le défunt Djamel Menad inhumé au cimetière de Beni Messous à Alger
In Memoriam: Djamel Menad, A Legend of Algerian Football
On Saturday afternoon, a heartfelt farewell was held for Djamel Menad, the former Algerian national football team striker and a significant figure in the Jeunesse Sportive de Kabylie (JSK). Menad was laid to rest at the "Aissat Idir" cemetery in Beni Messous, Alger. His funeral was attended by prominent figures including Sports Minister Walid Sadi, Kamel Sidi Said, the advisor to the President of the Republic, and notable personalities from the world of football and media.
Menad, an iconic figure in Algerian football, passed away at the age of 64 after battling a prolonged illness. His impact on the sport and his dedication were celebrated by many during the ceremonies.
Minister of Sports Walid Sadi expressed his condolences to the entire sports and football community and relayed messages from President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to Menad’s family. He emphasized the profound loss felt in Algeria, stating, "We lose a legend and a great sports figure… may Allah grant him mercy and comfort his loved ones. To Allah we belong, and to Him we return."
Kamel Sidi Said echoed similar sentiments, reflecting on Menad’s contributions. "We gather in memory of someone whose loss is deeply felt in Algerian football and beyond. Djamel Menad was not only a legend in football but in all Algerian sports," he remarked. He, too, conveyed condolences from the President, hoping that Menad finds peace in the afterlife, especially during the sacred days of Ramadan.
El Hadi Ould Ali, the president of the JSK club’s board, also shared his condolences on behalf of the club. He recognized Menad’s invaluable contributions, stating, "The JSK club, the team of the late Djamel Menad, expresses its heartfelt condolences to his family and to all JSK supporters for the loss of an icon in football, both at the club and national level. Our condolences also extend to the entire Algerian populace."
Djamel Menad was a celebrated figure during the 1980s and 1990s, remembered for his commitment and remarkable accomplishments in football. His legacy extends far beyond the football field, as he represented not just a club but the hopes and aspirations of countless fans as one of the defining figures in the history of Algerian sports. His passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who admired him, both as an athlete and a person dedicated to his country.
Throughout his life, Menad demonstrated an unwavering commitment to football, marking his place among the greats in the sport’s history in Algeria. Numerous tributes and remembrances will continue to highlight the exemplary life of this football legend, ensuring that his contributions will be cherished by future generations.
As a member of the generation that significantly impacted Algerian football, Menad carved out a niche for himself, not only through his playing skills but also through his leadership, sportsmanship, and dedication to nurturing future talents in the sport. His presence and influence helped elevate the status of Algerian football on the international scene, contributing to a rich legacy that will inspire young athletes for years to come.
In summary, Djamel Menad’s life and career exemplify the qualities of grace, strength, and tenacity that characterize great sports figures. His loss is mourned by many, yet his legacy will continue to inspire and motivate future generations of footballers in Algeria and around the world.
