Riyad Mahrez has announced his retirement from international football after Algeria’s 2-0 defeat to Switzerland in the World Cup round of 32. The 35-year-old captain confirmed the decision immediately after the match in Vancouver, bringing an end to a remarkable 12-year career with the Desert Foxes.
A Career of Historic Proportions
Mahrez retires as one of the greatest players Algeria has ever produced. Over 120 caps and 40 goals paint only part of the picture. He sits second on Algeria’s all-time appearance list, behind only Aissa Mandi’s 123 caps, and second in the scoring charts, trailing Islam Slimani’s 49 goals.
Born in Sarcelles, France, Mahrez chose to represent Algeria in 2013 and made his debut ahead of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. That tournament saw him reach the last 16 with the Desert Foxes, and he went on to become one of only a handful of Algerian players to surpass 100 international appearances.
The 2019 Africa Cup of Nations: His Finest Hour
Mahrez captained Algeria to Africa Cup of Nations glory in 2019, their first continental title since 1990. The defining moment came in the semi-final against Nigeria, where he scored a stunning stoppage-time free-kick to send Algeria through. They went on to beat Senegal in the final.
That tournament cemented Mahrez’s status as a national hero and remains the crowning achievement of his international career.
A Strong Final World Cup
Despite the disappointing exit, Mahrez’s final World Cup campaign was arguably his best. He registered three goal involvements in four matches — scoring twice against Austria and providing an assist against Jordan. No Algerian player has ever recorded more goal involvements in a single World Cup edition.
He also became the second-oldest African player to start a World Cup knockout match, behind only Senegal’s Idrissa Gueye earlier in the tournament.
What Mahrez Said
“The goal was to progress, and I think it was a game that was within our reach,” Mahrez said after the defeat. “We conceded two goals on mistakes, and at this level, we pay dearly for that.”
When asked whether the loss would be his final World Cup appearance, Mahrez was clear: “It’s my last appearance even with the national team. It was my last game.”
What This Means for Algeria
Mahrez’s departure leaves a significant void in the Algeria squad. His experience, leadership, and ability to produce moments of magic on the biggest stage will be difficult to replace. The Desert Foxes will now need to look to a new generation to carry the torch forward in future tournaments.
For Mahrez, the focus will shift entirely to club football. The former Leicester City and Manchester City winger has enjoyed a stellar career at the highest level, and his legacy with the national team is secure.
What to Watch
Algeria enter a transitional period without their captain and talisman. How they rebuild ahead of the next Africa Cup of Nations qualification cycle will be one of the key storylines to follow in African football.
