Riyad Mahrez linked with Brazil move after Asian Champions League win
Riyad Mahrez is reportedly set to leave Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli for a club in Brazil, according to social media speculation following the team's Asian Champions League triumph. The move, which remains unconfirmed by official sources, would allow the Algerian winger to pursue a unique continental treble. The news emerged in the aftermath of Al-Ahli's 1-0 victory over Japan's Machida Zelvia in the 2026 AFC Champions League final, secured by a late goal from Firas Al-Buraikan.
The 35-year-old Mahrez played a key role in the final, providing the assist for the winning goal from a set-piece. His potential departure would mark a significant shift for Al-Ahli, a club that has heavily invested in European stars since the Saudi Pro League's major recruitment drive began. Mahrez joined the Jeddah-based club from Manchester City in the summer of 2023, bringing a wealth of experience from his Premier League and Champions League successes.
A move to Brazil would represent a dramatic and unconventional next chapter in Mahrez's storied career. The reported motivation is the player's ambition to win a major continental championship on a third different continent, having already lifted the Premier League and domestic cups in Europe and now the Asian Champions League. No specific Brazilian club has been named in the initial reports, and the nature of the potential transfer—whether a free transfer or involving a fee—remains unclear.
The context of Al-Ahli's victory underscores the project Mahrez would be leaving. The win, secured by a squad featuring several former Ligue 1 players including Edouard Mendy, Valentin Atangana, and Enzo Millot, solidified the club's status as an Asian powerhouse. It was their second consecutive continental title, having defeated Kawasaki Frontale the previous year.
For Mahrez, a transfer to South America at this stage of his career would be highly unusual for a player of his profile, potentially offering a high-profile finale in a major footballing nation. His departure would create a major void in Al-Ahli's attack, forcing the club to seek a new creative focal point. The coming weeks are likely to see further clarification on these rumors as the post-season transfer window approaches.
