Mahrez retires from international football live on air after Algeria's World Cup exit

Riyad Mahrez brought his international career to an end on live television minutes after Algeria were eliminated from the World Cup by Switzerland at BC Place Vancouver. Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye scored for Murat Yakin’s side, who advance to the last-16 to face either Colombia or Ghana, while Mahrez confirmed his retirement on beIN SPORTS in the immediate aftermath.

“I confirm, this was my last competition, it’s over,” the 35-year-old winger said. “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. This was my last match with Algeria.”

Mahrez had been substituted with 20 minutes remaining and looked visibly dejected on the touchline. He took time to applaud the Algerian supporters before making the announcement.

The winger ends his international career with 119 caps and 40 goals, having scored a double in Algeria’s final group-stage match against Austria. He was also part of the Algeria squad that won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2019.

At club level, Mahrez built one of the most decorated careers in Premier League history. He won the league title with Leicester City in 2015-16 before joining Manchester City for £60m in 2018, where he added four more Premier League titles and helped the club win 10 major honours across five seasons. His contribution during City’s Treble-winning campaign alone amounted to 15 goals in 47 appearances.

“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.”

Mahrez moved to Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League in July 2023 in a deal worth up to £30m. He registered eight goals and 15 assists in his most recent season, though reports in the past week have suggested he has since departed the Jeddah-based club following a mutual termination of his contract.