Riyad Mahrez announces international retirement following World Cup exit

ByKehinde-Hassan Afolabi

Algerian football legend Riyad Mahrez has officially retired from international duty at the age of 35 following the national team’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Algerian national team captain Riyad Mahrez has formally announced his retirement from international football, drawing the curtain on a historic career.

The 35-year-old winger confirmed his decision immediately after Algeria’s 2-0 defeat against Switzerland in the round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, stating that it was officially his final appearance for the Desert Warriors.

The Al-Ahli winger leaves an indelible mark on Algerian football, having earned 119 caps, netting 40 goals, and registering 45 assists since his international debut in 2014.

Mahrez famously captained Algeria to Africa Cup of Nations glory in 2019 and was named African Footballer of the Year in 2016, cementing his legacy as one of the country’s greatest sporting icons.

Kehinde-Hassan Afolabi is a football journalist whose deep tactical understanding of the game makes him a standout, captivating audiences across print, audio, and video. His poetic background brings a unique rhythm and depth to his work, seamlessly transforming analysis into artistry. With a knack for narration and research, he captures the drama of the game beyond tactics and statistics, making each piece of his; a compelling blend of insight and storytelling.

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