Riyad Mahrez announced his international retirement live on beIN SPORTS moments after Algeria's 2-0 defeat to Switzerland in the World Cup round of 32. The 35-year-old captain, who scored a double in his side's final group game against Austria, confirmed the decision at BC Place Vancouver, bringing an end to a 12-year international career.
"I confirm, this was my last competition, it's over," Mahrez said. Asked whether the loss would be his final World Cup appearance, he added: "It's my last appearance even with the national team. It was my last game." The winger was substituted with 20 minutes remaining and applauded Algerian supporters as he left the pitch.
“Riyad Mahrez announced his international retirement minutes after Algeria's 2-0 World Cup loss to Switzerland.”
Switzerland secured their place in the last 16 through goals from Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye. Mahrez reflected on the defeat: "Our aim was to go through and I think it was a game we could have won. But we conceded twice on mistakes and at this level, you can't get away with it."
The five-time Premier League winner finishes his Algeria career with 120 caps – second only to Aissa Mandi's 123 – and 40 goals, trailing only Islam Slimani's 49 on the all-time scoring list. He captained the Desert Foxes to Africa Cup of Nations glory in 2019, scoring a stoppage-time free-kick in the semi-final against Nigeria before beating Senegal in the final.
Born in France, Mahrez chose to represent Algeria in 2013 and made his debut before the 2014 World Cup. He reached the last 16 at his first World Cup in Brazil and became one of only a handful of Algerian footballers to surpass 100 appearances. This summer he registered three goal involvements in four matches – scoring twice against Austria and providing an assist against Jordan – the most by any Algerian in a single World Cup edition.
Mahrez also became the second-oldest African player to start a World Cup knockout match, behind Senegal's Idrissa Gueye. At club level, he won 10 major honours with Manchester City, including four Premier League titles, and also won the league with Leicester City. He left City for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli in July 2023 for a deal worth up to £30m.
"To play for Manchester City has been an honour and privilege," Mahrez said previously. "I came to City to win trophies and enjoy my football. I achieved all that and so much more." The Al-Ahli star scored eight goals and provided 15 assists last season, though reports have claimed he mutually agreed to terminate his contract with the Jeddah-based club.