Riyad Mahrez wasted no time in announcing his international retirement just minutes after Algeria were dumped out of the World Cup by Switzerland. Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye found the net for Murat Yakin’s men, who now face either Colombia or Ghana in the last 16.
In the immediate wake of the defeat, five-time Premier League champion Mahrez confirmed live on beIN SPORTS that the match had been his final appearance for his country. He said: “I confirm, this was my last competition, it’s over.” Reflecting on the match itself, 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.”
Mahrez was withdrawn from the action with 20 minutes still to play at BC Place Vancouver and cut a visibly crestfallen figure as he made his announcement live on TV. He also took a moment to show his appreciation to the Algerian supporters following the loss.
The 35-year-old winger had bagged a brace in his side’s final group stage outing against Austria. Across his international career, he amassed 119 caps, netted 40 goals, and was a key member of the squad that claimed the Africa Cup of Nations title in 2019.
Mahrez became one of the Saudi Pro League’s most high-profile signings back in July 2023 when he departed Manchester City for Al-Ahli in a deal valued at up to £30m. The Etihad club had splashed out £60m for the winger in 2018, and he netted 15 goals in 47 appearances during the club’s historic Treble-winning campaign.
Mahrez helped City clinch 10 major honours across five seasons at the club, four of which were Premier League titles. The attacker also lifted the league title during his spell 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.”
The Al-Ahli forward contributed eight goals and 15 assists throughout last season. Despite this, reports emerged over the past week suggesting that Mahrez has parted ways with the Jeddah-based outfit after both parties reached a mutual agreement to terminate his contract early.