arréridj in the Algerian Ligue 1 on a free transfer from MC Alger, signing a two-year deal as the club sought to bolster its defense with experienced leadership during a rebuilding phase.[21][4] At 33 years old, Chaouchi adapted to the mid-tier competition by serving as the primary goalkeeper, providing stability to a squad adjusting after recent inconsistencies. Over the two seasons, Chaouchi made 26 appearances across league and cup matches, with the bulk coming in 2018–19 when he started 25 Ligue 1 games, conceding 16 goals while securing 13 clean sheets.[22] His contributions helped CA Bordj Bou Arréridj finish ninth in the 2018–19 standings, a solid mid-table position that avoided relegation concerns.[23] In his mid-30s, Chaouchi maintained consistent form despite the physical demands, focusing on shot-stopping and distribution to support a transitioning team featuring emerging talents.[24] The 2019–20 campaign proved challenging, limited to one league appearance for Chaouchi amid limited playtime and team adjustments, as the season was suspended in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic with CA Bordj Bou Arréridj in 12th place after 25 matches.[22][25] At age 35, he navigated form maintenance through reduced minutes while contributing to defensive organization against lower-half pressures. Chaouchi's contract with CA Bordj Bou Arréridj expired in September 2020, marking the end of his stint and ushering in a brief hiatus from professional football until 2022.[4]Later career (2022–present)
Following his departure from CA Bordj Bou Arréridj in September 2020, Chaouchi entered a period of free agency lasting until mid-2022, during which he did not feature for any professional club.[4] In August 2022, he rejoined JS Bordj Ménaïel—his original professional club from the early stages of his career—for a two-year spell in the lower divisions, though he made no recorded appearances.[4] Chaouchi signed with USM El Harrach of the Algeria Second Division on August 16, 2024.[1] In the 2024–25 season, he made appearances primarily in the Coupe d'Algérie.[24] Chaouchi turned 40 in late 2024 and, as of November 2025, continues as an active member of USM El Harrach's squad roster despite registering zero appearances in the 2025–26 season to date; the team's most recent league match occurred on November 7, 2025, against JSM Tiaret.[2][26]International career
Debut and qualification campaigns
Faouzi Chaouchi made his international debut for the Algeria national team on 26 March 2008, entering as a halftime substitute for Lounès Gaouaoui in a friendly match against the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Blida, Algeria.[27] His breakthrough form as a goalkeeper for JS Kabylie during the 2007–08 season had prompted his first call-up to the senior squad under coach Rabah Saâdane.[1] Over the course of his international career, Chaouchi earned 15 caps for Algeria between 2008 and 2018, establishing himself as a reliable option in goal despite limited opportunities.[2] Chaouchi contributed to Algeria's successful qualification campaigns for major tournaments, serving as a backup during the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers in 2008 and 2009, where the team topped Group D ahead of Senegal, Cape Verde, and Gambia.[28] Although he remained on the bench for those matches, his domestic performances kept him in contention for selection. By late 2009, he had become the first-choice goalkeeper for the critical 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, including the decisive playoff against Egypt. The highlight of Chaouchi's early international career came on 18 November 2009 in Khartoum, Sudan, during the single-leg World Cup playoff against Egypt, a highly tense rivalry match following Egypt's 2–0 victory in their final group stage match on 14 November 2009 in Cairo, which was marred by off-field incidents including an attack on the Algerian team bus and left the teams tied on points, necessitating the playoff.[29] Playing the full 90 minutes, Chaouchi delivered a heroic performance, making several crucial saves to deny Egypt's attacks and preserve a clean sheet in Algeria's 1–0 victory, sealed by Antar Yahia's 40th-minute header.[30] His composure under pressure was pivotal in securing Algeria's first World Cup appearance since 1982, earning widespread praise as a key factor in the triumph. Chaouchi carried his momentum into the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations in Angola, where he started as first-choice goalkeeper for all three group stage matches in Group A.[27] He featured in the 3–0 opening loss to Malawi on 11 January, the 1–0 victory over Mali on 14 January, and the 0–0 draw against hosts Angola on 18 January, helping Algeria advance to the quarterfinals despite the challenging results.[31] These appearances marked his emergence as a central figure in the national team's defensive setup during the tournament buildup.2010 FIFA World Cup
Faouzi Chaouchi served as Algeria's starting goalkeeper for their opening match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup against Slovenia in Polokwane, South Africa, marking the nation's historic debut in the tournament.[32] During the group stage encounter on June 13, Chaouchi demonstrated solid handling early on, including a notable flying save to deny Valter Birsa's first-half shot from distance.[7] However, in the 79th minute, with Algeria reduced to 10 men following a red card to Abdelkader Ghezzal, he fumbled a routine long-range effort from Robert Koren, allowing the ball to slip through his grasp and into the net for the only goal of the game, resulting in a 0–1 defeat.[7][33] Following the loss, Chaouchi sustained a knee sprain during training, ruling him out of Algeria's remaining group stage fixtures.[34] Rais M'Bolhi replaced him and kept clean sheets in the subsequent 0–0 draw against England on June 18 and a 1–0 loss to the United States on June 23, where Landon Donovan scored a stoppage-time winner.[35] These results left Algeria with two points from three matches, finishing bottom of Group C and eliminated from the tournament. Despite the error against Slovenia, Chaouchi received strong backing from his teammates and coach Rabah Saadane, who described him as a "good young goalkeeper" deserving encouragement after such a mistake and affirmed continued confidence in him.[8] Captain Antar Yahia echoed this sentiment, noting that Chaouchi had "won us matches in the past and will win others," emphasizing team unity.[8] His contributions during the qualification campaign, including key saves in the playoff victory over Egypt, had already established him as a national hero in Algeria prior to the tournament.Post-World Cup and retirement
Following the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Faouzi Chaouchi's prominence in the Algerian national team waned, primarily due to increased competition from younger goalkeepers such as Raïs M'Bolhi, who supplanted him as the preferred starter.[36] Chaouchi was not included in the squad for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa, where Algeria advanced to the quarterfinals before a 2-0 defeat to Mali.[36] His limited involvement reflected a broader transition in the team, as coaches prioritized emerging talent amid Algeria's efforts to build on their World Cup experience. Chaouchi made a sporadic return to the national setup in late 2017, starting in a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Nigeria on 10 November 2017, which ended 1–1 on the pitch but was later awarded as a 3–0 victory to Algeria by FIFA due to Nigeria fielding an ineligible player; Chaouchi conceded one goal during play.[27] However, he did not feature in Algeria's disappointing group-stage exit at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon, where the team suffered three losses and failed to advance.[27] In 2018, Chaouchi earned three final international caps in friendlies, starting against Tanzania (4-1 win on March 22), Iran (1-2 loss on March 27), and Cape Verde (2-3 loss on June 1).[27] These appearances marked the end of his international career, as he stepped away from the national team at age 33 to concentrate on club commitments with MC Alger. As of 2025, Chaouchi has expressed interest in returning to the national team but has not been capped since 2018, maintaining his total at 15 appearances.[37] Across his 15 caps for Algeria from 2008 to 2018, Chaouchi achieved 7 clean sheets while conceding 17 goals overall.[37] He remains an enduring icon of Algeria's "Generation 2010," celebrated for his pivotal role in the dramatic playoff victory over Egypt that secured the country's first World Cup appearance.[6]Playing style and legacy
Goalkeeping technique
Chaouchi stood at 1.94 meters tall, which provided him with a significant advantage in aerial duels and commanding his penalty area during matches.[1] His physical presence allowed him to effectively challenge for high balls and crosses, contributing to his reputation for dominance in the six-yard box. As a right-footed goalkeeper, he was adept at precise distribution, often launching quick throws or kicks to support counter-attacking plays for his teams.[1] One of Chaouchi's key strengths was his exceptional reflexes, particularly evident in high-pressure situations. During the 2009 FIFA World Cup play-off second leg against Egypt in Khartoum, he made several crucial saves, including diving to palm away efforts from Amr Zaki and pushing aside close-range shots from teammates like El Saqua, helping secure Algeria's 1-0 victory and qualification.[29] His penalty-saving prowess further highlighted his mental fortitude under duress; in the 2025 Algerian Cup quarter-final, he saved three penalties in a shoot-out, propelling USM El Harrach to the semi-finals.[38] Despite these attributes, Chaouchi occasionally suffered from lapses in concentration during intense games later in his career. A notable example occurred in Algeria's 2010 FIFA World Cup opener against Slovenia, where he fumbled a long-range shot from Robert Koren in the 79th minute, allowing it to slip through his grasp and into the net for a 1-0 defeat.[7] Over time, his approach evolved from a more aggressive, risk-taking style in his youth at JS Kabylie to a steadier, more calculated presence as a veteran with MC Alger and beyond, reflecting greater experience in managing game tempo.[39]Impact on Algerian football
Faouzi Chaouchi's pivotal role in Algeria's qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup elevated him to national hero status, particularly for his contributions in the tense playoff match against Egypt in Omdurman on November 18, 2009, where his crucial saves helped secure the 1-0 victory, symbolizing the resilience of Algerian football amid regional rivalries and post-match unrest.[40][41] This performance, lauded by coach Rabah Saadane as that of "the player number one," cemented his image as a symbol of national pride and determination in Algerian soccer history.[42] His flair and exceptional saves during the 2009-2010 campaigns inspired a generation of young goalkeepers in Algeria, positioning him as a role model for aspiring talents despite his later disciplinary challenges.[42] At the peak of his fame following World Cup qualification, Chaouchi received extensive media coverage, including a seven-page feature in L'Équipe Magazine with exclusive photographs, underscoring his cultural significance.[42] In 2010, he became Algeria's highest-paid footballer, earning approximately $10,000 per month with ES Sétif—far exceeding the league average of $3,600—reflecting his market value and the professionalization of Algerian football at the time.[20] Post-2020, Chaouchi's legacy endures as an active veteran at age 40 with USM El Harrach, where he has played a key role in recent Algerian Cup successes, including clean sheets in crucial victories and advancing to the semi-finals in 2025 after saving three penalties in the quarter-final shoot-out against ES Mostaganem. In the semi-final on April 16, 2025, he even attempted a free-kick in extra time in a bid to equalize, showcasing his bold approach before the team was eliminated. He continues to express availability for a national team return under coach Vladimir Petković.[41] His prolonged career highlights the depth of goalkeeping talent in Algeria and serves as a testament to the lasting impact of his 2010 exploits on the sport's development in the country.[43]Career statistics
Club appearances
Faouzi Chaouchi's club career encompasses over two decades in Algerian football, with a total of 359 appearances and 2 goals recorded across professional competitions as of October 2025.[4] His statistics highlight a solid presence in the Algerian Ligue 1, particularly during stints with major clubs like MC Alger and JS Kabylie, where he established himself as a reliable goalkeeper. Detailed records for lower-division appearances in his early career remain incomplete, contributing to some variability in totals across sources. A standout seasonal performance came in 2005–06, when he conceded just 7 goals in 32 games, drawing attention from top-tier clubs and marking his emergence as a top prospect.[44] Later seasons showed consistency, such as his 35 appearances for MC Alger in 2015–16. In contrast, post-2020 engagements have been sparse, with no recorded appearances during a 2022–2024 spell at JS Bordj Menaïel due to a backup role, and only limited outings in the Algerian Ligue 2 for USM El Harrach in 2024–25.[4][45] The table below provides a breakdown of appearances by club, focusing on verified professional data:| Club | Years | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| JS Kabylie | 2006–2009 | 104 | 1 |
| ES Sétif | 2009–2011 | 56 | 0 |
| MC Alger | 2011–2018 | 168 | 1 |
| CA Bordj Bou Arréridj | 2018–2020 | 29 | 0 |
| USM El Harrach | 2024–present | 2 | 0 |
| Total | 359 | 2 |
International caps
Faouzi Chaouchi earned 15 caps for the Algeria national team between 2008 and 2018, all as a starter and without scoring any goals. His appearances spanned friendlies, World Cup qualifiers, the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations, and the 2010 FIFA World Cup.[27][4] Chaouchi featured in all five of Algeria's matches at the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations, where the team reached the quarter-finals, and made one start in the 2010 FIFA World Cup group stage. He also played key roles in World Cup qualifying campaigns, including a standout performance in the 2009 playoff against Egypt, where he made multiple crucial saves to preserve a 1–0 victory and secure Algeria's qualification for their first World Cup since 1986.[27][29][46] Throughout his international career, Chaouchi kept six clean sheets and received one yellow card and one red card. No further caps have been recorded since June 2018.[27] The following table lists all of Chaouchi's international appearances:| Date | Opponent | Result | Competition | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 March 2008 | DR Congo | 1–1 | International Friendly | 45' |
| 12 August 2009 | Uruguay | 0–1 | International Friendly | 45' |
| 18 November 2009 | Egypt | 1–0 | FIFA World Cup Qualifier | 90' |
| 11 January 2010 | Malawi | 3–0 | Africa Cup of Nations | 90' |
| 14 January 2010 | Mali | 0–1 | Africa Cup of Nations | 90' |
| 18 January 2010 | Angola | 0–0 | Africa Cup of Nations | 90' |
| 24 January 2010 | Ivory Coast | 2–3 (a.e.t.) | Africa Cup of Nations | 120' |
| 28 January 2010 | Egypt | 0–4 | Africa Cup of Nations | 88' |
| 27 May 2010 | Republic of Ireland | 0–3 | International Friendly | 67' |
| 5 June 2010 | United Arab Emirates | 0–1 | International Friendly | 90' |
| 13 June 2010 | Slovenia | 0–1 | FIFA World Cup | 90' |
| 10 November 2017 | Nigeria | 3–0 | Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier | 90' |
| 22 March 2018 | Tanzania | 4–1 | International Friendly | 90' |
| 27 March 2018 | Iran | 1–2 | International Friendly | 90' |
| 1 June 2018 | Cape Verde | 2–3 | International Friendly | 90' |
