Al-Ahli: Algerian international Riyad Mahrez set to extend impressive finals legacy

Riyad Mahrez will have another chance to extend his record in major finals when Al-Ahli face Machida Zelvia in the AFC Champions Elite League final on Saturday.

The Algerian international is set to feature in the match on 25 April 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 16:15 GMT, as the Saudi Arabian side aim to secure continental success.

For Mahrez, the occasion represents a further opportunity to add to a career defined by appearances on some of football’s biggest stages.

The upcoming fixture marks another chapter in a record that spans domestic, continental and international finals.

Over the course of his career, Mahrez has regularly been involved in decisive matches, contributing to teams competing for major honours.

At Al-Ahli, this will be his third final since joining the club. He has already experienced success in the Saudi Arabian Super Cup, where Al-Ahli defeated Al-Nassr on penalties.

He also played a role in the AFC Champions League triumph over Kawasaki Frontale, a match that ended in a 2-0 victory.

Those results underline his continued presence in high-level competitions since moving to Saudi Arabia.

The final against Machida Zelvia provides another opportunity for Mahrez to add to that record.

Success in the match would see him claim another continental title, further strengthening his list of achievements.

Before his move to Al-Ahli, Mahrez built much of his reputation during his time at Manchester City.

While at the English club, he featured in several finals across different competitions, including the UEFA Champions League.

In 2023, Manchester City won the Champions League by defeating Inter Milan, with Mahrez part of the squad for the final.

Two years earlier, in 2021, he started the final against Chelsea, although City were defeated 1-0 in that match.

These appearances reflect his involvement in the club’s most significant fixtures during a period of sustained success.

Mahrez also took part in domestic cup finals during his time in England.

In 2021, he played in the English League Cup final, which Manchester City won against Tottenham.

He was also involved in the 2019 FA Cup final, another victory for the club, this time against Watford.

Other finals saw varying roles for the Algerian winger.

He was a substitute in the 2023 FA Cup final, where Manchester City defeated Manchester United 2-1.

In contrast, he did not feature in the same way in every final, including the 2020 EFL Cup final against Aston Villa, which ended in a 2-1 defeat.

His experience also extends to the Community Shield, where he played in four finals.

Manchester City secured victory in 2018 against Chelsea, while defeats followed in 2016 against Manchester United, and later against Leicester City in 2021 and Liverpool in 2022. These matches contributed to a broad range of final appearances across different competitions.

On the international stage, Mahrez has also been involved in major fixtures with Algeria.

The most notable of these came in 2019, when Algeria won the Africa Cup of Nations by defeating Senegal 1-0 in the final. That victory remains a defining moment in his international career.

Across club and international football, Mahrez’s record highlights both success and experience in finals.

His appearances have come in competitions of varying scale, from domestic cups to continental tournaments, demonstrating his consistent presence at the highest level.

The final against Machida Zelvia now offers another opportunity to build on that history.

With Al-Ahli aiming to secure further silverware, Mahrez’s experience in such matches may prove significant.

The match also continues a pattern in his career, where he has regularly been involved in decisive moments.

Whether starting or coming off the bench, his participation in finals has been a recurring feature across different teams and competitions.

As Al-Ahli prepare for the encounter, attention will focus on whether they can add another title to their record.

For Mahrez, the occasion represents not only a chance for team success but also an opportunity to extend a career defined by appearances in major finals.

The outcome of Saturday’s match will determine whether he adds another trophy to his collection.

Regardless of the result, his record already reflects a sustained presence in high-profile fixtures, both at club level and on the international stage.

Riyad Mahrez a changé sa photo de profil sur Instagram juste avant la finale de l’AFC Elite 💚

Ce samedi à 18h15, Al Ahli va tenter de remporter la Ligue des champions asiatique pour la deuxième fois consécutive !

𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞-𝗧𝗢-𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞 🏆 pic.twitter.com/JFuH4MEzO6

— SPL 🇸🇦 (@ActuSPL) April 22, 2026