Riyad Mahrez ends his national team career after World Cup elimination

According to broadcaster beIN Sports, Mahrez accumulated 119 caps and 40 goals for Algeria during his international career. That puts him just behind Islam Slimani (46 goals) in scoring and behind defender Aissa Mandi (122 caps) in appearances.

The record of an exceptional career

Mahrez made his debut in the national jersey in November 2014, just a few months after the World Cup in Brazil. In the years that followed, he developed into the team's defining attacking player and was also a key figure in winning the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

The native Frenchman, who opted to play for the Algerian national team in 2014, played for clubs including Le Havre, Leicester City, and Manchester City during his club career. With Manchester City, he won the Champions League in 2023, among other titles.

Even before the match against Switzerland, the game in Vancouver was already a turning point for the coaching staff around national coach Vladimir Petkovic, who has been in charge since 2022. With the elimination, Algeria's first World Cup appearance since Brazil 2014 came to an end.

Reactions and outlook

In Algeria's final group-stage match against Austria, Mahrez had once again shown his class with a brace. However, the concluding duel with the Swiss turned into a clear defeat, quickly shifting attention to the future.

In social networks, Algerian fans reacted immediately after the final whistle with hundreds of posts. Numerous companions, including club colleagues from the Premier League, paid tribute to Mahrez's career in brief statements.

Mahrez himself announced that he wanted to focus on his club career after a short break. He did not comment on specific plans for his future beyond the end of his active career that evening.