Algerian football icon Riyad Mahrez has officially announced his retirement from international football. The 35-year-old forward confirmed his decision to BeIN Sports following Algeria’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where the Desert Foxes suffered a 2-0 defeat against Switzerland in the Round of 32. Walking off the pitch, Mahrez shared an emotional goodbye with travelling supporters, giving a thumbs-up, patting his heart, and waving to the crowd to close out a brilliant international career spanning over a decade.

Mahrez steps away as one of the most decorated and statistically dominant players in Algerian history. Across 119 caps—the second-most in the nation’s history—he delivered an extraordinary 85 goal contributions, scoring 40 goals (also ranking second all-time for Algeria) and providing 45 assists. His crowning achievement on the international stage came in 2019, when he masterfully captained Algeria to continental glory by capturing the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title. In his post-match retirement remarks, Mahrez noted that representing his country had been his ultimate childhood dream and concluded that it is now time for a new generation to lead the national team.

At the club level, the winger established himself as one of the most successful and decorated players of his generation. He originally shot to global fame by spearheading Leicester City’s legendary, historic Premier League triumph, before moving to Manchester City where he amassed four more Premier League titles and won the UEFA Champions League as part of their famous treble-winning campaign. Mahrez, who currently plays his club football for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli, leaves behind an international legacy that firmly secures his place among the absolute greatest African talents to ever play the game.