PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Samir Sophian Chergui |
| Date of Birth | 6 February 1999 (Age: 27) |
| Place of Birth | Arpajon, France |
| Nationality | Algerian (born in France) |
| Height | 1.85 m / 6 ft 1 in |
| Weight | 78 kg |
| Position | Centre-Back / Right-Back |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Squad Number | #31 (Paris FC) |
| Current Club | Paris FC |
| Previous Clubs | Auxerre B, Paris FC B |
| International Caps | 6 |
| International Goals | 0 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2026 |
| Market Value | — |
The Frozen Moment
The 2026 World Cup. For Samir Chergui, it was the culmination of a remarkable redemption story. Just six years earlier, he had been released from Auxerre after arriving drunk at training, his professional career in ruins. Now, he was representing Algeria on football’s biggest stage.
Chergui had made his senior debut for Algeria in October 2025, coming on as a substitute in a World Cup qualifier against Uganda that sealed Algeria’s top spot in their group. His performances in the lead-up to the tournament—including appearances in friendlies against Zimbabwe, Saudi Arabia, and Bolivia, as well as the Africa Cup of Nations—convinced head coach Vladimir Petkovic to include him in the final 26-man squad. The boy from Arpajon who had “lost everything” had risen to become a World Cup player.
Origins
Samir Sophian Chergui was born on February 6, 1999, in Arpajon, France, to Algerian parents. His football journey began at CS Brétigny, where he joined the youth academy in 2006 at the age of seven. He started his youth career as an attacking midfielder but gradually moved further back down the pitch, eventually establishing himself as a central defender or right-back.
At the age of 14, Chergui joined the prestigious AJ Auxerre Academy. He quickly rose through the ranks, reaching the reserve team at just 17 years old.
The European Forge
Auxerre B (2016-2020):
Chergui’s senior career began at Auxerre B, where he made 44 appearances and scored one goal. On June 20, 2019, he signed a professional contract with Auxerre.
However, his time at Auxerre ended in controversy. On March 3, 2020, he was released from Auxerre after repeated misconduct, including arriving drunk at training the day after his 21st birthday. Chergui later reflected on the moment: “That day, I lost everything. I felt ashamed, I had disappointed my family. I had nothing left, no salary, no bearings.”
Paris FC (2020-Present):
A few months after his release from Auxerre, Chergui signed with Paris FC. He initially joined the reserve team, but his hard work paid off. He made his professional debut on January 8, 2021, in a 1-1 Ligue 2 draw with AC Ajaccio.
He scored his first professional goal on May 7, 2022, a headed goal against Amiens SC. He received his first red card in November 2022 against Metz for an excess of anger towards the referee, resulting in a four-game suspension. Despite this setback, he continued to develop into a key player for Paris FC.
By the 2025-26 season, Chergui had made 15 Ligue 1 appearances, scoring one goal and accumulating 1,155 minutes of playing time. His statistics included 43 recoveries, 32 clearances, 18 tackles, and a pass completion rate of 90%, demonstrating his reliability at the back. Over his Paris FC career, he had made 110 league appearances and scored two goals. His versatility—able to play both as a centre-back and right-back—made him a valuable asset.
The Anatomy of His Game
Chergui is a right-footed defender defined by his athleticism, technical ability, and versatility. At 1.85 metres, he is a physically imposing presence in the defensive third. His journey from attacking midfielder to defender has given him a unique skill set.
In Possession:
Chergui is comfortable with the ball at his feet, a trait inherited from his early days as an attacking midfielder. His former role gives him an excellent quality in releasing the ball, allowing him to project himself forward quickly. In the 2025-26 season, he maintained a pass completion rate of 90%, with 561 successful passes.
Out of Possession:
Defensively, Chergui is aggressive and committed. His statistics in the 2025-26 season—43 recoveries, 32 clearances, 18 tackles, and 11 interceptions—demonstrate his defensive contributions. He is known for his combative style and willingness to put his body on the line.
Psychological Edge:
Chergui’s career is defined by resilience and redemption. His release from Auxerre for misconduct was a low point, but he rebuilt his career through discipline, hard work, and humility. He has been praised for his simple, sincere attitude, and fans have nicknamed him “the soldier” or “the captain” for his straight posture and determined demeanor. “I know that I had to change,” he reflected. “I understood the value of work and discipline. What I experienced made me stronger.”
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot (2025/26 Season)
| Competition | Apps | Minutes | Goals | Pass Success |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ligue 1 | 15 | 1,155 | 1 | 90% |
| Africa Cup of Nations | 1 | 60 | 0 | — |
| FIFA World Cup | — | — | — | — |
| TOTAL | 16+ | 1,215+ | 1 | — |
TABLE B: Career (League Only)
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auxerre B | 2016-2020 | 44 | 1 |
| Paris FC B | 2020 | 7 | 0 |
| Paris FC | 2021-Present | 110 | 2 |
| TOTAL | — | 161 | 3 |
TABLE C: International Record
| Competition | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| World Cup Qualifying | 1 | 0 |
| Africa Cup of Nations | 1 | 0 |
| Friendlies | 4 | 0 |
| Senior Career | 6 | 0 |
What these figures reveal is a player who has rebuilt his career from the ground up. His 161 career appearances reflect a journey of persistence, while his statistical contributions in the 2025-26 season—especially his 90% pass completion rate—demonstrate his reliability. His six caps for Algeria, earned since October 2025, reflect his rapid rise at international level.
The Present Tense
Samir Chergui is 27 years old and at a defining stage of his career. He is a key defender for Paris FC in Ligue 1 and a World Cup squad member for the Algerian national team.
The Paris FC Story:
Chergui has been with Paris FC since July 2020, progressing from the reserve team to become a first-team regular. He has made 110 league appearances for the club, scoring two goals. His versatility and consistent performances have made him a valuable asset as Paris FC competes in Ligue 1.
The International Story:
Chergui made his senior debut for Algeria on October 14, 2025, coming on as a substitute in a 2-1 World Cup qualifying victory over Uganda that sealed Algeria’s place in the 2026 World Cup. He started in friendlies against Zimbabwe and Saudi Arabia, and featured at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations against Burkina Faso.
“Being part of the national team is huge motivation,” Chergui said. “Now it’s up to me to prove I deserve it every single game.”
The World Cup Campaign:
Chergui was named in Vladimir Petkovic’s final 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup. He featured in Algeria’s warm-up match against Bolivia and was part of the squad that faced Argentina, Austria, and Jordan in Group J.
International Record:
Chergui has earned 6 caps for Algeria since his debut in October 2025.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Chergui’s story is one of redemption. His release from Auxerre in 2020 for arriving drunk at training was a low point. “I partied all night and arrived at training still under the influence of alcohol. The coach saw me and immediately sidelined me,” he recounted.
For several months after his release, Chergui was isolated and without a club. “I felt ashamed, I had disappointed my family. I had nothing left, no salary, no bearings,” he said. He returned to Brétigny, his hometown, and gradually rebuilt his life with the support of his family.
This period of reflection became a turning point. “I know that I had to change. I understood the value of work and discipline. What I experienced made me stronger.” His eventual signing with Paris FC, and his rise to become a professional footballer, represented a full circle.
His Algerian heritage has always been central to his identity. Born in France to Algerian parents, he chose to represent the Fennecs and made his debut in 2025. After Algeria’s World Cup qualification, he was received by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune alongside the rest of the national team. “It’s an immense privilege. I saw the president on television, and today I shook his hand,” he said.
His humble, sincere attitude has made him a fan favourite. Supporters have nicknamed him “the soldier” or “the captain” for his determined demeanor, and his combative performances on the pitch have won hearts.
The Verdict from the Camp
Vladimir Petkovic, Algeria Head Coach:
Petkovic named Chergui in Algeria’s 2026 World Cup squad, valuing his versatility, athleticism, and determination.
Samir Chergui:
“Representing Algeria fills me with pride and I’m working hard to stay in the squad. I’ll give double the effort on the pitch to achieve that.”
Where Next?
Samir Chergui is 27 years old and at a defining stage of his career. He is a key defender for Paris FC in Ligue 1 and a World Cup squad member for Algeria. His journey from professional oblivion to the World Cup is one of the most compelling redemption stories in football.
For Algeria, Chergui represents depth and versatility in defence. With six caps and experience at the Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup, he is positioned to become a more regular fixture in the national team setup.
From Arpajon to Auxerre, from Brétigny to Paris FC, from professional disgrace to the World Cup, Samir Chergui’s journey is a story of redemption, resilience, and determination. The boy who “lost everything” at 21 is now a World Cup player and an inspiration to every footballer who has ever made a mistake.
