Riyad Mahrez, the former Manchester City winger, has officially announced his retirement from international football.
This decision comes in the wake of Algeria's disappointing 2-0 defeat to Switzerland in the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, a result that ended their campaign.
The 35-year-old winger's departure marks the conclusion of a remarkable 12-year tenure with the Algerian national team. During his illustrious international career, Mahrez amassed an impressive 119 caps for his country.
He leaves behind a legacy that includes captaining Algeria to their historic second Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in 2019. A moment etched in the memories of Algerian fans is his spectacular stoppage-time free-kick against Nigeria in the semi-finals of that triumphant tournament, widely regarded as a defining highlight of his career.
Mahrez confirmed his decision to step away from the international stage in an interview with beIN SPORTS shortly after the crucial match against Switzerland. He explicitly stated that his appearance in that game would be his final outing for the 'Desert Foxes'.
His retirement signals the end of a significant and influential era for Algerian football. Mahrez has been a talismanic figure for the team for over a decade, providing crucial goals and leadership.
With his international commitments now concluded, it is anticipated that Mahrez will fully dedicate his remaining energy and focus to his club career. He currently plays for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli, where he will look to continue making an impact.
Algeria now faces the challenging task of rebuilding their squad and finding a new leader to fill the void left by their long-serving star. The team will need to adapt and develop new talent to compete in future tournaments without their iconic winger.
