Algeria’s national football team captain, Riyad Mahrez, has announced his retirement from international football following his team’s exit from the FIFA World Cup after a 2-0 loss to Switzerland. Mahrez, aged 35, made this decision after a 12-year career representing Algeria, where he played 120 matches and scored 40 goals, solidifying his position as a key player for the country.
Reflecting on Algeria’s defeat in the World Cup, Mahrez expressed disappointment, stating that the team had aimed to progress further and that the loss was hard to accept due to crucial mistakes made during the match. He acknowledged that the game was within their grasp but errors proved costly at that level of competition.
During a post-match interview, Mahrez confirmed that the World Cup match also marked his final appearance for the national team, declaring, “It’s my last appearance even with the national team. It was my last game.” He leaves as Algeria’s second-most capped player and holds the record for the second-highest number of international goals in the country’s history, surpassed only by Islam Slimani.
Mahrez’s international career was highlighted by leading Algeria to victory in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, with his memorable stoppage-time free-kick against Nigeria in the semi-finals being a standout moment. Additionally, his performance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup was remarkable, contributing to three goals in four matches, setting a new standard for Algerian players in a single World Cup edition.
Furthermore, Riyad Mahrez achieved the distinction of being the second-oldest African footballer to start a World Cup knockout match. Having chosen to represent Algeria in 2013, he debuted internationally that same year and has since become one of the nation’s most celebrated footballers, leaving a lasting legacy on Algerian football.
