Riyad Mahrez was born on February 21, 1991 in Sarcelles, France, to Algerian immigrant parents. Growing up in a multicultural environment, he developed a passion for football at an early age. He began playing in the Sarcelles youth team, where his talent quickly became evident. Mahrez's natural ability and flair with the ball set him apart from his peers, allowing him to attract the attention of local clubs. In 2010, he signed with Clermont Foot, a club playing in the French Ligue 2. It was there that Mahrez began to hone his skills and adapt to the professional game. His performances with Clermont Foot showcased his dribbling, speed, and creativity, earning him recognition as a promising young talent.
Mahrez's breakthrough came in 2014 when he joined Leicester City, a club then playing in the Championship. His time at Leicester marked a significant turning point in his career. In his first season, he quickly established himself as a key player and a fan favourite. Mahrez's exceptional qualities on the wing and his ability to score goals made him a vital part of the team. The 2015/16 season was a historic one for Mahrez and Leicester City. Under the management of Claudio Ranieri, the club defied all odds to win the Premier League title. Mahrez played a vital role in this incredible achievement, contributing numerous goals and assists throughout the season. His performances earned him several accolades, including the PFA Player of the Year award, recognising him as the best player in the league.
Mahrez’s success at Leicester City was not only a personal triumph; it also marked a significant moment in football history. The club’s victory was considered a fairy tale, as they had been battling relegation just a season before. Mahrez’s flair and style of play resonated with fans, and he became a symbol of the club’s extraordinary journey. In July 2018, Mahrez made a high-profile move to Manchester City for a reported £60 million, making him the most expensive African player at the time. Joining a club rich in talent and ambition, Mahrez faced new challenges but quickly adapted to the demands of Pep Guardiola’s tactical system. He brought with him a unique blend of creativity and technical skill that further enhanced City’s attacking prowess. At Manchester City, Mahrez continued to thrive. He played a crucial role in the team's success, contributing to several Premier League titles, domestic cups and UEFA Champions League campaigns. His ability to perform in crucial matches was highlighted in key moments, such as when he scored a stunning goal against Liverpool in the Premier League and scored important goals in cup competitions.
Mahrez's time at City has been marked by significant achievements. He has won multiple Premier League titles, the FA Cup and the League Cup, cementing his status as one of the league's best players. His partnership with stars like Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling has created a dynamic attacking force that has been difficult for opponents to tackle. While achieving great success at club level, Mahrez has also made significant contributions to the Algerian national team. He made his senior debut in 2014 and quickly became a key figure in the team. Mahrez was instrumental in Algeria's triumph at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, where he scored crucial goals and provided assists throughout the tournament. His outstanding performance in the final against Senegal, where he scored a decisive goal, helped Algeria win their first AFCON title since 1990.
In 2014, Riyad Mahrez made a pivotal decision in his career by signing with Leicester City, a club that was then playing in the Championship, the second tier of English football. The move marked the beginning of a remarkable journey that saw him establish himself in the world of football. Initially, Mahrez had to adapt to the physical and competitive nature of English football. However, his natural talent and footballing intelligence allowed him to quickly find his feet. During his first season, Mahrez demonstrated his exceptional dribbling skills, creativity and goal-scoring ability. He became a vital part of the team, often playing as a winger and contributing significantly to the team's attacking play. His performances caught the attention of fans and pundits alike, who recognised his potential to become a star in the league.
Mahrez's career breakthrough moment came in the 2015/16 season, when he played a key role in Leicester City's stunning Premier League victory. The team, managed by Claudio Ranieri, were considered underdogs at the start of the season, with odds of 5000 to 1 to win the championship. However, Mahrez and his teammates defied all expectations. Throughout the season, Mahrez consistently produced exceptional performances. He scored crucial goals and provided assists, demonstrating his ability to perform on the biggest stage. His most notable moment came in a match against Manchester City, where he scored a stunning individual goal that became one of the highlights of the season. Mahrez's flair and confidence on the ball was infectious, inspiring his teammates and captivating the fans.
By the end of the season, Mahrez had scored 17 goals and provided 10 assists, earning him the PFA Player of the Year award. The recognition cemented his status as one of the league's finest players and marked a significant milestone in his career. His success was not only a personal achievement, but also a testament to Leicester City's remarkable journey from relegation battles to the league title. The accolades continued to pour in for Mahrez after Leicester City's historic triumph. He was named Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers' Association and included in the PFA Team of the Year. His performances elevated him to household name status and he became a source of pride for Algerian football. Mahrez's ability to consistently perform against some of the world's best defenders showcased his talent and determination. His success at Leicester also attracted interest from top clubs in Europe. Although grateful for the opportunities Leicester have provided, Mahrez has begun to consider the next steps in his career.
The prospect of competing at the highest level and taking part in prestigious tournaments such as the UEFA Champions League was a tantalising opportunity for the talented winger. In July 2018, Mahrez completed a high-profile move to Manchester City for a reported £60 million, making him the most expensive African player at the time. Joining a club with a star-studded squad and ambitions to dominate English and European football presented new challenges and opportunities. Under Pep Guardiola, Mahrez quickly adapted to the team’s style of play, which emphasised possession and fluid attacking play. He fitted in well with established stars such as Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling and Sergio Aguero, contributing to a formidable attacking unit. Mahrez’s skills complemented the team’s tactical approach, allowing him to shine in a variety of front-line roles.
In July 2018, Riyad Mahrez took a major step in his career by signing with Manchester City, one of the Premier League's top clubs. The move, believed to be worth around £60 million, made him the most expensive African player at the time. The move represented not only a new chapter for Mahrez, but also a chance to compete at the highest level in both domestic and European football. Under the brilliant management of Pep Guardiola, Mahrez was welcomed into a team packed with world-class talent. Guardiola's tactical philosophy emphasised fluid attacking play, and Mahrez's skillset fit perfectly into this. His ability to operate effectively on both wings, combined with his dribbling and playmaking skills, made him a versatile asset to the team. Mahrez quickly made an impact at Manchester City. In his first season, he played a crucial role in helping the team achieve a domestic treble, winning the Premier League, FA Cup and EFL Cup.
His contributions included vital goals and assists, showcasing his knack for playing in high-pressure situations. One of the highlights of the season came in the FA Cup semi-final against Brighton, where he scored a stunning goal that sent City through to the final. Throughout the 2018/19 season, Mahrez displayed creativity and flair, often dazzling fans with his skillful dribbling and ability to take on defenders. His performances earned him praise from fans and pundits alike, cementing his place as one of the key figures in the City team. Mahrez's success did not stop there. In the 2019/20 season, he continued to excel, contributing significantly to Manchester City's title defence. His ability to score crucial goals and provide assists remained vital to the team's success. One of the highlights of this season was his superb performance against Burnley, where he scored a remarkable hat-trick. This performance demonstrated his ability to shine in critical games, reinforcing his position as a key player for City.
In addition to his domestic success, Mahrez also played a vital role in Manchester City’s UEFA Champions League campaign. His experience and talent were invaluable to the team as they sought to achieve European glory. Although the club faced challenges in the Champions League, Mahrez’s performances were consistently solid, scoring important goals that kept City’s hopes alive. The 2020/21 season saw Mahrez reach new heights. He played a vital role in Manchester City’s run to the Champions League final, making significant contributions throughout the tournament. In the semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain, Mahrez played a pivotal role, scoring two crucial goals that saw City progress to the final. His performances in these high-stakes matches demonstrated his ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered most.
In the Champions League final against Chelsea, although City did not win the title, Mahrez's presence on the pitch was a testament to his importance to the team. His experience and talent were essential in guiding the younger players through the pressures of such an important match. While achieving great success at club level, Mahrez also made a significant impact on the international stage with the Algerian national team. He made his debut for the national team in 2014 and quickly became a key part of the team. His leadership on the pitch and ability to perform in crucial matches made him a respected figure in Algerian football. Mahrez played a vital role in Algeria's triumph at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. His performances throughout the tournament were exceptional and he was instrumental in his country's victory. In the quarter-final against Ivory Coast, Mahrez scored a last-minute free-kick to send Algeria through to the semi-finals, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure.