Riyad Mahrez finds a new club in Qatar

After a long career in Europe, Riyad Mahrez moved to Saudi Arabia and spent time with Al-Ahli; now, it appears he is set to become one of the African players to experience a stint in a Gulf state other than Saudi Arabia—specifically, Qatar.

The Algerian international has agreed to a contract keeping him in Qatar with Al-Shamal for one year, with an option for an additional year.

• read more: Sid Ali Foughali, from the pitch to federal responsibilities

Riyad Mahrez aims to achieve great ambitions with Al-Shamal

According to Winwin, Mahrez ultimately threw his lot in with Al-Shamal, and he did so while fending off no shortage of rival suitors. English clubs came calling, MLS sides made their pitch, and competitors from his own league were equally keen to secure his signature.

What tipped the scales, however, were the guarantees laid out before him: a central role in domestic fixtures and a leading part in the club's AFC Champions League Elite campaign. The prospect of spearheading a push for continental supremacy proved simply too tempting to turn down, and so the winger waved away every other approach that came his way.

A new experience

For Mahrez, the move to Al-Shamal signals the dawn of a fresh chapter, one that begins after he drew the curtain on his international career with Algeria following the 2026 World Cup. At his new home, the winger will be reunited with Baghdad Bounedjah, his old partner in crime on the international stage, with the two set to rekindle a fearsome attacking alliance.

He arrives carrying a CV few can match. During his time at Al-Ahli, Mahrez amassed 37 goals and 46 assists across 122 appearances, a spell that yielded back-to-back AFC Champions League titles as well as a Saudi Super Cup.

Hazem Mlhem |

Editorar, en

Hazem Mlhem est un rédacteur sportif expérimenté, animé par une passion pour le football africain.

Related teams and leagues

Algeria

Al-Shamal