AFCON 2025: Riyadh Mahrez’s big announcement after the elimination of Algeria

Riyad Mahrez and the AFCON  it’s over. Saturday evening after the elimination of Algeria in the quarter-finals of the AFCON 2025 against Nigeria (0-2 defeat), the captain of the Fennecs announced that it was his last African Cup of Nations.

« I confirm, it’s my last competition it’s over. It’s sad that it stops on a quarter-final. I would have liked to go further and try to win a second one," 

Mahrez said with heavy eyes, in remarks transcribed by DZfoot.

 At 34 years old, the left-hander of Al Ahli tried to reassure the new generation, explaining that they must pass through these failures before winning the grail:

 "The African Cup is not easy to win. Our generation has already won one and it was incredible, but for many of this new generation, it is their first AFCON and they are forced to go through those moments," 

added Riyad Mahrez. 

The 2026 World Cup should therefore mark the end of his international career.