Rio Ferdinand says Riyad Mahrez never received the recognition he deserved

Rio Ferdinand believes Riyad Mahrez has not received the level of recognition his career deserves, despite the Algerian enjoying major success in the Premier League and with his national team.

More than three years since his departure from Manchester City, Mahrez remains highly regarded in England, where his performances continue to earn praise from former players.

Speaking on his show Rio Ferdinand Presents, the former Manchester United captain described Mahrez as a player who was often overlooked despite consistently performing at the highest level.

“I don’t think he received the recognition he deserved. Every player who played with him says he was top-level,” stated Rio Ferdinand.

Ferdinand’s assessment reflects the views of several players who shared the pitch with Mahrez during his time in English football. The Algerian’s former team-mates were regularly impressed by his technical ability and composure when in possession.

Mahrez’s numbers in the Premier League underline the impact he made during his time in England. He played 284 league matches, scoring 82 goals and providing 61 assists while collecting five Premier League titles.

His first league championship came with Leicester City in 2016, when the club produced one of the most remarkable title triumphs in Premier League history. Mahrez was a central figure in that campaign before moving on to Manchester City.

With City, he added four more Premier League titles to his collection, further establishing his place among the most successful African players to have played in the competition.

His performances also earned him a notable individual honour, as he became the first African player to be voted Premier League Player of the Year by his fellow professionals.

Ferdinand is not the only former team-mate to have highlighted Mahrez’s qualities. Jamie Vardy, who played alongside the Algerian at Leicester, previously pointed to the uncertainty Mahrez created for defenders.

“You never know if he’s going to cut inside or cross. That’s Riyad for you; he keeps everyone guessing.”

Mahrez’s influence was not limited to club football. He also enjoyed considerable success with Algeria, making 119 appearances and scoring 40 goals for the national side.

He captained the Greens to victory at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2019, adding international silverware to an already distinguished club career.

For Ferdinand, Mahrez’s achievements and the respect he earned from those who played alongside him provide evidence that the Algerian deserves greater recognition for what he accomplished at the highest level.