Trincao: Teammate of both Ronaldo & Messi but goes by 'Mahrez from Minho'

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Saudi Pro League

·2 September 2026

Trincao: Teammate of both Ronaldo & Messi but goes by 'Mahrez from Minho'

Replacing Riyad Mahrez is an almost impossible task, but in Francisco Trincao, Al Ahli have recruited a player that could just about be the perfect successor.

Why? Because he grew up modelling his game on the Algerian.

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Trincao, 26, represents the headline addition at Al Ahli thus far this summer, the talented winger brought in from Sporting CP to succeed Mahrez after the decision was made not to extend the Algerian’s contract.

And the move has already paid dividends. Trincao has started life brilliantly at Al Ahli, with a goal and an assist in three Roshn Saudi League matches.

In fact, his incredible strike against Abha was even nominated for BSF Goal of the Week.

So, with Al Ahli set to travel to Al Hilal on Tuesday for the standout game of the 2026-27 RSL thus far, we examine just who is Trincao - and why the back-to-back Asian champions are so excited to have him.