World Cup 2026: Faouzi Ghoulam praises Mahrez’s influence and leadership

Former Fennecs defender Faouzi Ghoulam has delivered a strong endorsement of captain Riyad Mahrez, insisting the veteran winger remains one of football’s elite players despite growing debate over his place in the national team.

The discussion surrounding Mahrez’s role has intensified in recent months, particularly following the emergence of younger talents such as Anis Hadj Moussa. However, Ghoulam believes the Algeria captain continues to play a vital role for both club and country.

Speaking in an interview with WinWin, the former Napoli full-back expressed admiration for his longtime teammate and highlighted Mahrez’s recent achievements with Al Ahli.

“Riyad is my brother. The reality is that he just won the Asian Champions League. He is a key and influential player in this championship, a huge star.

At the peak of his career, he was among the five best players in the world, and even today, I place him in the world’s top 10,” he stated.

Mahrez has remained one of the most recognisable figures in Algerian football over the past decade, earning praise for his technical ability, leadership and consistency at the highest level.

While some supporters have questioned whether younger players should now take on greater responsibility, Ghoulam believes the former Manchester City star still possesses qualities that few players can match.

The former Algeria international pointed to Mahrez’s experience and influence, arguing that his contribution extends beyond statistics and performances on the pitch.

“He’s a decisive player, excellent at the final pass and dribbling. Sure, he doesn’t have the legs he used to have as he gets older, but he brings a lot to Al Ahli thanks to his experience and quality. They’ve won the Champions League twice in two years, it’s incredible, a monumental achievement.”

Ghoulam also defended the level of football in Saudi Arabia, suggesting the competition remains underestimated by many observers despite attracting world-class talent.

“The level of the Saudi Pro League is very high; they face teams like Al Nassr, Al Hilal, Al Ettifaq, Al Ittihad, Al Shabab, Neom, Al Qadsiah… There are an impressive number of big clubs with top-level players and immense talent. These are players who could return to Europe and play for the biggest clubs without any problem. And Mahrez, if he returned to Europe today, he could play anywhere.”

With Algeria preparing for another World Cup campaign, Ghoulam’s comments underline the continued respect Mahrez commands within the national team setup.

While new talents continue to emerge, the former defender believes the captain remains a key figure capable of making a decisive impact on football’s biggest stage.