Gary Lineker has described Riyad Mahrez as one of the finest footballers he has ever had the privilege to commentate on, praising the Algerian’s extraordinary technical skill and memorable impact on English football.
The former England striker and respected BBC presenter, known for his measured and insightful analysis, offered glowing praise of Mahrez during a recent interview, calling him a “genius of control” and a player who will be remembered long after his time in the Premier League.
Speaking candidly about Mahrez’s career, Lineker was unequivocal in his admiration: “He wasn’t just brilliant at Leicester City, but even at Manchester City, where competition is immense, he stood out.
Since his departure, I think City have genuinely missed his presence. He was a magnificent player, and frankly, he came at an astonishingly low price.”
Lineker, who began his career at Leicester and remains closely connected with the club, recalled Mahrez’s early days in the Premier League.
“He had these tiny legs, a slight build—and yet the moment he touched the ball, you knew he had something different. There was something so natural, so effortless in the way he played.”
But it was Mahrez’s first touch that left the deepest impression on Lineker, who did not hesitate to place him among the best in Premier League history.
“What really separated him from the rest was that first touch. He could bring the ball down as if it had floated down on a breeze and landed softly on his foot.
Honestly, I’ve never seen anything quite like it. When it comes to control and technical finesse, he’s on par with the very best.”
The Leicester City alumnus went on to single Mahrez out for his ability to change games, noting that he combined flair with intelligence, and always maintained composure under pressure.
“He was never just about the tricks or the flair,” Lineker added. “There was an end product—assists, goals, smart decision-making. He had it all.”
Lineker’s admiration was not merely verbal. He included Mahrez in his personal Premier League team of the year, a notable recognition from someone whose standards are known to be exacting.
“It’s not something I do lightly,” he remarked. “But Riyad earned that place. He deserves to be remembered as one of the league’s most gifted.”
Mahrez’s journey from an unknown talent at Le Havre to a Premier League winner with Leicester, and then a multiple-title champion at Manchester City, is widely seen as one of the most remarkable stories in recent football history.
His influence was instrumental in Leicester’s fairy-tale 2015–16 title win, and he continued to impress at City under Pep Guardiola with crucial goals and consistent performances on the wing.
Lineker’s reflections highlight the enduring legacy Mahrez has left in English football—a player of rare technical ability, humble beginnings, and a legacy defined by elegance and excellence.
For Mahrez, the praise from a figure as respected as Gary Lineker is likely to be one of the most meaningful acknowledgments of a career already studded with accolades.
