Riyad Mahrez retires from international football after Algeria’s World Cup exit

By Angu Lesley

Football writer kick442.com – Cameroon

Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez has announced his retirement from international football, bringing the curtain down on one of the most distinguished careers in the history of the Desert Foxes.

The 35-year-old confirmed his decision after Algeria’s 2-0 defeat to Switzerland in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a result that ended the North Africans’ campaign.

“It was my last game with the national team,” Mahrez said following the final whistle, confirming the end of an international career that spanned well over a decade.

Mahrez leaves the Algerian national team as one of its greatest-ever players. He amassed 119 international appearances, scoring 40 goals and providing 45 assists while captaining the Desert Foxes through some of their most memorable moments.

His crowning achievement came in 2019 when he inspired Algeria to Africa Cup of Nations glory in Egypt, captaining the side to their second continental title. His iconic last-minute free-kick against Nigeria in the semi-finals remains one of the most celebrated moments in African football history.

The former Leicester City and Manchester City winger also enjoyed individual success, winning the CAF African Footballer of the Year award and establishing himself as one of Africa’s finest talents of his generation. Renowned for his exquisite first touch, creativity and ability to decide matches, Mahrez became a symbol of Algeria’s golden generation.

At club level, Mahrez enjoyed remarkable success in England, helping Leicester City produce one of football’s greatest fairytale triumphs by winning the Premier League in 2016 before adding multiple Premier League titles, domestic cups and the UEFA Champions League with Manchester City. He currently plays for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli.

Although Algeria’s World Cup journey ended in disappointment, Mahrez’s legacy extends far beyond the tournament. He bows out as an AFCON champion, a national icon and one of the greatest players ever to wear the green and white of Algeria.

His retirement marks the end of an era for Algerian football and leaves a significant void as the Desert Foxes begin planning for a new generation.