Rais M’Bolhi: Veteran goalkeeper calls time on glittering career

Algeria goalkeeper Rais M’Bolhi has called time on his glittering career that spanned over two decades across Africa, Europe, Asia and the United States.

Born in France, M’Bolhi retired from the game at the age of 39, clocking almost 100 international appearances for Algeria.

🚨 𝑶𝑭𝑭𝑰𝑪𝑰𝑬𝑳 : Raïs Mbolhi 🇩🇿 prend sa retraite de footballeur professionnel à l’âge de 39 ans ! 🌍🧤🥹

🏆 CAN 2019
🏆 Coupe Arabe 2021
🎖️ Énorme Coupe du Monde 2014. pic.twitter.com/UoZjfIasvo

— 🏆 Actu Foot Afrique (@ActuFootAfrique) February 25, 2026

Having journeyed across 21 clubs, his final spell came with home club, ES Mostaganem, where he made six appearances before hanging his boots.

Rais M’Bolhi led Algeria to 2019 AFCON

His impressive record includes winning the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, the Arab Cup in 2021 with several individual accolades like The Best Goalkeeper at the 2019 AFCON and the FIFA Arab Cup Golden Glove in 2021.

M’Bolhi announced himself on the global stage as Algeria’s first-choice goalkeeper at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and did not look back since that tournament, going on to earn 96 caps.

He was a delight to watch when Algeria reached a historic round of 16 at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil before leading the Fennecs to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations title in Egypt.

Having played for Olympique Marseille B while representing France at the junior level, M’Bolhi previously played in Algeria for CR Belouizdad and French side Rennes before stints at Antalyaspor, Heart of Midlothian, Ethnikos Piraeus, Slavia Sofia, CSKA Sodia, Al Etiffaq and Al Qadsiah.