Riyad Mahrez retires from Algeria national team after World Cup exit

Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez has announced his retirement from international football following his side's 2-0 defeat by Switzerland in the round of 32 of the World Cup. The 35-year-old confirmed the decision after the match, bringing an end to a 12-year international career in which he earned 120 caps and scored 40 goals for the Desert Foxes.

Decision after defeat

Speaking after the match in Vancouver, Mahrez said: "The goal was to progress, and I think it was a game that was within our reach. We conceded two goals on mistakes, and at this level, we pay dearly for that." When asked whether the loss would be his final World Cup appearance, Mahrez replied: "It's my last appearance even with the national team. It was my last game."

Career achievements

Mahrez finishes his Algeria career as the country's second-most capped player, behind only teammate Aissa Mandi's 123 appearances, and second on the all-time scoring list with 40 goals, trailing only Islam Slimani's 49. He captained Algeria to Africa Cup of Nations glory in 2019, memorably scoring a stoppage-time free-kick in the semi-final against Nigeria before his side beat Senegal in the final to lift their first continental title since 1990.

World Cup performance

The former Leicester City and Manchester City winger enjoyed his finest World Cup campaign this summer. He registered three goal involvements in four matches, scoring twice against Austria and providing an assist against Jordan, with no Algerian player ever recording more in a single edition of the tournament. He also became the second-oldest African player to start a World Cup knockout match, behind only Senegal's Idrissa Gueye earlier in the tournament.

International journey

Born in France, Mahrez chose to represent Algeria in 2013 and made his debut before the 2014 World Cup. He went on to establish himself as one of the greatest players in the nation's history, reaching the round of 16 at his first World Cup in Brazil and becoming one of only a handful of Algerian footballers to surpass 100 international appearances.