Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez has confirmed that the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (hosted in Morocco from December 2025 to January 2026) will mark his final participation in the prestigious continental tournament.
The 34-year-old winger made the emotional announcement ahead of Algeria’s high-stakes quarter-final clash against Nigeria, speaking during a pre-match press conference. In his words: “This will be my last AFCON. I want to win the Africa Cup of Nations again with this generation—I really want it.”
Mahrez, who has been a talismanic figure for the Desert Foxes since making his international debut in 2014, has already featured in six editions of the competition. Across 23 appearances, he has scored 9 goals—including a memorable stoppage-time free-kick in the 2019 semi-final against Nigeria that propelled Algeria toward glory. That triumph in Egypt remains his crowning achievement at the tournament, where he captained the side to their second AFCON title.
At the current edition, the former Manchester City and Leicester City star has been in scintillating form, netting three goals in the group stage (a brace against Sudan and a penalty versus Burkina Faso), helping Algeria secure a perfect record and top their group before advancing through the knockout rounds.
Now, as he approaches what he has declared will be his last opportunity to lift the trophy once more, Mahrez is channeling his experience and motivation into guiding a talented blend of youth and veterans.
With Algeria facing a formidable Nigeria side—reminiscent of their dramatic 2019 encounter—he is determined to end his AFCON journey on a high, delivering another moment of magic for his country, supporters, and the next generation of Algerian footballers.
This poignant declaration adds extra weight to the upcoming matches, as Mahrez seeks to bow out as a champion.