Riyad Mahrez has agreed to continue his career in Qatar after signing for Al Shamal on a one-season contract. The Algeria international had been a free agent since leaving Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli, with the agreement reported by journalist Ahmed Ragab.
The 35-year-old had been the subject of weeks of speculation before deciding on his next club. He will join Al Shamal without a transfer fee, meaning no compensation will be paid to Al Ahli, in a move first revealed exclusively by Africafoot.
Mahrez is expected to bring significant experience and technical quality to the Qatari side. The move follows a period in which several possible destinations had been discussed for the former Leicester City and Manchester City player.
European options had included Como and Deportivo La Coruna, while Turkey was also mentioned as a potential destination. Brazilian club Botafogo was another reported possibility. Mahrez had also been close to joining Al Shabab, but that deal did not materialise, as previously reported exclusively by Africafoot.
His move to Al Shamal comes after the winger ended his international career with Algeria. Mahrez announced his retirement from international football this summer, following the 2026 World Cup.
The former Manchester City and Leicester City player will now focus on his new challenge in Qatar, where he will look to gain regular playing time and continue his career at the highest level. His latest move follows his spell in Saudi Arabia with Al Ahli.
Mahrez’s decision to join Al Shamal represents the next stage of a career that has included major success in England and a key role in Algeria’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations triumph. He remains one of the most prominent figures in Algerian football in recent years.