Riyad Mahrez has revealed how a single contract clause early in his Leicester City career could have changed the entire trajectory of his footballing journey—potentially taking him to the heights of Real Madrid years before his eventual move to Manchester City.
In an in-depth interview on the Carré show, the Algerian international recounted pivotal moments from his rise, offering a rare glimpse into the delicate balance between talent, timing, and contractual decisions in elite football.
One moment in particular stood out—his decision in 2015 not to accept a release clause of €25 million in his Leicester City contract, a move that would later prove decisive.
Mahrez had just helped Leicester survive relegation in the Premier League, and while negotiating a new contract ahead of the 2015/16 season, club officials proposed including a €25 million release clause.
At the time, Mahrez considered the figure too high for a player with just one year of Premier League experience. “I told them it was too much,” he explained. “We had just stayed up the season before, and I didn’t see myself being worth that kind of money.”
What followed was one of the most remarkable seasons in Premier League history. Leicester defied all odds to win the league, and Mahrez played a starring role—scoring 17 goals and providing 11 assists in 37 league matches.
His performances earned him the PFA Player of the Year award and attracted interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Arsenal, Barcelona, and Real Madrid.
Had he agreed to the clause months earlier, Mahrez believes he would have joined one of those elite sides. “If I had signed that clause, I would have gone to Real Madrid,” he said. “There were meetings. They wanted me. But in the end, Leicester asked for more than clubs were willing to pay, so I stayed.”
He reflected on how small decisions can shape careers in unpredictable ways. “Destiny is decided by nothing,” Mahrez remarked. “Kanté had his clause and left for €30 million. I didn’t. And I stayed.”
Two years later, in 2018, Mahrez did eventually secure a move away from Leicester, joining Manchester City for nearly €70 million—almost triple the amount initially proposed in his clause.
Under Pep Guardiola, the winger added 11 major trophies to his cabinet, including the UEFA Champions League in 2023, fulfilling his ambitions on the European stage.
Following his successful spell in England, Mahrez made the move to Al Ahli Saudi FC, becoming one of the marquee signings in the Saudi Pro League and joining a growing list of global stars in the Middle East.
Despite his success, the 33-year-old looks back on that early decision with a sense of curiosity rather than regret.
His story serves as a reminder that even the most glittering careers can hinge on seemingly minor choices—proof that, in football, as in life, the smallest details often hold the greatest weight.
