Former Spain Under-19 European champion Yanis Senhadji has committed his international future to Algeria, choosing the country of his parents’ origin over Spain.
The 21-year-old striker made the decision after representing Spain 12 times and scoring three goals for La Rojita. Senhadji was part of the Spain side that won the European Under-19 Championship two years ago, but he will now pursue a senior international career with the Fennecs.
His decision has caused controversy in Algeria because of comments he made in March 2024, when he openly stated his preference for Spain. At the time, Senhadji had also been approached by Algeria’s Under-20 side.
“With Algeria, it was for a friendly tournament and with Spain, it was for the European Under-20 qualifiers. When it came to deciding, I did not hesitate to choose Spain because I knew nothing about Algeria and because I was excited by the prospect of playing with the best Spanish players of my age,” he said.
The change of allegiance could leave Senhadji facing a reaction similar to that experienced by Yacine Adli. Adli was rejected by Algeria after he firmly closed the door on playing for the Fennecs, saying that he wanted to “play at the highest level” with the France national team.
Senhadji’s move comes as he looks to rebuild his club career after a difficult period affected by injuries. At the end of August, the forward joined Real Jaen as a free agent from his formative club, Betis Deportivo, signing a one-year deal with the Spanish third-tier side.
Born in Feliu de Llobregat, Senhadji is a powerful centre-forward who is comfortable in physical contests and effective in the air. He is hoping to regain momentum after limited opportunities and fitness problems in recent seasons.
He was an unused substitute in Real Jaen’s 3-0 victory away to CE Europa on Sunday. Last season, he made 12 appearances but did not start any of them.
His campaign was disrupted by a torn meniscus, which kept him out of action from February until November 2025. The injury further restricted his involvement as he attempted to establish himself at senior level.
Senhadji developed at Betis Deportivo before moving to Real Jaen, where he will aim to secure regular football in the Spanish third tier. His decision to represent Algeria adds an international dimension to a career that began with Spain’s youth teams and included a European Under-19 title.
For Algeria, the switch gives the national set-up another young attacking option with experience of international football. For Senhadji, it marks a definitive break with Spain at senior level and the start of a new chapter with the Fennecs.