Algerian football captain Riyad Mahrez and his wife, Taylor Ward, have introduced their newborn son to the world, sharing the first heartwarming family pictures on social media.
A Joyful Family Announcement
The couple posted two intimate snaps on Instagram, marking the arrival of their latest family member. One image captured a tender moment in the hospital, with Ward holding their newborn son in her arms as Mahrez leaned in affectionately. Another photograph featured their three-year-old daughter, Mila, beaming with pride as she gently placed her arm around her sleeping baby brother.
Mahrez, 34, missed the first training session of Algeria's international camp this month after being granted special permission by national team manager Vladimir Petkovic to remain at home with his partner during the birth.
Balancing Football and Family Life
The Manchester City legend, who now plays for Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli after his high-profile transfer in 2023, has since joined up with the Algerian national team, known as the Desert Warriors. He is preparing for their upcoming friendly matches against Zimbabwe and Saudi Arabia, both conveniently being played in the Middle Eastern nation.
Mahrez has earned 106 caps for Algeria and captains the side, which recently qualified for next summer's World Cup. While he's expected to feature in the forthcoming games, he may be excused from the first match due to his late arrival at the training camp.
This new addition expands Mahrez's family, as the footballer also has two daughters from his previous marriage to Rita Johal.
Life in the Spotlight and Saudi Transition
The couple previously gave fans a glimpse into their lives through the Amazon series Married to the Game, which explored the world of footballers' wives and partners. Ward has been open about her pregnancy journey, regularly sharing updates with her social media followers.
One particularly memorable moment from the series went viral, showing Mahrez informing Ward about his sudden transfer from Manchester City to Al-Ahli. Ward admitted to feeling "overwhelmed" by the news, especially given the short notice. "It was a huge shock and I had absolutely no idea," she recalled in an interview with Daily Mail Sport last year.
She described Mahrez as "straight-talking and to the point" when he told her, "It's part of the game, innit," in response to her concerns about being alone in a new country. The move happened so rapidly that Ward had little time to process the change or properly say goodbye to friends in Manchester.
Despite her initial apprehension, Ward has since expressed pleasant surprise about life in Saudi Arabia. She noted the presence of familiar comforts like Nando's and described the people as "so lovely." She characterized the lifestyle as "quieter and calmer" compared to their busy social life in Manchester, though she admitted missing family and friends the most.
The forward continues to excel in his football career in the Middle East while navigating his growing family responsibilities, demonstrating his commitment both on and off the pitch.
