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25 Facts About Riyad Mahrez

Van Flagg

Written by Van Flagg

Published: 03 Aug 2024

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Source: Eurosport.com

Riyad Mahrez, a name synonymous with football excellence, has captivated fans worldwide with his skillful play and remarkable achievements. From his humble beginnings to becoming a key player for Manchester City and the Algerian national team, Mahrez's journey is nothing short of inspirational. Riyad Mahrez has not only won prestigious titles but has also earned individual accolades that spotlight his talent on the global stage. In this blog post, we'll share 25 fascinating facts about Mahrez, shedding light on his career milestones, personal life, and the qualities that make him a standout athlete. Whether you're a die-hard football fan or just curious about the man behind the jersey, these insights will give you a closer look at Riyad Mahrez's world.

Table of Contents
01Early Life and Background
02Early Career and Breakthrough
03Rise to Stardom
04Manchester City Era
05Personal Life and Interests
06Records and Achievements
07A Final Glance at Riyad Mahrez's Journey

Early Life and Background

Riyad Mahrez's journey to football stardom is filled with interesting details. Let's start with his early life and background.

  1. Born in Sarcelles, France: Mahrez was born on February 21, 1991, in Sarcelles, a suburb of Paris. His parents are of Algerian descent.

  2. Algerian Roots: Despite being born in France, Mahrez chose to represent Algeria in international football, honoring his family's heritage.

  3. Father's Influence: His father, Ahmed Mahrez, was a former footballer who played in Algeria. Ahmed's passion for the sport greatly influenced Riyad's career choice.

  4. Childhood Challenges: Growing up in a rough neighborhood, Mahrez faced many challenges but remained focused on his dream of becoming a professional footballer.

Early Career and Breakthrough

Before becoming a household name, Mahrez had to work his way up through various clubs. Here are some key moments from his early career.

  1. Quimper Kerfeunteun FC: Mahrez began his professional career at Quimper, a French club in the fourth division, where he played from 2009 to 2010.

  2. Le Havre AC: In 2010, he moved to Le Havre, a club in France's Ligue 2. His performances there caught the attention of scouts from bigger clubs.

  3. Leicester City Signing: In January 2014, Mahrez signed with Leicester City, then in the English Championship. His transfer fee was a modest £450,000.

  4. Promotion to Premier League: Mahrez played a crucial role in helping Leicester City gain promotion to the Premier League in the 2013-2014 season.

Rise to Stardom

Mahrez's talent truly shone in the Premier League, where he became one of the most exciting players to watch.

  1. 2015-2016 Premier League Title: Mahrez was instrumental in Leicester City's miraculous Premier League title win in the 2015-2016 season.

  2. PFA Player of the Year: For his outstanding performances, Mahrez was named the PFA Player of the Year in 2016, becoming the first African to win the award.

  3. First Algerian to Win Premier League: He became the first Algerian player to win the Premier League title.

  4. UEFA Champions League Debut: Mahrez made his debut in the UEFA Champions League during the 2016-2017 season with Leicester City.

Manchester City Era

Mahrez's career took another leap when he joined Manchester City, one of the top clubs in Europe.

  1. Record Transfer Fee: In July 2018, Mahrez joined Manchester City for a club-record fee of £60 million.

  2. First Season Success: In his first season with Manchester City, Mahrez won the Premier League, FA Cup, and EFL Cup, completing a domestic treble.

  3. African Cup of Nations Winner: In 2019, Mahrez captained Algeria to victory in the African Cup of Nations, scoring a crucial goal in the semi-final against Nigeria.

  4. Multiple Premier League Titles: Mahrez has won multiple Premier League titles with Manchester City, solidifying his status as one of the league's top players.

Personal Life and Interests

Beyond football, Mahrez has a life filled with interesting hobbies and personal milestones.

  1. Married to Rita Johal: Mahrez married Rita Johal in 2015, and they have two daughters together.

  2. Fashion Enthusiast: Known for his stylish outfits, Mahrez has a keen interest in fashion and often collaborates with designers.

  3. Charity Work: He is actively involved in charity work, particularly in Algeria, where he supports various initiatives to help underprivileged communities.

  4. Love for Music: Mahrez enjoys music and often shares his favorite tracks on social media. He has a particular fondness for Algerian and French rap.

Records and Achievements

Mahrez's career is decorated with numerous records and achievements that highlight his exceptional talent.

  1. Most Goals by an Algerian in Premier League: Mahrez holds the record for the most goals scored by an Algerian player in the Premier League.

  2. African Player of the Year Nominee: He has been nominated multiple times for the African Player of the Year award, winning it in 2016.

  3. Premier League Player of the Month: Mahrez has won the Premier League Player of the Month award multiple times, showcasing his consistent performances.

  4. First Algerian to Score in Champions League Semi-Final: He became the first Algerian to score in a Champions League semi-final, achieving this feat with Manchester City.

  5. Over 100 Premier League Goals and Assists: Mahrez has contributed to over 100 goals and assists in the Premier League, a testament to his impact on the field.

A Final Glance at Riyad Mahrez's Journey

Riyad Mahrez's story is one of determination, skill, and triumph. From his early days in France to becoming a Premier League legend, his journey is nothing short of inspirational. Mahrez has not only showcased his exceptional talent on the field but also his resilience and dedication off it. His contributions to both club and country highlight a career filled with memorable moments and significant achievements. As fans, we've witnessed his growth from a promising talent to a world-class player. Mahrez's journey reminds us that with hard work and perseverance, achieving our dreams is possible. His legacy, marked by dazzling performances and remarkable goals, will continue to inspire future generations. As we reflect on these 25 facts, it's clear Mahrez's impact on football is indelible, making him a true icon of the sport.

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