Riyad Mahrez has announced his retirement from international football following Algeria’s elimination from the World Cup, losing 2-0 to Switzerland in the round of sixteen. The captain confirmed after the match that it was his final appearance for the national team, citing disappointment with the team’s performance and conceding too many goals.
Mahrez expressed regret that Algeria were unable to progress further in the tournament, despite reaching the second round. He acknowledged the team’s efforts but highlighted defensive vulnerabilities as a key factor in their defeat. “The objective was to get through. It was a match within our reach. We concede two goals from errors, and at this level you pay cash,” Mahrez stated after the match, according to reports.
Mahrez earned 119 caps for Algeria, scoring 40 goals, making him the second-highest goalscorer in the nation’s history behind Islam Slimani with 46 goals. He was a key figure in Algeria’s triumphant 2019 Africa Cup of Nations campaign, famously scoring a dramatic late free-kick against Nigeria in the semi-final. He also participated in the 2014 and 2026 World Cups.
The 32-year-old recently completed a move from Manchester City to Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League in July 2023, seeking a new challenge after a successful spell in England where he won multiple Premier League titles and the Champions League. His departure from City created an opportunity for the club to reshape their attacking options, while Mahrez joined a growing number of high-profile players moving to Saudi Arabia. This international retirement will allow him to fully focus on his club career with Al-Ahli. His absence will undoubtedly be felt by the Algerian national team, who will now need to look to a new generation of players to lead them forward.
