Overview

• Mekhloufi began his career in Algeria and became a star at AS Saint-Étienne, winning multiple French championships.
• In 1958, he left French football to join the FLN team, promoting Algerian independence through sports diplomacy.
• After Algeria's independence in 1962, Mekhloufi returned to Saint-Étienne, securing more titles and becoming the club's second-highest scorer.
• He played for both the French and Algerian national teams, later coaching Algeria and serving as its football federation president.
• Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and the football community have paid tribute to Mekhloufi's contributions on and off the field.