The 1987 European Cup final saw Rabah Madjer score a pivotal equalizer against Bayern Munich with a back-heeled strike that helped secure a 2-1 victory for FC Porto. This moment remains a defining feature of his career, establishing the Algerian forward as a significant figure in European football during the 1980s.
Early Career and Move to Europe
Born on 15 December 1958 in the Hussein Dey district of Algiers, Madjer began his football life with local club NA Hussein Dey. In 1983, he transitioned to European competition, joining Racing Club de France. He played there for one and a half seasons before spending a brief period with Tours FC to close out the 1984-85 season. His performance earned him a move to Portugal in 1985 to join FC Porto.
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During his six-year tenure at Porto, Madjer accumulated nine major titles, including three Primeira Liga championships. His peak occurred in 1987, when he helped the team capture the European Cup, the European Super Cup, and the Intercontinental Cup. That same year, he earned the African Footballer of the Year award. Despite his success, a proposed move to Inter Milan in 1988 failed after a medical examination revealed a previous thigh muscle injury.
International Representation
Madjer served the Algeria national team for 19 years. He appeared in the 1982 and 1986 FIFA World Cup finals, notably scoring in the 2-1 victory over Germany in 1982. He reached the pinnacle of his international career in 1990 by winning the Africa Cup of Nations on home soil. By the time he retired from international play, he had earned 87 caps.
Coaching and Administrative Roles
Following his retirement in 1992 after a stint with Qatar SC, Madjer transitioned into management. He led several clubs, including Al Sadd SC, Al-Wakrah Sport Club, and Al Rayyan SC. He also undertook multiple roles managing the Algeria national team between 1993 and 2018. Outside of coaching, he has worked as a professional analyst for beIN Sports and served as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador starting in 2011.
Fast facts
- Born: 15 December 1958, Algiers
- Primary Position: Striker
- Major Club: FC Porto
- 1987 European Cup Winner
- 1990 Africa Cup of Nations Champion
- UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador since 2011
Questions readers ask
How many World Cups did Rabah Madjer play in?
He participated in two FIFA World Cup tournaments, appearing in both the 1982 and 1986 editions.
What major individual honors did he receive?
He was named the African Footballer of the Year in 1987 and was designated as the Arab Footballer of the 20th century in 2004.
