Riyad Mahrez Arrives in Doha for Al Shamal Transfer
Algerian international Riyad Mahrez has arrived in Qatar's capital, Doha, to finalize his anticipated transfer to Al Shamal, a club competing in the Qatar Stars League. The move is a free transfer following the conclusion of his tenure with Saudi club Al Ahli. Mahrez is reportedly set to undergo a medical examination before officially signing his contracts and being unveiled as the latest addition to the Qatari team, where he will join fellow Algerian international Baghdad Bounedjah.
Mahrez's professional journey has spanned across top European leagues and the Gulf region. His career began at Le Havre in France before a pivotal move to Leicester City in January 2014, where he played a crucial role in the team's promotion to the English Premier League. He made history with Leicester during the 2015-2016 season, contributing to their unprecedented Premier League title win and earning the Professional Footballers' Association Player of the Year award. In 2018, Mahrez transferred to Manchester City, where he enjoyed significant success, securing four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, three League Cups, two Community Shields, and the UEFA Champions League title in the 2022-2023 season during his five seasons with the club.
On the international stage, Mahrez first represented the Algerian national team in 2014, participating in the FIFA World Cup in Brazil the same year. He was a pivotal figure in the "Desert Foxes'" triumph at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, where Algeria clinched its second continental title. His outstanding performances led to him being named the African Player of the Year in 2019. Mahrez has continued to be a key player and leader for the national team, often donning the captain's armband during important stages of their international campaigns.
This impending move to Al Shamal opens a fresh chapter for the 35-year-old winger, adding another significant step to a career marked by numerous domestic and continental club titles, alongside his continental success with the Algerian national team. His journey through French, English, and Saudi Arabian football has cemented his status as one of the most prominent Algerian and Arab names in the sport over the past decade.
