Mahrez departs Al-Ahli after Algeria retirement

Riyad Mahrez has left Saudi club Al-Ahli, one day after announcing his retirement from international football following Algeria's group-stage exit at the 2026 World Cup. "Three unforgettable years. Countless magical moments. A legacy that will forever live in the hearts of every Al Ahli fan," the club said in a statement announced on Saturday (1). Mahrez captained Algeria through the tournament, including that wild 3–3 draw with Austria, and his 93rd-minute goal in that match briefly threatened to push the team into a tougher knockout path. The 35-year-old departs Al-Ahli having shared a dressing room with Ivan Toney and Idrissa Gueye. Algeria now turn toward Switzerland in the round of 32 without their talisman.