Rafael Leão picks Mahrez over Salah in African greatness debate

BY Issa Said
August 25, 2025
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AC Milan forward Rafael Leão has openly declared his admiration for Riyad Mahrez over Mohamed Salah when asked to choose between the two celebrated African wingers of the past decade.

The Portuguese international made the revelation during a live Twitch session, responding to a fan’s question that compared the long-standing influence of Algeria’s Mahrez with Egypt’s Salah.

“Riyad Mahrez or Mohamed Salah? I would choose Mahrez,” Leão said. “In football, it’s not just about scoring goals. That’s important, of course, but Mahrez knows how to both score and create chances.”

The statement instantly sparked discussion, given Salah’s extraordinary impact since joining Liverpool in 2017. The Egyptian has become one of the most prolific forwards in world football, rewriting club records and amassing individual honours, including multiple Premier League Golden Boots and a PFA Players’ Player of the Year award. His achievements have cemented his reputation as one of the greatest African players of all time.

Mahrez, however, has forged his own remarkable legacy. The Algerian winger was a pivotal figure in Leicester City’s improbable 2016 Premier League title triumph and later enjoyed sustained success at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola, winning multiple league championships and adding the UEFA Champions League to his collection.

Renowned for his elegance on the ball, creativity, and decisive goals, Mahrez has consistently been celebrated for his flair and technical mastery.

Leão’s preference appears rooted in style rather than statistics. Known himself for his speed, dribbling, and ability to unlock defences, the Milan forward clearly identifies with Mahrez’s versatility and creative spark. His emphasis on the Algerian’s dual threat—as both a scorer and provider—highlights an appreciation for artistry and all-round contribution, not just raw numbers.

The choice might surprise many given Salah’s status as a global superstar whose influence has transcended football. Beyond his on-field success, Salah has become a symbol of pride in Egypt and across Africa, using his platform to inspire millions. Yet, despite his glittering club career, one achievement has eluded him: international silverware with Egypt.

By contrast, Mahrez captained Algeria to victory in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, securing a trophy that elevated his status among African greats.

This continental triumph remains a notable difference between the two players’ international careers and may have been a factor in Leão’s preference.

Football debates about greatness are often shaped by personal taste, and Leão’s comment underscores the subjective nature of comparisons between players of such calibre.

While Salah is widely viewed as one of the best finishers the Premier League has ever seen, Mahrez is admired for his creativity, unpredictability, and technical brilliance—qualities that resonate with players who share a similar attacking philosophy.

As reactions circulate online, fans and pundits alike continue to weigh in on the discussion. For some, Leão’s words highlight a generational appreciation of style over sheer productivity. For others, Salah’s consistency, records, and global stature leave little room for debate.

Regardless of opinion, the conversation once again underlines the remarkable influence both Mahrez and Salah have had on football over the past decade. Their legacies, while different in nature, have helped redefine the perception of African players at the highest level of the game.

For Leão, the verdict is clear: Mahrez’s artistry wins his vote.