Al Shamal Secure Algeria Captain Riyad Mahrez for Qatar Stars League Campaign

Signing Completed

In Qatar, Al Shamal have announced the signing of Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez, the club said yesterday.

The move comes as the side prepares for domestic and continental commitments, including the AFC Champions League.

Mahrez put pen to paper in the presence of the club’s football department head, Meshaal Al Ali, after arriving in Doha last week to finalise the transfer.

Club and Player Context

The 35‑year‑old has already joined Al Shamal’s training sessions as head coach David Prats readies the squad for upcoming league and continental fixtures.

Al Shamal currently sit fifth in the Qatar Stars League with eight points, having finished as runners‑up the previous season.

The club is looking to bolster its options after defender Mohamed Rabie Hrimat suffered a cruciate ligament injury.

Career Highlights

Mahrez brings extensive experience from spells at Leicester City, Manchester City and Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli.

He was instrumental in Leicester City’s historic Premier League title win in 2016 before moving to Manchester City, where he secured four Premier League trophies and contributed to the UEFA Champions League victory in 2023.

After joining Al Ahli in 2023, he helped the Saudi side claim the AFC Champions League Elite crown in both 2025 and 2026.

International Experience

On the international stage, Mahrez was a key member of the Algeria squad that won the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt in 2019.

He has also represented his country at the 2014 and 2026 FIFA World Cups.