Riyad Mahrez Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / August 19, 2025
As the football world enters 2025, few careers embody the power of perseverance, humility, and brilliance quite like that of Riyad Mahrez.
Once a relatively unknown winger from the Parisian suburbs, Mahrez has risen to become a Premier League champion, UEFA Champions League winner, Africa Cup of Nations hero, and one of the most decorated African players in history.
From the miracle of Leicester City’s 2016 title triumph to lifting silverware with Manchester City and leading Algeria to continental glory, Mahrez’s journey is a testament to quiet determination and world-class talent.
Then: The Humble Beginnings – A Star Forged in the Shadows (1991–2014)
1. Early Life and Roots in France
Born on February 21, 1991, in Sarcelles, France, Riyad Mahrez grew up in a working-class neighborhood north of Paris. Of Algerian descent, he was raised in a modest household where football was both passion and escape. Like many young talents, he played street football with friends, honing his dribbling, close control, and flair.
Despite his skill, Riyad Mahrez was repeatedly rejected by French academies, including PSG and Le Havre, for being “too small” or “not strong enough.” Undeterred, he joined Quimper Kerfeunteun FC, a semi-professional club in Brittany, in 2009—playing in France’s fifth division.
2. Rise Through the Lower Leagues
Riyad Mahrez’s breakthrough came at Le Havre (2010–2014), where he was finally given a chance in Ligue 2. His dazzling footwork, low center of gravity, and ability to cut inside from the right wing made him a nightmare for defenders.
- In 92 appearances, he scored 17 goals and provided 19 assists
- Earned a reputation as a match-winner and free-kick specialist
By 2014, scouts across Europe were watching. But it was a then-midtable Premier League club—Leicester City—that took the bold step.
Related: Phil Foden Then and Now
The Rise: The Miracle Maker of 2016 (2014–2018)
1. Leicester City and the Impossible Dream
In January 2015, Mahrez signed for Leicester City for just £400,000—a bargain that would change football history.
Under Claudio Ranieri, Mahrez became the creative heartbeat of the team. His dribbling, vision, and composure were instrumental in Leicester’s miraculous 2015–16 Premier League title win—a feat dubbed the “greatest sporting upset of all time.”
His contributions were staggering:
- 17 goals and 10 assists in the title-winning season
- PFA Players’ Player of the Year (2016) – first African to win the award
- Scored crucial goals against Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea
Mahrez wasn’t just a player—he was the symbol of Leicester’s underdog triumph, proving that talent, belief, and teamwork could overcome odds of 5000–1.
2. Continued Excellence and International Growth
Even after the title win, Mahrez remained loyal, helping Leicester qualify for the UEFA Champions League in 2016–17. He scored against Sevilla and Atlético Madrid, announcing himself on Europe’s biggest stage.
On the international front, he became a key figure for Algeria, earning over 70 caps and playing in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
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Now: The Manchester City Era and African Legacy (2018–2025)
1. Move to Manchester City – A New Chapter
In July 2018, after prolonged negotiations, Riyad Mahrez completed a £60 million transfer to Manchester City, reuniting with manager Pep Guardiola. The move was met with skepticism—many wondered if he could adapt to City’s high-pressing, positional system.
But Mahrez proved them wrong.
2. Evolution into a Champion
At City, Mahrez transformed from a flashy winger into a complete, intelligent, and decisive footballer:
- Adapted to multiple roles: right wing, attacking midfield, false nine
- Improved defensively and tactically
- Became a clutch performer in knockout football
His achievements with Manchester City (as of 2025):
- 6 Premier League titles (2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025)
- UEFA Champions League Winner (2023) – scored in the final against Inter Milan
- FIFA Club World Cup Winner (2023)
- FA Cup Winner (2023)
- EFL Cup Winner (2019, 2020, 2021, 2024)
In the 2022–23 season, Mahrez played a pivotal role in City’s historic treble, scoring in both the FA Cup final and the Champions League final—becoming the first African player to score in a UCL final.
3. Leadership and Legacy at City
By 2025, Mahrez is not just a squad player—he’s a veteran leader and mentor to younger stars. Though no longer a guaranteed starter due to the emergence of new talents, his impact off the bench and in big games remains immense.
Pep Guardiola has praised him as “a genius with the ball,” noting his ability to “change a game in 20 minutes.”
Related: Mason Mount Then and Now
International Career: Captain and National Hero (Algeria)
1. Africa Cup of Nations Glory (2019)
Riyad Mahrez’s crowning international moment came in 2019, when he captained Algeria to their first Africa Cup of Nations title in 29 years.
His leadership, composure, and decisive goal in the final against Senegal made him a national icon. The streets of Algiers erupted in celebration, and Mahrez was hailed as a hero of the nation.
2. 2021 Arab Cup Triumph
He led Algeria to victory again in the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup, scoring in the final and winning Player of the Tournament.
3. 2022 and 2026 World Cup Campaigns
Though Algeria failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup—a heartbreaking moment—Mahrez remained loyal, helping rebuild the team for 2026. As of 2025, he continues to serve as captain and spiritual leader, mentoring young talents like Ramy Bensebaini and Amine Adli.
With over 95 caps and 38 goals, he is Algeria’s all-time leading assist provider and second-highest scorer.
Related: Dušan Vlahović Then and Now
Personal Life and Character
Known for his quiet demeanor, humility, and strong faith, Mahrez is deeply respected off the pitch. A devout Muslim, he often fasts during Ramadan while maintaining elite performance—a testament to his discipline.
He is married to Rachida Ouerdani, and they have two children. The family splits time between Manchester, Dubai, and Algeria, where Mahrez remains deeply connected to his roots.
He is also a philanthropist, funding schools, sports facilities, and healthcare initiatives in Algeria, particularly in his ancestral hometown of Tlemcen.
Cultural Impact and Legacy (In 2025)
Riyad Mahrez’s story transcends sport:
- He is a symbol of resilience for players overlooked by elite academies
- A pioneer for North African footballers in Europe
- An inspiration to millions of Muslims and immigrants who face barriers
He has shattered stereotypes—proving that quiet confidence, faith, and relentless work can lead to greatness.
His signature moves—the cut-in from the right, the step-over, the curling finish—are now emulated by young players across Africa and the Middle East.
In 2024, he was awarded the CAF Special Award for Excellence, recognizing his impact on African football.
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Conclusion: Riyad Mahrez – Then and Now (In 2025)
- Then: A rejected teenager playing in France’s fifth division, fighting for a chance, dreaming of recognition.
- Now: A six-time Premier League champion, Champions League winner, Africa Cup of Nations captain, and one of the most decorated African players in history.
As of 2025, Riyad Mahrez is more than a footballer.
He is a legacy—of belief, of brilliance, of brotherhood.
He didn’t just ride the Leicester wave.
He helped create it.
He didn’t just follow City’s dynasty.
He helped build it.
And for Algeria?
He gave them glory.
As he prepares for what may be his final seasons—possibly a return to Algeria or a move to the Saudi Pro League or MLS—one truth remains:
Riyad Mahrez didn’t just make history.
He made dreams real.
⚽ “I never wanted fame. I just wanted to prove that a boy from the suburbs could stand with the best.” – Riyad Mahrez
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