Riyad Mahrez is no longer the iconic captain Algeria needs. With 32 goals and 42 assists in 106 appearances, Mahrez holds a special place in Algerian football history.
What happened to Riyad Mahrez?
Riyad Mahrez's decline is a statistical one. After netting 26 goals from 2014 to 2021, he has found the back of the net just once in his last 22 international outings.
His assist tally has also plummeted, limited to just two—both against Mozambique (5-1) since November 2023. Riyad Mahrez hasn't scored in a competitive match for four years.
Why the decline matters for Algeria
Riyad Mahrez still wields total influence over the squad. Both Djamel Belmadi and Vladimir Petkovic have maintained their trust in him, even if it meant sidelining numerous alternatives.
This privileged position is not without its tensions. In a dressing room weakened by two failed AFCON campaigns and a glaring absence from the 2022 World Cup, Mahrez seems to impose an unshakeable hierarchy.
What comes next for Riyad Mahrez?
With just over three months to go before AFCON and with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Algeria's national team seems paralyzed by the symbolic debt owed to its 2019 heroes.
As long as Mahrez remains untouchable, the Fennecs will continue forward with a captain lacking influence and a new generation kept in check. Riyad Mahrez's repeated promises—*“in the next match, I will score”*—resulted in more ghost-like performances at the start of 2024 in Ivory Coast.
Riyad Mahrez's legendary free-kick against Nigeria in the 2019 AFCON semi-final remains an unforgettable memory. But this heroic image barely conceals a much darker reality.
The 2022 and 2026 World Cup qualification campaigns have been disappointing for Algeria, with Mahrez failing to score in any competitive match during this period.
Algeria's national team needs a change in dynamics, and Riyad Mahrez's form is a major concern. The team's performance has suffered due to his decline, and it's time for a new strategy.
Riyad Mahrez's career with Algeria has been remarkable, but his current form is affecting the team's chances of success. The Fennecs need to find a way to overcome this challenge and move forward.
The future of Algerian football depends on the team's ability to adapt and overcome the current struggles. Riyad Mahrez's legacy is at stake, and it's time for him to step up and lead the team to victory.
The 2026 World Cup is approaching, and Algeria needs to find its form. Riyad Mahrez's performance will be crucial in determining the team's success, and it's time for him to deliver.
Riyad Mahrez has the talent and experience to lead Algeria to victory. But his current form is a major concern, and it's time for a change.
The Fennecs need to find a way to overcome the challenges they are facing. Riyad Mahrez's leadership and performance are key to the team's success.
The team's dynamics need to change, and Riyad Mahrez's form is a major factor. The Fennecs need to find a way to adapt and overcome the current struggles.
Riyad Mahrez's career with Algeria has been remarkable, but his current form is affecting the team's chances of success. It's time for a new strategy and a change in dynamics.
The future of Algerian football depends on the team's ability to adapt and overcome the current struggles. Riyad Mahrez's legacy is at stake, and it's time for him to step up and lead the team to victory.