Riyad Mahrez, the five-time Premier League champion, has announced his retirement from international football following Algeria's elimination from the 2026 World Cup. The 35-year-old forward made the decision after a 2-0 loss to Switzerland in the round of 32 on Thursday in Vancouver.
Emotional Farewell
Speaking after the match, Mahrez reflected on his journey with the national team. "There were good times and difficult times as well, of course. That's part of a career," he said. "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." He added, "It is the new generation's turn to play." As he left the field, Mahrez gave a thumbs-up, patted his heart, and waved to the fans, signaling the end of an era.
Illustrious International Career
Mahrez retires with the second-most appearances for Algeria (119) and the second-most goals (40). He was a key member of the squad that won the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, Algeria's first continental title since 1990. His international career spanned 12 years, during which he captained the team and led them to two World Cup appearances (2014 and 2026).
Club Success
At the club level, Mahrez enjoyed remarkable success. He won the Premier League with Leicester City in 2016 in one of the greatest upsets in sports history. He later moved to Manchester City, where he added four more Premier League titles and a UEFA Champions League trophy in 2023. He currently plays for Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia.
Legacy
Mahrez's retirement marks the end of a golden generation for Algerian football. His 40 goals place him second on the all-time scoring list, behind only Islam Slimani. His 119 caps are second only to Lakhdar Belloumi. With his departure, a new generation of Algerian players will look to build on his legacy.
