Riyad Mahrez joins Al Shamal after leaving Al Ahli

Riyad Mahrez will continue his career in Qatar after signing a one-season contract with Al Shamal.

The Algeria captain had been without a club since leaving Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli and has now agreed to join Al Shamal on a free transfer, according to journalist Ahmed Ragab.

No transfer fee will be paid to Al Ahli for the 35-year-old, with the move first reported exclusively by Africafoot.

Mahrez had spent several weeks considering his next destination after departing Al Ahli. His name was linked with a number of clubs, including Como and Deportivo La Coruna in Europe.

Turkey was also reported as a possible option, while Brazilian club Botafogo was another potential destination. Mahrez was understood to be close to joining Al Shabab, but that move ultimately did not happen, as previously reported exclusively by Africafoot.

The switch to Al Shamal gives Mahrez a fresh challenge following his decision to end his international career with Algeria. The former Leicester City and Manchester City player announced his retirement from international football this summer, after the 2026 World Cup.

He will now focus on his new club in Qatar, where he will look to secure regular playing time and continue his career at the highest level. The move follows his spell in Saudi Arabia with Al Ahli and represents the latest stage of a career that has included major success in England and international football.

Mahrez played a key role in Algeria’s Africa Cup of Nations triumph in 2019 and remains one of the most prominent figures in the country’s football history in recent years.

His arrival is expected to bring experience and technical quality to Al Shamal. The club will become the latest destination in a career that has taken Mahrez from Leicester City to Manchester City, followed by his move to Al Ahli and now Qatar.