Special tribute: Algeria prepare emotional farewell for Riyad Mahrez and Aïssa Mandi

FAF reportedly plans symbolic invitation for two 2019 Africa Cup of Nations winners

Riyad Mahrez and Aïssa Mandi could receive a special farewell from Algeria during the next international break after the two veterans ended their national team careers following the 2026 World Cup.

The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) is reportedly considering an initiative that would allow two of the most influential players of the past decade to receive the tribute they missed when announcing their international retirements.

According to Winwin, the federation wants to use the international window from 21 September to 7 October to honour Mahrez and Mandi, both members of the Algeria side that won the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

The proposed invitation would not represent a return to the national team. Instead, the two players would attend in a symbolic capacity as Algeria seeks to celebrate their contribution to the Fennecs.

Mahrez and Mandi could receive FAF invitation

The FAF has reportedly reached its decision after consulting new coach Brahim Hemdani.

Mahrez and Mandi are not expected to be included in Hemdani’s first squad.

Their possible presence during the international break would instead be focused entirely on recognition and farewell.

Both players ended their international careers without a major ceremony in front of Algerian supporters.

Mahrez announced his decision after Algeria were eliminated by Switzerland in the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup.

Mandi made the same decision several weeks later.

The proposed FAF initiative would give supporters an opportunity to properly acknowledge two players who played central roles in Algeria’s recent history.

Two of Algeria’s most experienced players

Mahrez has earned 119 caps, while Mandi has represented Algeria 122 times.

Together, they spent more than a decade with the national team and appeared at two World Cups.

Their most significant achievement came in 2019, when Algeria won the Africa Cup of Nations.

Mahrez was one of the leading figures of that successful campaign, with his decisive free-kick against Nigeria in the semi-final becoming one of the defining moments of the tournament.

Mandi, meanwhile, established himself as a dependable presence in Algeria’s defence and eventually became one of the country’s most capped players.

Their contribution has also been recognised by former team-mate Islam Slimani.

🇩🇿 Le prochain rassemblement de l’Algérie devrait très probablement voir la présence de Riyad Mahrez et Aïssa Mandi 🇩🇿.

🇩🇿 La FAF aurait décidé de leur adresser une invitation spéciale, en hommage à leurs grandes carrières avec les Verts. 🫡

🗞️| @winwinallsports || #LesVerts pic.twitter.com/TW2UYNKi6B

— F.M.Y (@Mohamedyou85246) September 10, 2026

Slimani calls for tribute

Slimani recently called for Mahrez and Mandi to be properly remembered for their achievements with Algeria.

” These are two players who have made their mark on Algerian history. […] These are players who deserve a tribute. “

The reported FAF initiative appears to reflect that view, with the federation seeking to give the pair a fitting send-off.

Tribute could coincide with Hemdani’s first matches

The timing of the proposed celebration would also give it added significance.

Hemdani, working alongside Anthar Yahia, is tasked with shaping the next Algeria team.

Honouring Mahrez and Mandi at the beginning of the new era would provide a symbolic link between the previous generation and the side being built for the future.

Other experienced players could also be involved in the gathering.

Algeria’s September and October fixtures

Baghdad Bounedjah, Youcef Belaïli and Yacine Brahimi are expected to feature on the preliminary list, although their places in the final squad remain uncertain.

Algeria’s schedule during the break includes two 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and a friendly.

They will host Zambia on 25 September in Tizi Ouzou, before travelling to Bujumbura to face Burundi on 29 September.

The gathering will conclude with a match against Niger on 6 October at the Hocine-Aït-Ahmed Stadium.

One of those fixtures could therefore become the setting for Mahrez and Mandi’s final appearance around the national team.

They would no longer be returning as Algeria players, but as two of the defining figures of a generation that delivered the 2019 continental title and represented the Fennecs at two World Cups.

For supporters, the occasion would provide an opportunity to formally salute two veterans whose international careers ended without the farewell ceremony their achievements might otherwise have received.

Algeria farewell overview

Riyad Mahrez

• Caps: 119
• Major achievement: 2019 Africa Cup of Nations winner
• World Cups: Two
• International status: Retired after the 2026 World Cup
• Proposed role: Symbolic guest for farewell tribute

Aïssa Mandi

• Caps: 122
• Major achievement: 2019 Africa Cup of Nations winner
• World Cups: Two
• International status: Retired after the 2026 World Cup
• Proposed role: Symbolic guest for farewell tribute

Algeria’s upcoming matches

• 25 September: Zambia, Tizi Ouzou
• 29 September: Burundi, Bujumbura
• 6 October: Niger, Hocine-Aït-Ahmed Stadium