Luca Zidane and Riyad Mahrez, Algeria. Photo by IMAGO
Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez has suggested that the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations could be the final one of his international career, as he prepares to lead his side into a heavyweight quarter-final meeting with Nigeria, Soccernet.ng reports.
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s showdown at the Stade de Marrakech, the 34-year-old admitted he is treating the tournament with special care, hinting that time is running out on his appearances at Africa’s biggest stage.
Mahrez has been one of the standout performers of the competition so far, scoring three goals as Algeria powered into the last eight with a perfect record.
Alongside the Super Eagles, the Desert Warriors are the only team to have won all four of their matches in Morocco, navigating their way past Sudan, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea and DR Congo.
But their toughest challenge yet now awaits. Nigeria, the tournament’s top scorers, stand between Algeria and a place in the semi-finals, setting up what many see as a final-worthy contest.
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What did Riyad Mahrez say?
At his pre-match news conference, Riyad Mahrez struck a reflective tone.
“Every big tournament is a huge motivation for players,” he told the media, including Soccernet.ng.
“I want to do well. I think it will be my last Africa Cup of Nations. I don’t want to look too far ahead. Right now, I just want to focus on the next game and give everything, because it is very important for our country, our supporters and our families.”
Riyad Mahrez made his Algeria debut in 2014 and has since earned more than 100 caps, scoring 37 goals.
His club career has been just as glittering, with Premier League titles won at Leicester City and Manchester City, as well as a Champions League crown with the latter.
However, his greatest moment in international football came in 2019, when he helped Algeria lift the AFCON in Egypt. That campaign included a memorable late free-kick against Nigeria in the semi-finals, a moment he will hope to echo once again in Marrakech.