Introduction
Riyad Mahrez is a world-class Algerian footballer known for his dazzling footwork, creativity, and pinpoint left-footed precision.
Born in France to Algerian parents, Mahrez rose from humble beginnings to become one of Africa’s most successful footballers.
From leading Leicester City to an unforgettable Premier League title to achieving glory with Manchester City and the Algerian national team, Mahrez’s journey is an inspiring story of talent, hard work, and determination.
Riyad Mahrez Early Life and Background
Riyad Karim Mahrez was born on February 21, 1991, in Sarcelles, a northern suburb of Paris, France. His father, Ahmed Mahrez, was of Algerian descent, and his mother, Halima, raised him in a modest household that valued hard work and discipline.
Growing up, Mahrez spent hours playing street football with friends, where his exceptional dribbling and technique began to take shape.
His father, who once played football in Algeria, encouraged him to pursue the sport professionally.
Unfortunately, his father passed away when Mahrez was just 15 years old — a tragic event that motivated him to fulfill his father’s dream.
Mahrez joined the local club AAS Sarcelles before moving up the ranks through French lower-league football, where his talent quickly caught attention.
Riyad Mahrez Football Career
Club Career
Riyad Mahrez’s professional career began with Quimper in France’s lower leagues before he moved to Le Havre in 2010. At Le Havre, Mahrez honed his skills as a winger, known for his quick feet and flair. His performances attracted interest from English clubs, and in January 2014, he made a life-changing move to Leicester City in the English Championship.
At Leicester, Mahrez’s rise was meteoric. He helped the team gain promotion to the Premier League in 2014, and just two years later, he became one of the biggest stars in English football. During the 2015–16 Premier League season, Mahrez was a pivotal figure in Leicester City’s fairytale title win under Claudio Ranieri. His mesmerizing dribbles, assists, and crucial goals earned him the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award — the first African player to ever win it.
In 2018, Mahrez secured a high-profile transfer to Manchester City for around £60 million, becoming one of Africa’s most expensive players. At City, he thrived under Pep Guardiola, winning multiple Premier League titles, FA Cups, and EFL Cups. Mahrez also played a vital role in Manchester City’s historic treble-winning season (2022–23), which included their first-ever UEFA Champions League title.
In 2023, Mahrez joined Al-Ahli Saudi FC, marking a new chapter in his career. He continues to impress with his technical brilliance and leadership on and off the pitch.
International Career
Despite being born in France, Riyad Mahrez chose to represent Algeria, honoring his roots. He made his debut for the national team in 2014 and was quickly recognized for his flair and intelligence on the ball.
Mahrez was instrumental in Algeria’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) triumph in 2019, where he captained the team and scored a memorable last-minute free kick against Nigeria in the semi-final.
His performances earned him a place among Africa’s elite players and strengthened his status as a national hero.
He has represented Algeria in multiple AFCON tournaments and FIFA World Cups, contributing vital goals and assists throughout his international career.
Riyad Mahrez Achievements and Awards
Riyad Mahrez has achieved remarkable success at both club and international levels. His trophy cabinet includes some of the most prestigious honors in football.
Major Club Achievements:
Premier League titles: 5 (Leicester City – 2015/16; Manchester City – 2018/19, 2020/21, 2021/22, 2022/23)
FA Cup titles: 2
EFL Cup titles: 3
UEFA Champions League: 1 (2022/23 with Manchester City)
FIFA Club World Cup: 1 (2023)
International Achievements:
Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Champion: 2019 (Algeria)
Individual Awards:
PFA Players’ Player of the Year: 2015/16
CAF African Footballer of the Year (Runner-up): 2016
Algerian Footballer of the Year: Multiple times
BBC African Footballer of the Year: 2016
Included in CAF Team of the Year: Several times
Mahrez’s accolades highlight not only his consistency but also his ability to shine at the highest level of competition.
Riyad Mahrez Career Stats
Throughout his professional career, Riyad Mahrez has been known for his productivity and creativity on the field.
These numbers reflect Mahrez’s contribution as both a playmaker and finisher, a rare combination that sets him apart from many modern wingers.
Riyad Mahrez Net Worth and Salary
According to reports, Riyad Mahrez’s net worth is estimated at around $25–30 million as of 2025. His wealth comes from football contracts, sponsorships, and endorsement deals.
During his time at Manchester City, Mahrez reportedly earned around £200,000 per week, making him one of the top earners in the Premier League. His move to Al-Ahli Saudi FC significantly increased his salary, with reports suggesting he now earns over £750,000 per week.
Off the pitch, Mahrez has endorsement deals with major brands like Nike and EA Sports, adding to his financial portfolio. His business ventures and investments further underline his financial intelligence and long-term planning beyond football.
Riyad Mahrez Personal Life
Riyad Mahrez is known for his humility, devotion to family, and strong connection to his faith.
He is married to Taylor Ward, a British model and influencer, and the couple has a child together.
Mahrez maintains a balanced lifestyle, splitting his time between family, football, and charitable causes.
He is deeply proud of his Algerian heritage and often participates in community events that support underprivileged children. Mahrez is also known for his calm demeanor, strong discipline, and leadership, both on and off the pitch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Where was Riyad Mahrez born?
A: Riyad Mahrez was born in Sarcelles, France, on February 21, 1991.
Q2: Which clubs has Riyad Mahrez played for?
A: Mahrez has played for Quimper, Le Havre, Leicester City, Manchester City, and Al-Ahli Saudi FC.
Q3: What is Riyad Mahrez’s net worth?
A: According to reports, his net worth is between $25–30 million.
Q4: Has Riyad Mahrez won the Champions League?
A: Yes, he won the UEFA Champions League in 2023 with Manchester City.
Q5: What nationality is Riyad Mahrez?
A: Mahrez is Algerian but was born in France.
Q6: How many goals has Mahrez scored for Algeria?
A: He has scored over 30 goals for the Algerian national team.
