2026-07-03 17:30:23
Riyad Mahrez brought the curtain down on his international career moments after Algeria’s World Cup campaign ended in disappointment, with the former Manchester City and Leicester City winger announcing his retirement following the Fennec Foxes’ defeat in the last 32.
The decision ends a 12-year spell in which Riyad established himself as one of the greatest players in Algeria’s history, adding another emotional chapter to a career that has included Premier League glory, an Africa Cup of Nations triumph and a UEFA Champions League winner’s medal.
Algeria were beaten 2-0 in their World Cup knockout tie on Friday (03.07.26), ending hopes of extending their run in the tournament.
The captain started the match but was substituted with around 20 minutes remaining after Breel Embolo’s early goal had put the opposition in control.
Following the final whistle, Riyad applauded the travelling supporters before returning to acknowledge them once more at full time.
Speaking to beIN Sports shortly afterwards, he confirmed the match would be his final appearance for Algeria.
The announcement comes after Riyad had played a key role in helping Algeria reach the knockout stages, including scoring twice in a dramatic 3-3 draw with Austria during the group phase.
He continues to play club football for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli after leaving Manchester City in 2023.
During his time at City, Riyad was part of Pep Guardiola’s Treble-winning side in 2022-’23, lifting the Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League in the club’s most successful campaign.
Before that, he famously inspired Leicester City to one of football’s greatest underdog stories by helping Claudio Ranieri’s side win the 2015-16 Premier League title.
Riyad told beIN Sports that he had decided to retire from international football following Algeria’s elimination.
The winger appeared visibly emotional as he confirmed the decision during his post-match interview.
Riyad leaves the national team having earned 119 caps and scored 40 international goals.
His greatest success with Algeria came in 2019 when he captained the country to Africa Cup of Nations glory, cementing his place among the nation’s most celebrated footballers.
At club level, Riyad has continued his career with Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia, where he has made more than 120 appearances and scored 37 goals.
Before moving to the Middle East, he enjoyed two outstanding spells in English football.
Leicester signed Riyad from French club Le Havre in January 2014 for a reported fee of £450,000.
Two years later, he played a pivotal role in Leicester’s remarkable Premier League triumph, scoring 17 league goals as the Foxes defied pre-season odds to become champions.
His performances earned him the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award, a place in the PFA Team of the Year and the Fans’ Player of the Year honour.
Manchester City signed Riyad for £60m in 2018.
During five seasons at the Etihad Stadium, he won five Premier League titles alongside domestic cups before completing the Treble under Pep Guardiola.
He also helped City lift the UEFA Champions League for the first time in the club’s history, establishing himself as one of the most decorated African footballers of his generation.
Riyad’s retirement from international football follows Algeria’s exit from the World Cup, bringing to an end a career with the national team that spanned more than a decade and included appearances at multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and World Cups.
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