Islam Slimani (; born 18 June 1988) is an Algerian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Belgian Pro League club Anderlecht and the Algeria national team. Slimani began his career in his homeland with JSM Chéraga and CR Belouizdad. In 2013, he moved to Europe, signing for Sporting CP. He played and scored regularly during his three seasons in Portugal, helping his team win the Taça de Portugal in 2015. In 2016, Slimani was transferred to Leicester for a club record £28 million fee. An Algerian international, Slimani made his international debut in 2012 and played at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2021, and was also a part of the Algeria side that won the 2019 tournament. He was also part of Algeria's squad at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, where he finished as the team's joint top scorer with two goals. As of November 2022, he has won 91 international caps and scored 41 goals, making him Algeria's highest all-time goalscorer. Early life Slimani was born in Algiers, Algeria. Club career Early career In May 2009, Slimani joined CR Belouizdad from JSM Chéraga for a transfer fee of 800,000 Algerian dinars, signing a two-year contract. In August, he made his official debut for the club as a starter against MC Oran in the first week of the 2009–10 Algerian Championnat National. He finished his first season with Belouizdad with 8 goals in 30 games. On 17 May 2011, Slimani scored four goals in a league game against JS Kabylie, leading CR Belouizdad to an impressive 7–1 win. In July 2011, with his contract expired and several French clubs such as Nice and Le Havre showing interest in signing him, Slimani decided to sign a two-year extension with CR Belouizdad. Sporting CP 2013–14 season On 6 August 2013, Slimani joined Sporting CP for an undisclosed fee. He started the 2013–14 season as a substitute, gaining a reputation as an impact player due to him scoring vital goals when coming off the bench. Due to the lack of form of Fredy Montero, however, Slimani became a starter and scored four goals in four matches in early March 2014 against Rio Ave, Braga, Vitória de Setúbal and in 1–0 over rivals Porto. In December 2013 he was considered the best Algerian footballer of the year as he won the Algerian Golden Ball. 2014–15 season In