Mahrez retires – Riyad Mahrez announced his retirement from international soccer after Algeria was eliminated at the World Cup, ending with a 2-0 loss to Switzerland. The 35-year-old forward cited the end of his era and said it is the new generation’s turn.
When the final whistle went quiet in Vancouver, Riyad Mahrez didn’t linger. After Algeria’s 2-0 defeat to Switzerland in the round of 32 on Thursday, he walked off the field with a thumbs-up, patted his heart, and waved to the fans.
That moment carried the weight of a decision already made. Mahrez, the 35-year-old forward who plays for Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia, announced his retirement from international soccer following Algeria’s World Cup exit.
“There were good times and difficult times as well, of course. That’s part of a career,” Mahrez said afterward. “But representing Algeria has been a dream of mine ever since I was young, to play for my country. It’s been an immense honor and a great source of pride.”
He also pointed forward. “It is the new generation’s turn to play.”
Mahrez leaves international competition with remarkable numbers. He retires with the second-most appearances for Algeria, at 119, and the second-most goals, at 40. He was part of the Algerian team that won the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
At the club level, his record is built on the biggest stages. Mahrez won a Premier League title with Leicester City and four with Manchester City. He also won a Champions League title with Manchester City.
The sequence ends where it began: an international career tied to one country’s expectations and one player’s long-held ambition to wear the Algeria shirt. Thursday’s loss to Switzerland closed the World Cup chapter. and Mahrez’s choice now closes the international one. handing the next era to teammates he says are ready to step in.
Riyad Mahrez Algeria national team World Cup Switzerland Premier League Manchester City Leicester City Al-Ahli retirement Africa Cup of Nations 2019