Riyad Mahrez has confirmed that his international journey at the Africa Cup of Nations has come to an end following Algeria’s 2–0 defeat to Nigeria in the quarter finals of AFCON 2025, Footynaija.com reports.
The former Manchester City star, who has long been the face of the Desert Foxes, confirmed that Saturday’s defeat to the Super Eagles was his last-ever game at the Africa Cup of Nations.
The match itself was shaped by Nigeria’s second half display, with Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams finding the net to send the Super Eagles into the semi finals.
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Algeria struggled to impose themselves after the break, and Mahrez, who once haunted Nigeria with his famous stoppage time free kick in the 2019 semi final, was unable to recreate that magic this time.
The 34-year-old’s late winner in Cairo six years ago had knocked the Super Eagles out, in a moment that still lingers whenever the two teams face off. This time, though, it was Nigeria who wrote the script, ending Algeria’s campaign and, as Mahrez later confirmed, his own AFCON journey.
After the match, the Algeria captain spoke about his future, his legacy, and the younger players coming through.
“I confirm, it’s my last CAN, it’s over,” he said, as revealed in a report by French Football Weekly. “It’s sad that it ended in a quarter final. I would have liked to go further and try to win a second one. The African Cup is not easy to win. Our generation has already won one and it was incredible, but for many of this new generation, it’s their first CAN, and they are forced to go through these moments.”
Mahrez then turned his attention to the future of Algerian football and what lies ahead for the next wave of players.
“The bar was high tonight,” he continued. “We go out with our heads held high. We are sad for our supporters and our families. We are proud to be Algerians. I hope that the new generation will be able to do better during the next edition in Kenya. I know they can afford it.”
Mahrez, now playing for Al Ahli in Saudi Arabia, has been one of the most decorated and influential figures in Algeria’s recent football history. From lifting the AFCON title in 2019 to shining on Europe’s biggest stages, his career has stood out for its leadership and excellence.
