Marine Dafeur, Algeria captain, from France caps to CAN 2026 semi-final | OneFootball

Marine Dafeur, 31, is an ex-France international who now captains Algeria at CAN 2026. Based in Bristol, her side face Malawi in Wednesday's semi-final at 19:00.

According to L'Équipe, the left-footer has become pivotal after years disrupted by injury. She has two goals and one assist in four matches, and her 30-metre free-kick against Kenya on 3 August drew Roberto Carlos comparisons online.

Dafeur started at 13 with Hénin-Beaumont, then US Raimbeaucourt and the Liévin academy, before a return to Hénin-Beaumont. She made her top-flight debut in 2013 and won the Euro U19 that year with France, then joined Guingamp under Sarah M'Barek.

Under Philippe Bergeroo, she won two France caps, starting the 7-0 win over Kazakhstan on 5 April 2014 in World Cup qualifying and playing 46 minutes. She also featured for 13 minutes against Denmark, a 4-1 win on 6 March 2015 at the Algarve Cup.

A serious knee injury stalled her progress and she moved to Lille in Division 2, where Jérémie Descamps used her on the left in a 3-5-2 for her running power and delivery. She joined Fleury in 2019, initially struggled after three cruciate injuries, then excelled as a number 6 under David Fanzel with a rare long passing range.

Former coaches describe a strong personality, honesty and resilience, and say she thrives when trusted. She has represented Algeria since 2023 after Farid Benstiti’s project won her over, and could play at next year’s World Cup in Brazil.

Source: L'Équipe

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