PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Fares Ghedjemis |
| Date of Birth | 6 September 2002 (Age: 23) |
| Place of Birth | Montreuil, France |
| Nationality | Algerian |
| Height | 1.83 m / 6 ft 0 in |
| Weight | 75 kg / 165 lbs |
| Position | Forward / Right Winger |
| Preferred Foot | Left |
| Squad Number | #25 (Algeria), #7 (Frosinone) |
| Current Club | Frosinone |
| Previous Clubs | Troyes, Le Havre, Evreux, Vannes, FC Rouen |
| International Caps | 2 |
| International Goals | 1 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2026 |
| Contract Until | June 2028 |
| Market Value | €7M |
The Frozen Moment
The 2026 FIFA World Cup. Algeria, the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations champions, had returned to the global stage for the first time in 12 years. For Fares Ghedjemis, the journey to the world stage had been one of extraordinary resilience—from the French fifth tier to the World Cup in just 18 months.
Selected as part of Vladimir Petković’s 26-man Algeria squad for the 2026 World Cup, Ghedjemis’s inclusion represented the culmination of a career defined by rejection, determination, and an unwavering belief in his own abilities. The boy from Montreuil, who had been rejected by Troyes and Le Havre, and who had been plying his trade in the French amateur leagues just four years earlier, was now preparing to compete against the world’s best at football’s greatest tournament.
His international debut in March 2026 had been a preview of what was to come. Coming off the bench to replace one of his childhood heroes, Riyad Mahrez, Ghedjemis scored his first goal for Algeria in a 7-0 victory over Guatemala. It was a moment of profound emotion—scoring for the country of his parents, on the same pitch as the players he had long admired. “It’s really quite emotional to represent my country, and the country of my parents as well,” he reflected.
Four years earlier, while Algeria’s World Cup dream had died in the cruellest imaginable way—a 124th-minute winner for Cameroon in a decisive qualifier—Ghedjemis was fighting his own battles in the French lower leagues. Now, their fortunes had aligned. Algeria had qualified for the World Cup at a canter, and Ghedjemis had risen from the fourth tier to Serie A and the global stage. Few players in the tournament could match the remarkable journey that had brought him to North America.
Origins
Fares Ghedjemis was born on September 6, 2002, in Montreuil, a suburb of Paris, France. His footballing journey began in the French system, where he joined the youth setup of Troyes. His early years were spent developing his game at the club, but his path to the professional ranks would prove far from straightforward.
His father, Khalid Ghedjemis, was a lifelong supporter of the Algeria national team and quickly encouraged his son to take up the sport. As a child, Fares would calculate how old he would be when he turned professional, and how old he would be when he could play in the World Cup. “For me, it would be 2026, or perhaps the one after that,” he had calculated as a young boy. His childhood memories were filled with watching Algeria’s World Cup campaigns, particularly the 2014 tournament and the remarkable match against Germany.
Despite his talent, his early professional prospects were dim. When Troyes let him go, he hoped to make enough of an impression at Le Havre to sign his first professional contract. Le Havre declined, leaving some to question whether Ghedjemis had the skills to make it in the professional game. The rejections could have broken a lesser player. Instead, they forged a determination that would define his career.
The European Forge
Troyes and Le Havre (2019-2022):
Ghedjemis spent his formative years at Troyes, where he developed through the youth ranks. After being released by the club, he moved to Le Havre, hoping to earn his first professional contract. The club declined, leaving Ghedjemis without a path into the professional game. The rejection was a pivotal moment—one that could have ended his footballing ambitions entirely.
Évreux FC and Vannes OC (2022-2023):
Rather than giving up, Ghedjemis devised a new plan: he would work his way up through the French lower leagues, proving his worth one step at a time. He joined Évreux FC in France’s fourth tier, but things did not go to plan. After just six months, he moved to Vannes, also in the fourth tier.
It was at Vannes that his career began to turn. Despite the club’s relegation, Ghedjemis turned heads over a few decisive weeks where he produced six goals and four assists. The performances were enough to attract attention from higher-level clubs. “I knew I only had six months to make a name for myself, so it was a real lightbulb moment for me,” he explained. “I poured my heart and soul into it, giving it everything I had to get into a third-tier team, and I put in six months of top-class performances.”
FC Rouen (2023-2024):
The performances at Vannes earned Ghedjemis a move to FC Rouen in the French third division. He made 19 league appearances for Rouen, scoring 5 goals, and featured in the Coupe de France. His finishing instinct and his ability to supply goals for teammates made him a standout performer.
However, there was no stopping Ghedjemis’s momentum. France’s third division proved too small a stage for him. After another six months of consistent performances, he was snapped up by Serie A side Frosinone.
Frosinone (2024-Present):
In January 2024, Ghedjemis signed for Frosinone, completing a remarkable journey from the French fourth tier to Italy’s top flight in just 18 months. The transition was challenging—moving to a new country where the team communicated mostly in Italian rather than English, and learning a new language while adapting to a new style of football. But his passion for football made the transition manageable. “Playing in Serie A, competing in that league, meant the world to me. It was pretty easy to settle in, thanks to football,” he reflected.
His first season at Frosinone (2023-24) saw him make 6 Serie A appearances, but the club was relegated at the end of the campaign. The 2024-25 season in Serie B was a period of adaptation—21 appearances, 2 goals. The 2025-26 season was his definitive breakthrough. He made 37 league appearances (36 starts), scoring 15 goals and providing 3 assists in 3,009 minutes. His goal-scoring return of 0.45 goals per 90 minutes placed him in the 96th percentile of Serie B players. His 16.70 expected goals (xG) placed him in the top 95 percentile.
His performances were instrumental in Frosinone’s promotion back to Serie A. The club finished second in Serie B, a point behind champions Venezia, with Ghedjemis one of the main driving forces. He scored his 15th league goal in the final match of the season as Frosinone thrashed Mantua 5-0. In his second season at the club, he made 58 appearances across all competitions, scoring 17 goals, and the club returned to Italy’s top flight.
The Anatomy of His Game
Fares Ghedjemis is a dynamic forward and right winger defined by his goalscoring instinct, dribbling ability, and relentless work rate. Standing at 1.83 meters and left-footed, he combines physical presence with technical quality.
In Possession:
Ghedjemis is a prolific goalscorer from wide positions. In the 2025-26 Serie B season, he averaged 0.45 goals per 90 minutes, ranking in the 96th percentile of players. He took 3.17 shots per 90 minutes, with 34.9% of those on target. His non-penalty xG per 90 minutes was 0.49, placing him in the top 97 percentile.
His 15 league goals in the 2025-26 season were equally distributed—6 at home and 9 away, with a notable 0.52 goals per 90 minutes away from home. His 3 assists and 18 goal involvements (0.54 per 90 minutes) placed him in the 93rd percentile. He is also a capable dribbler, with technical attributes including a 65 rating for dribbling, technique, and first touch.
Out of Possession:
Ghedjemis’s work rate is one of his key attributes. His stamina and natural fitness are rated 65. His aggression and bravery allow him to compete physically, and his work rate ensures he contributes defensively. His disciplinary record is generally good—he has accumulated 6 yellow cards across 64 appearances for Frosinone and has never been sent off.
Psychological Edge:
Ghedjemis’s mental resilience is perhaps his most defining quality. His journey from the French fifth tier to Serie A and the World Cup is a testament to his character. “It’s safe to say that my career path has been quite unconventional. It certainly wasn’t a smooth ride,” he admitted. Rather than being broken by rejection, he used it as fuel. “I decided to go it alone.”
His ability to adapt to new environments—from Troyes to Le Havre, from Évreux to Vannes, from Rouen to Frosinone, and to the Algeria national team—reflects a player with strong mental adaptability. His rapid integration into the Algeria squad, scoring on his debut, demonstrates his ability to handle pressure and perform when it matters most.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot (2025/26 Season)
| Competition | Apps | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Goal Involvement | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Serie B | 37 | 3,009 | 15 | 3 | 18 | — |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 1 | 90 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| International Friendlies | 1 | — | 1 | — | — | — |
| TOTAL | 39 | 3,099+ | 16 | 3 | 19 | — |
TABLE B: Career (League)
| Season | Club | League | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-23 | Évreux FC | National 2 | — | — |
| 2022-23 | Vannes OC | National 2 | — | — |
| 2023-24 | FC Rouen | National | 19 | 5 |
| 2023-24 | Frosinone | Serie A | 6 | 0 |
| 2024-25 | Frosinone | Serie B | 21 | 2 |
| 2025-26 | Frosinone | Serie B | 37 | 15 |
| TOTAL | — | — | 98 | 25 |
TABLE C: International Record (2026)
| Tournament/Competition | Apps | Starts | Minutes | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Friendlies | 1 | 0 | — | 1 |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 1 | 1 | 90 | 0 |
| TOTAL | 2 | 1 | 90+ | 1 |
TABLE D: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2019-21 | Troyes Youth | Formative years at Troyes |
| 2022-23 | Lower League Grind | Évreux and Vannes in National 2 |
| 2023-24 | FC Rouen Move | National, 19 appearances, 5 goals |
| 2024 | Frosinone Move | Signed for Serie A club |
| 2024-25 | Serie B Adaptation | 21 appearances, 2 goals |
| 2025-26 | Breakthrough Season | 37 appearances, 15 goals |
| 2026 | Algeria Debut | Debut vs Guatemala, scored |
| 2025-26 | Serie B Promotion | Frosinone promoted to Serie A |
| 2026 | World Cup Selection | Named in Algeria 26-man squad |
What these figures reveal
is a player whose career has been characterized by extraordinary progression and increasing productivity. Ghedjemis has gone from the French fourth tier to Serie A in just 18 months, and from 2 goals in his first Serie B season to 15 in his second. His 15 goals in 37 appearances in the 2025-26 season represent a significant goalscoring return from a wide forward position. His selection for the World Cup at just 23 years of age suggests he is a key part of Algeria’s long-term plans.
The Present Tense
Fares Ghedjemis is 23 years old and entering the prime of his career. He is Frosinone’s star forward, an Algerian international, and a World Cup performer.
The Frosinone Story:
Ghedjemis joined Frosinone in January 2024 and has been a key player for the club. The 2025-26 season was his breakthrough campaign—37 appearances, 15 goals, and a return to Serie A. His market value is estimated at €7M. He is under contract until 2028.
The World Cup Campaign:
Ghedjemis was named in Vladimir Petković’s 26-man Algeria squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, wearing the number 25 shirt. He made his World Cup debut in the tournament’s group stage, earning his second senior cap. His debut had come just months earlier, in the March friendly against Guatemala, where he scored his first international goal.
International Record:
Ghedjemis has earned 2 caps for Algeria and scored 1 goal, with the goal coming on his debut against Guatemala. He has been integrated into the national team setup under Vladimir Petković, who has shown a willingness to refresh the squad with younger talent.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Fares Ghedjemis is defined by his journey from the French lower leagues to the World Cup. Born in Montreuil, a Paris suburb, he grew up supporting Algeria from afar, watching the national team’s matches on television with his father.
His father, Khalid Ghedjemis, was a lifelong supporter of the national team and quickly encouraged his son to take up the sport. He has fond memories of watching Algeria’s matches, particularly the 2014 World Cup clash against Germany: “It was an incredible match against Germany. Even as I talk about it now, I get emotional.” Twelve years later, Ghedjemis found himself sharing the pitch with Aïssa Mandi, one of the key players from that legendary match, alongside players he had long admired such as Ramy Bensebaini and Houssem Aouar.
His decision to represent Algeria was one of the heart. “It’s an honour to be able to play alongside top players. Most of all, it’s really quite emotional to represent my country, and the country of my parents as well,” he beamed.
His journey has been one of extraordinary resilience. From being rejected by Troyes and Le Havre, to playing in the French fourth tier, to Serie A and the World Cup, Ghedjemis’s story is one of refusal to accept defeat. “I knew exactly what I wanted to do,” he explained. “The idea was to work my way up through National 2 to National, and then move into the professional game.”
The Verdict from the Camp
The National, profile piece:
“Four years ago, Algeria’s World Cup dream died in the cruellest imaginable way. Yet, in the aftermath, a new generation quietly began to emerge, one shaped by resilience. Few embody that spirit more than Ghedjemis.”
FIFA, on Ghedjemis's rise:
“Through hard work and determination, the Algerian achieved the seemingly impossible feat of rising from the French fifth tier to the Italian first division in the space of a year and a half.”
Fares Ghedjemis, on his international debut:
“Your first call-up is always special. It’s an honour to be able to play alongside top players. Most of all, it’s really quite emotional to represent my country, and the country of my parents as well.”
Fares Ghedjemis, on his unconventional path:
“It’s safe to say that my career path has been quite unconventional. It certainly wasn’t a smooth ride. I decided to go it alone.”
Vladimir Petković, Algeria head coach:
Petković included Ghedjemis in Algeria’s 26-man World Cup squad, placing faith in the young forward’s ability to contribute on the global stage.
Where Next?
Fares Ghedjemis is 23 years old and entering the prime of his career. He is established at Frosinone, an Algerian international, and a World Cup performer.
For Algeria, he represents the future of the attack. His selection for the 2026 World Cup at just 23 years of age demonstrates the confidence of Vladimir Petković. With the Algeria attack featuring established players like Riyad Mahrez, Ghedjemis provides a long-term successor and a different profile—a direct, goalscoring wide forward. As Algeria builds towards future tournaments, Ghedjemis will be central to those plans.
For Frosinone, he is a star player and a valuable asset. His 15 goals in the 2025-26 Serie B season were instrumental in the club’s promotion. His market value of €7M is likely to increase as he continues to develop. With Serie A football beckoning, Ghedjemis has the opportunity to showcase his abilities at the highest level of Italian football.
His career trajectory is remarkable—from the French fourth tier to Serie A and the World Cup in just 18 months. He has earned his place through consistent performance, developing from a rejected youth player into a genuine goalscoring threat.
The boy from Montreuil who was rejected by Troyes and Le Havre has become a Frosinone star, an Algerian international, and a World Cup player. Fares Ghedjemis’s journey is a story of resilience, determination, and the pursuit of excellence against all odds.
