Riyad Mahrez has reached another major turning point in a career that has consistently defied expectations. The Algerian winger has officially parted ways with Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli, ending a successful three-year spell that added new honours to an already glittering football journey. The decision comes only days after Mahrez confirmed his retirement from international football following Algeria’s exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. Al-Ahli announced the separation in an official statement, thanking the veteran forward for his contribution to the club and its recent successes.
Mahrez joined Al-Ahli in July 2023 after leaving Manchester City, where he had established himself as one of the Premier League’s finest attacking players. His move to Saudi Arabia was part of a growing wave of elite footballers choosing the Saudi Pro League, and expectations were immediately high. The Algerian international arrived with an outstanding reputation after winning multiple domestic trophies in England and helping Manchester City capture the UEFA Champions League during the historic 2022-23 campaign.
During his time in Jeddah, Mahrez quickly became one of Al-Ahli’s most influential players. His creativity, precise passing and trademark left-footed finishing played a significant role as the club competed for major honours. Across three seasons, he made more than 120 appearances, scoring 37 goals while contributing around 50 assists in all competitions. His performances helped Al-Ahli secure consecutive AFC Champions League Elite titles and lift the Saudi Super Cup, cementing his place among the club’s modern greats.
Although the club did not publicly explain the reasons behind the contract termination, the decision appears to be part of a broader restructuring project as Al-Ahli reshapes its squad ahead of the new season. Recent reports indicate that several experienced players could leave as the club looks to refresh its roster and lower the average age of the squad. Mahrez’s departure therefore reflects both the player’s changing career priorities and the club’s long-term planning.
The announcement followed an emotional week for Mahrez. After Algeria’s elimination from the FIFA World Cup, the 35-year-old revealed that he had played his final match for the Desert Foxes, bringing an end to an international career spanning more than a decade. Since making his debut in 2014, Mahrez developed into one of Algeria’s greatest footballers, earning well over 100 international appearances and captaining the national team through several major tournaments.
His finest achievement in national colours came in 2019 when he inspired Algeria to victory at the Africa Cup of Nations. Mahrez scored crucial goals throughout the competition, including the memorable last-minute free kick against Nigeria in the semi-finals that remains one of the most iconic moments in Algerian football history. That triumph elevated him to legendary status among supporters and secured his place among Africa’s greatest footballers.
Mahrez’s remarkable rise began far from the spotlight. Born in Sarcelles, France, he started his professional career at Quimper before developing at Le Havre. His move to Leicester City in 2014 transformed his career and introduced him to the Premier League. Few expected Leicester to challenge England’s traditional giants, but Mahrez became one of the driving forces behind one of football’s greatest underdog stories.
During the unforgettable 2015-16 season, Mahrez produced breathtaking performances as Leicester City won the Premier League title against all expectations. He was named the PFA Players’ Player of the Year, becoming the first African footballer to receive the prestigious award. His combination of pace, close control and creativity made him one of Europe’s most exciting attacking players.
In 2018, Manchester City signed Mahrez, where he added another chapter to his remarkable career under Pep Guardiola. At the Etihad Stadium he won multiple Premier League titles, domestic cups and the UEFA Champions League, establishing himself as one of the most decorated African footballers of his generation. His experience and versatility allowed him to thrive in one of the world’s most demanding tactical systems.
Even after leaving Europe, Mahrez continued to demonstrate his quality in Saudi Arabia. His performances for Al-Ahli showed that he remained capable of influencing matches at the highest level while mentoring younger teammates and helping the club achieve continental success.
Attention now turns to the next destination in Mahrez’s career. With his contract officially terminated, the experienced winger becomes one of the most attractive free agents on the market. Reports have linked him with interest from clubs in Turkey and Europe, while some observers believe he could remain in the Middle East if an ambitious project emerges. No agreement has been confirmed, and Mahrez has yet to publicly announce his next move.
Regardless of where he plays next, Mahrez leaves Al-Ahli with his reputation intact. He departs as a player who helped deliver silverware, inspired teammates and maintained the high standards that have defined his career for more than a decade.
From the streets of Sarcelles to Premier League glory with Leicester City, from Champions League success at Manchester City to continental triumphs in Saudi Arabia and international honours with Algeria, Riyad Mahrez has built a legacy that extends far beyond statistics. His departure from Al-Ahli signals not the end of that legacy, but the beginning of another chapter in one of African football’s most distinguished careers.
