The former Manchester City captain ends a glittering 12-year Algerian career as one of the nation’s greatest-ever players.

Riyad Mahrez has announced his retirement from international football following Algeria’s 2-0 defeat to Switzerland in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing the curtain down on one of the most decorated careers in the nation’s football history.

The 35-year-old confirmed his decision shortly after the final whistle in Vancouver, ending a remarkable 12-year international career with the Desert Foxes.

“It was my last game,” Mahrez told reporters after the match.

Mahrez leaves the national team as one of Algeria’s greatest-ever players. He made 120 appearances, the second-most in the country’s history behind Aïssa Mandi, and scored 40 international goals, placing him second on Algeria’s all-time scoring list behind Islam Slimani.

His most iconic achievement came in 2019, when he captained Algeria to its second Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, ending a 29-year wait for continental glory. Mahrez etched his name into Algerian football folklore by scoring a dramatic stoppage-time free-kick against Nigeria in the semi-finals before leading the Desert Foxes to a 1-0 victory over Senegal in the final.

The veteran winger also produced his strongest FIFA World Cup campaign at the 2026 tournament, registering two goals and one assist in four matches—the highest number of goal contributions by an Algerian player in a single World Cup.

Mahrez’s retirement marks the end of an era for Algerian football. Renowned for his creativity, leadership, and technical brilliance, he played a pivotal role in elevating the Desert Foxes on the international stage and inspiring a new generation of African footballers.

Although Algeria’s World Cup journey ended in the Round of 32, Mahrez departs the international game with a legacy defined by historic achievements, memorable performances, and his status as one of Africa’s most accomplished footballers.