Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez has suggested that the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations could be the final tournament of his international career, as he prepares to lead his side into a quarter-final clash against Nigeria.
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s meeting at the Stade de Marrakech, the 34-year-old said he is approaching the competition with a sense of finality, indicating that this AFCON may represent his last appearance on the continental stage.
Mahrez during the pre match press conference. Photo Credit: Justina Aniefiok
Mahrez has been a key figure in Algeria’s run to the last eight, scoring three goals as the Desert Warriors progressed with a perfect record through the group phase and round of 16. Only Nigeria have matched that achievement at the tournament so far.
Algeria overcame Sudan, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea and DR Congo to set up a heavyweight encounter with the Super Eagles, who arrive as the competition’s leading scorers.
At his pre-match news conference, Mahrez struck a reflective note when asked about his future with the national team.
“Every major tournament is special,” he said.
“I think this will be my last Africa Cup of Nations. Right now, my focus is only on the next game. I want to give everything for our country, our supporters and our families.”
Mahrez in training ahead of the clash against Nigeria. Photo Credit: APH
Mahrez made his Algeria debut in 2014 and has since won more than 100 international caps, scoring 37 goals. His club career includes Premier League titles with Leicester City and Manchester City, as well as a UEFA Champions League triumph.
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His most defining international moment came in 2019, when he helped Algeria lift the AFCON title in Egypt. That campaign featured a dramatic late free-kick against Nigeria in the semi-finals, a moment that remains one of the tournament’s most iconic memories.
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Six years on, Mahrez and Algeria face Nigeria once again, with a place in the AFCON 2025 semi-finals at stake and the veteran winger potentially nearing the end of a distinguished international journey.
