Algeria: a prestigious nomination for Riyad Mahrez | OneFootball

Algeria: Riyad Mahrez in the running for a prestigious award

Algeria: a prestigious nomination for Riyad Mahrez

Riyad Mahrez is back in the international spotlight. The captain of the Algerian national team, now a key player for Al Ahli in Saudi Arabia, has been shortlisted for the highly coveted Middle East Footballer of the Year award at the Globe Soccer Awards. This is a significant recognition for the Algerian star, who was overlooked by CAF despite an outstanding season that saw him triumph in the AFC Champions League.

Surrounded by top-tier rivals like Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kanté, and Roberto Firmino, this new nomination further cements Mahrez’s status as a regional standout. The winner will soon be chosen by an international jury and a two-phase public vote.

Unwavering ambition and full confidence ahead of AFCON 2025

Alongside this nomination, Mahrez took advantage of the latest national team camp to reaffirm his ambition and confidence in the squad. Delighted to play on the pitch in Jeddah in front of Saudi supporters, he praised the team’s collective performance against Saudi Arabia—a victory that boosts the group’s momentum. When asked about AFCON 2025, the playmaker was unequivocal: Algeria must aim for the ultimate victory. According to him, the key lies in solid preparation and a strong start to the tournament, steering clear of the slow beginnings that plagued previous campaigns.