Throughout the years we have witnessed many great African footballers apply their trade across the European leagues from the likes of Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto and most recently Mohamed Salah. However one name which never quite seems to get its due respect is the Algerian wizard Riyad Mahrez! From humble beginnings in the streets of France to lifting the African cup of nations. This splendid footballing legend has quite simply had an astonishing come up. He may now be at the pinnacle of world football but this was most definitely not handed to him!
1991 and Riyad Mahrez would be born in the capital of France, Paris. From being educated in the cages he would begin to apply those skills at the youth side of AAS Sarcelles. As the year 2009 would approach so would the opportunity to become a professional as Mahrez would spend a year at Quimper before transferring to Ligue 2 outfit Le Havre. A professional at 20 years old. After 4 years of grit and grind Mahrez’s scintillating performances grabbed the attention of championship outfit Leicester city in the summer of 2013. Leicester City would eventually seal a deal worth under £500k in the January transfer window and as little was known of the Algerian there seemed to be a whole host of question marks attached.
Within his first 6 months in English football, Mahrez alongside his teammates would help seal promotion to the pinnacle of football in England. The Premier League. The first of many accolades collected early on. Mahrez’s first campaign in the top division would be nothing short of a story too as Leicester would survive a miraculous fight against relegation. Winning 7 out of their final 9 matches would ensure safety in the top flight and Mahrez would begin stamping his authority within not only the team but also the league!
It would however be in his third season when the magestic player would capture the eyes of many. Against all odds, from fighting relegation and having a 5000/1 chance of winning the league the foxes would set off on a journey that saw them create history. Winning the Premier League title. Historic. The Vardy and Mahrez sublime link-up was a thing of beauty. 58 premier league goals and assists combined between the two mavericks. When they speak about the greatest duos in the game these two names will most definitely have to be mentioned in the conversation!
Two years later and Manchester giants Manchester City would snatch the Algerian away in a deal worth up to £60mill which also made the winger the most expensive African player. 5 seasons on and although the game time in the stacked squad may have been limited during certain periods the achievements and trophies collected speak volumes. 3 Premier League titles, 3 league cups, and 1 FA cup to cap off what has thus far been nothing short of a magnitude of success at the Etihad. Scintillating performances to match the accolades. Showboating prince. From his magic feet to his outrageously spotless first touch. A joy to watch. The type to get the crowd off their seats. That dazzling performance in the Champions League versus Paris Saint-German to inspiring City to the title on the final day in 2019. This man has had a few iconic moments to say the least.
If wrapping up club football wasn’t enough Mahrez would also bag himself the prestigious African cup of nations in 2019 as he guided Algeria to prominence. Now at the age of 31 the mesmeric footballer has all but had a remarkable career. From the trenches in France, being told he was too small, having to prove himself time after time, Mahrez is living proof anything is possible! When it’s all said and done they’d have to speak about the Algerian wonder amongst some of the best to have graced the game. If Ronaldo and Messi hold the crown in football it’s fair to award Mahrez as the prince. The definition of footballing elegance. Riyad Mahrez.
