Riyad Mahrez has signed for Qatari club Al Shamal after leaving Al Ahli, with the 35-year-old former Algeria captain set to continue his career in the Middle East.
Mahrez had been without a club since his contract with Al Ahli was terminated at the end of last season. He had spent several months away from competitive football before agreeing to join Al Shamal.
The Qatar club confirmed the move on its social media channels, using a video featuring some of Mahrez’s most memorable goals for Algeria and Manchester City.
The winger joins Al Shamal as a free agent, meaning the club will not pay a transfer fee to Al Ahli. The move was first reported exclusively by Africafoot.
From Manchester City to Qatar
Mahrez moved to Al Ahli from Manchester City in 2023 in a deal estimated at about 35 million euros. His time in Saudi Arabia has now come to an end, with the Algeria international choosing to continue his career in the Qatar Stars League.
His new club finished as runners-up in Qatar last season. Mahrez’s arrival gives Al Shamal the opportunity to add the experience of a player who has competed at the highest level in both domestic and international football.
The decision follows several weeks of uncertainty over Mahrez’s future. Despite his departure from Al Ahli, he has no intention of retiring and remains determined to continue playing at the highest level.
Mahrez has said he will end his international career after the 2026 World Cup, while also making clear that he wants to carry on playing for his club. His move to Al Shamal therefore represents a new stage in a career that has included success with Manchester City and Algeria.
The 2019 Africa Cup of Nations winner will now look to regain his match fitness and establish himself in his new team. Al Shamal will hope his quality and experience can strengthen a side aiming to build on last season’s second-place finish.