ALG: Riyad Mahrez bids farewell to Al-Ahli

Riyad Mahrez has said goodbye to Al-Ahli Saudi after three seasons with the club, thanking the players, staff, management and supporters for their backing during his time in Saudi Arabia.

The Algeria captain shared his farewell message on X as he prepares to begin a new chapter in his career in Qatar.

Mahrez has already arrived in Doha and is expected to join Al-Shamal.

In his message, the former Al-Ahli forward reflected on his time with the Saudi club and described it as “a special period” in both his career and life.

Mahrez said he was proud to have represented Al-Ahli and to have played a part in the club’s successes during his three seasons with the team.

He also expressed his appreciation to the club’s management, coaching staff, team-mates, employees and supporters, recognising the role they played during his stay.

The Algerian international extended his thanks beyond the club, also acknowledging the people he met in Saudi Arabia.

He described them as important figures in the development of football in the country.

His farewell comes as he prepares for a move to Qatar, where he is expected to continue his career with Al-Shamal after arriving in Doha.

Mahrez’s departure brings an end to a three-season spell with Al-Ahli in which he made 122 appearances for the Saudi club.

During that period, he was part of a side that won the AFC Champions League twice, while also lifting the Saudi Super Cup.

Those successes formed an important part of Mahrez’s time at Al-Ahli, where he established himself as one of the experienced figures in the team.

The Algerian’s farewell message marked the end of that period as he thanked those who had been part of his experience in Saudi Arabia.

Mahrez’s decision to publicly acknowledge the club’s various groups also highlighted the relationships he built during his stay.

His message included the supporters and employees as well as those responsible for the team’s management and coaching.

For the Algeria captain, the move to Qatar now represents the next stage of his professional career.

Having arrived in Doha, Mahrez is expected to join Al-Shamal, bringing his Saudi experience with him as he prepares for another change of surroundings.

His three years with Al-Ahli included 122 appearances and major honours, with the AFC Champions League and Saudi Super Cup among the trophies won during his time at the club.

Mahrez leaves Al-Ahli having described his time there as “a special period” and with a clear message of appreciation for those who supported him throughout his stay.

The Algerian forward can now turn his attention to his expected move to Al-Shamal as he begins another chapter of his career in Qatar.