Riyad Mahrez has firmly shut down any possibility of playing for Al Hilal at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, making it clear his loyalty lies with Al Ahli.
“No, I will not play for Al Hilal, I will only play for Al Ahli, only Al Ahli,” Mahrez said when asked about the growing rumours.
Reports had suggested Al Hilal was looking to borrow key players from the Saudi league, including Riyad Mahrez, to bolster their squad ahead of the tournament next June.
Looking ahead, the Algerian winger said his goal is to help Al Ahli chase the Saudi Pro League title after falling short this season.
Al Ittihad took the crown, while Al Ahli made history by winning the AFC Champions League for the first time.
The former Manchester City winger added that the team would aim to claim the league next season.
“God willing, we will try to win the league, that is our goal next season,” Mahrez told Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper.
“When the competition starts every season, we want to win the league title, we couldn’t do it this season, but we will try next season.”
