Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez has announced his retirement from international football following his country’s elimination from the World Cup.
The 35-year-old confirmed his decision after Algeria’s 2-0 defeat by Switzerland in the Round of 32, bringing an end to a distinguished international career spanning 12 years.
Mahrez leaves the national team as one of the most decorated players in Algerian football history, having earned 120 caps and scored 40 goals for the Desert Foxes.
“The goal was to progress, and I think it was a game that was within our reach,” Mahrez said after the defeat in Vancouver.
“We conceded two goals on mistakes, and at this level, we pay dearly for that.”
When asked if the match had been his final World Cup appearance, Mahrez confirmed his international career was over.
“It’s my last appearance even with the national team. It was my last game.”
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One of Algeria’s greatest players
Mahrez finishes his Algeria career as the nation’s second-most capped player, behind only team-mate Aissa Mandi, while his 40 international goals place him second on the country’s all-time scoring charts behind Islam Slimani.
Born in France, Mahrez chose to represent Algeria in 2013 and made his international debut ahead of the 2014 World Cup.
He quickly established himself as a key figure for the national side and was part of the squad that reached the last-16 in Brazil.
Over the following decade, Mahrez became one of the most recognisable figures in African football, combining his international success with trophy-laden spells at Leicester City and Manchester City.
AFCON triumph and World Cup farewell
The highlight of Mahrez’s international career came in 2019 when he captained Algeria to Africa Cup of Nations glory.
He scored a dramatic stoppage-time free-kick against Nigeria in the semi-finals before leading his side to victory over Senegal in the final, securing Algeria’s first continental title since 1990.
Mahrez also enjoyed his most productive World Cup campaign at this summer’s tournament.
He registered three goal involvements in four matches, scoring twice against Austria and providing an assist against Jordan, setting a new benchmark for an Algerian player at a single World Cup.
His final appearance against Switzerland also saw him become one of the oldest African players ever to start a World Cup knockout match.
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