Player profile
Riyad Mahrez
Forward · Al Ahli
Riyad Mahrez captained Algeria to their first World Cup since 2014, scoring twice in a decisive group-stage draw with Austria, in what he has said will be his final major tournament.
Career
Mahrez captained Algeria through a dominant CAF qualifying campaign — eight wins and one draw in ten matches — and a run to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals.
He scored twice and set up another in a 3-3 draw with Austria in Kansas City, sending Algeria into the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams after finishing third in Group J.
At Al Ahli since leaving Manchester City, with whom he won the Champions League in 2023, Mahrez has added a second continental title, the 2024-25 AFC Champions League Elite.
How they play
A veteran wide forward and set-piece threat, still delivering match-defining moments — two goals and an assist in a single World Cup group game — at 35.
Where they are now
At 35, Mahrez has said the 2026 World Cup is his final major tournament with Algeria, closing out a run that began at the 2014 tournament.
Bio
Club career
- Al Ahli FC2023–2026
- Manchester City F.C.2018–2023
- Leicester City F.C.2014–2018
- Le Havre AC2011–2013
- Quimper Kerfeunteun F.C.2009–2010
International career
- Algeria men's national football team2014–2026
Honours
- National Order of Merit2019
- PFA Players' Player of the Year2016
Defining moments
Brace vs Austria sends Algeria through2026
Mahrez scored twice and assisted once in a 3-3 draw with Austria, sending Algeria into the World Cup knockout stage.
Latest season stats (ESPN)
In our archive
We haven’t archived a match featuring this player yet — appearances appear here the moment we cover one.
Sources
- ESPN athlete profileJul 18, 2026
- WikidataJul 18, 2026
- Player photo — JeanpierrekepseuCC BY-SA 4.0
Read for this profile
- Yahoo Sports — Mahrez bags brace to send Algeria into FIFA World Cup Last 32August 6, 2026
- OneFootball — Riyad Mahrez set for last major tournament with Algeria at 2026 World CupAugust 6, 2026
- CAF Online — Algeria's Mahrez finally gets his World Cup momentAugust 6, 2026
Profile written / last reviewed August 6, 2026.
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