Faouzi Mansouri (Faouzi Mansouri (ফাউজি মানসুরি) was an Algerian professional footballer known for his defensive skills. Born in Menzel Bourguiba, Tunisia, he spent his early years in Algeria before moving to southern France with his family during the Algerian War. He began his football career with Olympique Nîmes, making his first-team debut in 1974 under coach Kader Firoud. Initially a versatile player, he later established himself as a defender.

Biography

Throughout his club career, Mansouri played for several French teams. He started with Olympique Nîmes before moving to AS Béziers in 1980, where he became a key player. In 1981, he joined Montpellier HSC, playing in the first division before experiencing relegation in 1982. Later, he played for FC Mulhouse from 1983 to 1985 before returning to Montpellier, where he retired in 1986. On the international stage, Mansouri was an important member of the Algerian national team, earning 22 official caps and scoring once. He participated in two FIFA World Cups, in 1982 and 1986, playing all group-stage matches. Notably, he was part of Algeria’s historic 2-1 victory over West Germany in the 1982 World Cup. He also played in the African Cup of Nations in 1984 and 1986, helping Algeria secure third place in the 1984 tournament. After retiring, Mansouri remained involved in football, focusing on youth development in Algeria. He passed away on 18 May 2022 at the age of 66, leaving behind a legacy as a dedicated and influential figure in Algerian football.