Algerian Star Riyad Mahrez Shines at Africa Cup of Nations, Honors Mixed Heritage

17 July 2019 – byKamal · 1 min read

Riyad Mahrez, the captain of the Algerian national football team, has had an excellent Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) in Egypt, leaving his mark on the competition and leading the "Fennecs" to a deserved final and perhaps even to the title. He is a hero for his Algerian father and a source of pride for his Moroccan mother.

At 28 years old, the young Mahrez made his debut in amateur clubs in France before joining the English championship, signing with "Leicester City" for four seasons. Later, he will be recruited by "Manchester City".

The death of his father caused him great sadness. The choice of the "Fennecs" was not random; he wanted to pay tribute to his father who had always dreamed of seeing him wear the Algerian jersey and become a big star in his country.

By winning the Championship with "Leicester City" in 2016, he became the first Arab-African player to win this trophy in the history of English football. When signing the contract with "Manchester City", Mahrez was accompanied by his mother, who has become his main support in the continuation of his football career, after the death of his father.

Ready to wear the "Fennecs" jersey, the 28-year-old star has always been proud of it during continental competitions. In 50 matches, Riyad Mahrez has scored 12 goals and has been decisive in 20 others. In 2014, he participated for the first time with the Algerian team in a friendly match against Armenia.

Category: Sport

Keywords:

Football Africa Cup of Nations Algeria