Riyad Mahrez departed Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli on July 4, 2026, ending a three-season spell with the team [1, 2]. He made 122 appearances for Al-Ahli, scoring 37 goals and providing 46 assists during his time there [1, 2].
Mahrez announced his retirement from international football on August 6, 2026, following Algeria’s 2-0 loss to Switzerland in the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup [3]. He earned 119 caps for Algeria, scoring 40 goals and registering 45 assists, ranking as the country's second-highest scorer and second-most capped player [1, 2, 3].
The winger captained Algeria to their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations title, cementing his legacy as a leader on the national team [1, 2, 3]. Al-Ahli and the Algerian Football Federation praised Mahrez as a natural leader who leaves a lasting legacy in football [1, 2].
At club level, Mahrez was part of the Leicester City squad that won the 2015-16 Premier League title and secured multiple trophies including the UEFA Champions League with Manchester City [1, 2, 3].
Reflecting on his international career, Mahrez said, “There were good times and difficult times as well, of course. That’s part of a career. But representing Algeria has been a dream of mine ever since I was young, to play for my country. It’s been an immense honor and a great source of pride. It is the new generation’s turn to play.” [3]
Mahrez’s departure leaves Al-Ahli and Algeria preparing for transitions. The next steps for Mahrez’s club career have not been announced as of August 2026.
