Riyad Mahrez revealed that growing up he supported Olympique de Marseille and held Zinedine Zidane in high esteem. Although he did not play for Marseille, Zidane, affectionately known as Zizou, was the player Mahrez admired the most as he aspired to make his own way in the sport. Mahrez said: “I had a strong affinity with Marseille. I was deeply devoted to the club and a fan of all their players, including Didier Drogba and Hatem Ben Arfa. However, I also had a deep admiration for Zinedine Zidane. We grew up with Zidane! He was the embodiment of the player we idolised in our younger years.”
Jake Duncan, a renowned music industry figure and tour manager for notable artists including Black Sabbath, Wham, Olly Murs, Oasis, Bruce Springsteen and The Who, played a pivotal role in arranging Riyad Mahrez's brief trial at St Mirren. During his time at St Mirren, Mahrez spent two months with the then Premier League side. However, the club's delayed contract offer led to his eventual decision to return home. David Longwell, St Mirren's former academy director, recalls Jake Duncan's involvement in Mahrez's trial. Longwell explains that Duncan, primarily known as the JLS tour manager, had a secondary interest in bringing players from France to Scotland. Part of a group of five or six players, Mahrez was put up at a hotel called 'The Abbey Inn Hotel' in Paisley. Longwell worked to extend Mahrez's stay at the club, in an effort to showcase his abilities and facilitate a decision regarding his future. With no imminent contract on the horizon, Mahrez made the choice to continue his footballing journey in France, ultimately paving the way for the remarkable success he would achieve in the years to come.
“Too far. Too expensive.” That was Riyad Mahrez’s first reaction when he was offered a chance to play in a friendly trial match organised by Edern Le Lann, Quimper’s head of recruitment. The match, scheduled for June 2009 at the Stade de Kernilis, was intended to showcase the talents of around 160 players from different regions. Sarcelles had informed Le Lann that a very talented player in their ranks was considering attending. Mahrez was initially hesitant, saying the venue was too far away and the four- or five-hour train journey was daunting. It meant travelling to the other side of France. However, as the match drew closer, Mahrez began to consider the opportunity. He explains: “At first I didn’t want to go. It was too far. Four or five hours by train. It’s on the other side of France.” But with a week to go, I started thinking, maybe I should. I checked the ticket prices, but they were too expensive, around 180 or XNUMX euros." Despite the financial difficulties, Mahrez was determined to seize the opportunity. He approached his mother, assured her not to worry and promised to pay her back the money. During the match, Mahrez showed his skills and scored many goals, which had a significant impact. Le Lann, impressed by his performance, is looking to secure his signature at Quimper. However, the club president took his time deliberating on the deal, leading Le Lann to question his commitment. The president finally asked: "Are you sure you want to bet on him?" Le Lann's response was resolute: "If he doesn't reach Zidane's level, he won't be far from it." Shortly after, Mahrez took up the pen and signed the contract, thus embarking on a journey that would ultimately lead him to great success in the world of football.
Riyad Mahrez was given the nickname "Petit Coq" by his close friend and former Quimper teammate Romain Ouehi. Explaining the origin of the nickname, Mahrez shared: "Romain called me that because I had a crest on my hair. And because of him, everyone called me that!" Ouehi developed the trendy hairstyle, saying: "It was fashionable among young people at that time. Since his haircut reminded me of a rooster, I nicknamed him "Petit Coq". Coquelet, that's what I called him."
Riyad Mahrez openly admits that he initially had doubts about joining Leicester City in January 2014. In fact, when he first heard the name, he mistakenly thought they were a rugby club, confusing them with Leicester Tigers. Reflecting on his first impressions, Mahrez said: "At first, I had never heard of Leicester City. I thought they were a rugby team. They were relentless in their pursuit. It was the winter break of 2013 and I had returned to Sarcelles. I even turned off my mobile phone, I thought, 'I'm not going, I really didn't want to go.'" However, as soon as training with Le Havre resumed in January, Riyad Mahrez noticed Leicester City's continued interest. It was around this time that he had a conversation with Le Havre teammate Walid Mesloub. Mesloub assured Mahrez that staying at Le Havre "wouldn't change anything" for him. Mahrez recalled wistfully: "And it's really the best decision I've ever made in my life, in my career." It was a turning point that eventually led to his joining Leicester City, marking the start of a remarkable chapter in his footballing journey.
Riyad Mahrez, undoubtedly a man of confidence, faced negativity in his own international dressing room when discussing Leicester City’s chances of survival in the 2014/15 season. During an international break in March, Mahrez engaged in conversations with his Algerian team-mates regarding the Foxes’ battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League. To his surprise, they expressed scepticism and completely dismissed Leicester’s chances. Mahrez recalled the lunchtime discussions, saying: “We were sitting at tables, having lunch with experienced players. And then they all said to me: ‘You’re doomed. You’ll never make it. You’re going to get relegated.’” One player in particular, Medhi Lacen, who had extensive experience with Getafe in similar relegation battles, expressed his pessimism. Lacen remarked: “Riyad, you’re done.” You’ve only won three games this season, and with only nine games to go, do you honestly think you can win six or seven? You must be crazy. It’s over.” Mahrez, however, remained resolute in his belief. He told Lacen: “I swear, I feel it. You’ll see.” The rest, as they say, is history. Mahrez’s unwavering belief proved true as Leicester City defied the odds, securing their Premier League survival and scripting one of the most remarkable stories in football history.
Riyad Mahrez was humbled to become the first African player to be awarded the PFA Player of the Year in the 2015/16 season. Speaking after the awards ceremony, Mahrez expressed his amazement at being the first African player to receive the prestigious individual accolade. He was genuinely surprised that the likes of Didier Drogba, the iconic Ivorian international who played for Chelsea, had never claimed the honour before. At the time, Mahrez reflected: “I’m incredibly grateful. It’s a pleasure. I didn’t know that. Drogba never won it? It’s a huge honour, a huge honour to be the first African player to win it. Maybe not the best, but the first!” "Mahrez's response showed his modesty and appreciation for the recognition he has received. He acknowledged the achievements of his predecessors while acknowledging the historical significance of his own achievement as the first African player to receive the prestigious PFA Player of the Year award.
Riyad Mahrez adheres to a particular match-day superstition, which involves having a cup of coffee before kick-off. To ensure this ritual is respected, he relies on teammate Bernardo Silva, who doubles as his personal barista and coffee delivery man. In a light-hearted tone, during a documentary, Mahrez joked: "20 minutes before we go to warm up, he brings me my coffee like a little boy. It's because he's scared of me. I told him, if not, I'll throw him in the ice bath." Mahrez's playful commentary highlights the camaraderie between him and Silva, as well as the humorous dynamic that can exist within a team. It shows how they engage in light-hearted banter and playful threats, adding a touch of humor to their pre-match routine.
Algeria claimed their first Africa Cup of Nations victory in nearly three decades when they became champions in 2019. In the final, they triumphed 1-0 over Senegal, securing their second title, the previous one having been won in 2019. 1990. Riyad Mahrez, the team’s captain and key member, played a pivotal role in their success. His last-minute free-kick goal in the 90th and 5th minutes secured a 2-1 victory over Nigeria in the semi-final, a moment he looks back on with immense joy. Mahrez fondly remembers the celebratory bus parade that followed in the capital Algiers. Although the journey was only meant to last 30 minutes, it surprisingly lasted seven hours thanks to the overwhelming support and enthusiasm of the Algerian people. He expressed his amazement, saying: “It was incredible. The passion displayed was unique in Algeria.” It is a feeling that only exists in Algeria. Our people are remarkable. They may be tough, but they have a distinct singularity.” Mahrez’s words reflect his appreciation for the unwavering support and distinctive spirit demonstrated by the Algerian people during their triumphant Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
On the eve of our memorable and crucial final victory against Aston Villa last season, Riyad Mahrez travelled to his hometown of Sarcelles to take part in the inauguration of a football stadium named after him. Sarcelles Mayor Patrick Haddad invited Mahrez to the inauguration ceremony of the ‘Stade Riyad Mahrez’. However, an extra touch was added to the commemorative plaque installed on the ground. It included the name of Mahrez’s late father, who sadly passed away before his son’s meteoric rise to fame. Mahrez shares his sentiment: “My father lived right across the street. It used to be a grass pitch with very modest wooden stands. I used to train there a lot.” He expressed awe and gratitude, reflecting on the significance of naming the football ground after him and his father. Mahrez described the experience as “incredible”, acknowledging the deep meaning of this tribute to his family and the journey that led him to his current achievements.