Riyad Mahrez continues remarkable run with fourth continental final

Algerian captain Riyad Mahrez is set to feature in his fourth continental final in five years when Al-Ahli Saudi face Machida Zelvia in the AFC Champions League Elite final on Saturday at 16:15 GMT.

The winger’s latest appearance on a major stage reinforces his standing as one of the most consistent performers in international club competitions.

Now playing a central role for Al-Ahli, Mahrez continues to combine individual quality with success at the highest level across both Europe and Asia.

His record in continental finals began during his time at Manchester City, where he reached the UEFA Champions League final on two occasions.

The first came in 2021, when the English side suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Chelsea. Despite that setback, Mahrez remained an important figure within the squad.

Two years later, he returned to the same stage and played a part in Manchester City’s triumph over Inter Milan in the 2023 final.

That victory secured Mahrez his first UEFA Champions League title and marked a historic moment for the club, as it was their maiden success in the competition.

Following his move to Saudi Arabia, Mahrez has continued to make an impact in continental football. With Al-Ahli Saudi, he contributed to the club’s success in the 2025 AFC Champions League, where they claimed a 2-0 win against Kawasaki Frontale in the final.

His influence has remained evident as Al-Ahli once again progressed to the decisive match in 2026.

The upcoming clash against Machida Zelvia presents another opportunity for the Algerian international to add to his growing list of achievements in major tournaments.

Mahrez’s continued presence in high-level finals highlights both his consistency and his ability to perform on the biggest stages, underlining his importance to every team he has represented in recent years.