Riyad Mahrez announced his international retirement just minutes after Algeria were knocked out of the World Cup by Switzerland. Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye scored for Murat Yakin's side, who will now face either Colombia or Ghana in the last-16.
Mahrez Confirms Retirement on Live TV
In the immediate aftermath of the game, five-time Premier League winner Mahrez announced live on beIN SPORTS that the match was his last for his national side. He said: “I confirm, this was my last competition, it’s over.”
On the game, he added: "Our aim was to go through and I think it was a game we could have won. But we conceded twice on mistakes and at this level, you can’t get away with it. There are always positives to take away from matches: we did manage to get out of the group stage, but we conceded too many goals to aspire to more. This was my last match with Algeria."
Emotional Farewell
Mahrez was replaced in the second half with 20 minutes to go at BC Place Vancouver, and he looked dejected as he made his retirement announcement. He also went out of his way to applaud Algerian supporters following the defeat.
The 35-year-old winger scored a double in his side’s final group game against Austria. In total, he made 119 appearances with the national team, scoring 40 goals, and was also part of the side that won the Africa Cup of Nations back in 2019.
Club Career Highlights
Mahrez became the latest big-name recruit by the Saudi Pro League in July 2023 when he left Manchester City for Al-Ahli in a deal worth up to £30m. The Etihad club had paid £60m for the winger in 2018, and he scored 15 goals in 47 games during the club’s Treble-winning campaign.
Mahrez helped City win 10 major honours during five seasons with the club. Four of those 10 honours were Premier League titles. While the attacker also won the league during his time with Leicester City.
Reflecting on his time at the Etihad, Mahrez said a couple of years ago: "To play for Manchester City has been an honour and privilege. I came to City to win trophies and enjoy my football. I achieved all that and so much more. I've made a lifetime of wonderful memories. Manchester City will forever be a huge and happy part of my life."
Recent Performance and Contract Situation
The Al-Ahli star scored eight goals and provided 15 assists last season. However, there have been claims over the past week that Mahrez has left the Jeddah-based club after both parties mutually agreed to terminate his contract early.
