Riyad Mahrez at 100 caps: A century of brilliance for Algeria
Riyad Mahrez may have reached his 100th international cap this week during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, but the significance of the moment continues to echo across Algerian football.
The 33-year-old captain, who led Algeria to their second TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations title in 2019, became just the seventh player in the nation’s history to reach the century milestone when he started against Botswana in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Thursday, 21 March, 2025.
It’s a moment that cements Mahrez’s legacy as one of Algeria’s most decorated and influential players, whose flair, leadership, and longevity have defined over a decade of international football.
From an unknown Ligue 2 winger at Le Havre to lifting trophies at Manchester City and wearing the armband for his country, Mahrez’s rise has been meteoric.
His milestone is more than just a personal achievement – it represents an era of transformation for Algerian football.
A humble beginning, a dazzling debut
Mahrez’s debut for Algeria came just weeks before the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, during a friendly against Armenia.
Then an unproven attacker freshly signed by Leicester City, his inclusion raised eyebrows. But it didn’t take long for him to silence the doubters.
With two assists and an electric performance in a 3-1 win, Mahrez forced his way into the squad for Brazil 2014, playing against Belgium in Algeria’s tournament opener.
Though it would be his only appearance in that World Cup, it laid the foundation for what would follow.
First goal, first glory
Later that same year, Mahrez scored his first international goal against Malawi in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. His combination of composure, dribbling and creative vision quickly made him a mainstay in the side.
But it was in 2019 that Mahrez truly etched his name into Algerian football history. Wearing the captain’s armband, he led a hungry Desert Warriors squad to the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON final in Cairo.
His last-minute free-kick in the semi-final against Nigeria was one of the defining moments of the tournament – a moment of pure inspiration and technique.
He became only the second Algerian captain to lift the continental crown after Rabah Madjer in 1990. For many, that moment alone secured his legacy.
A leader on and off the pitch
Mahrez’s influence has never been just about numbers. Over the years, he’s become a symbol of pride for Algerians at home and in the diaspora.
His calm leadership, ability to inspire, and unwavering belief in the team have helped steady Algeria through transitions and expectations.
With 100 caps now to his name, Mahrez joins an elite group of African internationals who have shown durability and excellence at the highest level.
Still aiming for more
The 2026 World Cup qualifiers provide one final frontier for the veteran winger.
Algeria have not qualified for a World Cup since 2014, and Mahrez – now playing his club football in Saudi Arabia – remains determined to help them return to the global stage.
If successful, it would complete a remarkable full circle: from a raw debutant in Brazil to a battle-hardened leader at 35, leading his nation into another World Cup.
The journey of Riyad Mahrez is far from over – but 100 caps is a fitting marker for one of Africa’s modern greats.