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An atypical journey
Born on February 21, 1991, Ryad Mahrez began his career with his hometown club, AAS Sarcelles. Like many young people, the left-hander is faced with a major obstacle from an early age: his frail physique which cools the training centers. It is therefore within the club of the Parisian suburbs that the kid makes his classes while waiting to be spotted. His success, he owes it only to his daily work and his obsession to realize the dream of all kids: to become a professional footballer. June 2009, everything changed. Then aged 18, Ryad Mahrez tried out in Quimper. His talent immediately jumps to the eyes of Ronan Salaün, a decisive man for his career. The one who opens the door to the professional world. Despite financial difficulties, Quimper KFC did what was necessary to recruit him, offering him a federal contract. Unfortunately for the Finistère club, the descent into CFA2 during the 2009-2010 season did not allow the club to take advantage of its young talent. It is in Le Havre, resident of Ligue 2 that he bounces back. But the interested party does not drag on in France. After four seasons at the HAC, the kid from Sarcelles made a big leap into the unknown by signing for Leicester, a Championship club.
The feat of the century with Leicester
For the modest sum of 500,000 euros, Leicester, a city better known for its rugby club than its football club, gets its hands on Riyad Mahrez. After having actively participated in the rise of the Foxes in the Premier League, the left-hander with a silky leg and swaying dribbles is making a name for himself across the Channel. With Jamie Vardy, Mahrez will form a formidable duo that will lead Leicester to achieve the feat of the century: winning the Premier League during the 2015-2016 season. A crazy year that sees the Algerian international win the most prestigious individual titles. Best player in the English league, a historic first for an African player. The Foxes supporters also awarded him the distinction of best player of the club over the season. And the supreme grail: the 2016 African Ballon d’Or. A mad ascent which was confirmed later with his transfer to Manchester City in 2018 for 68 million euros. At the Skyblues, the international considerably fills his trophy cabinet. If he has a unique profile in the eyes of Pep Guardiola, he does not enjoy an untouchable status.
National hero of the Fennecs
Quite the opposite with the Fennecs, where he has become the captain of the selection since Djamel Belmadi took office in 2018. His free kick in the CAN semi-final against Nigeria (2-1), which will remain forever in the hearts and memories of Algerian supporters, propelled him to the rank of national hero. For the darling of Sarcelles, it’s the fulfillment of a career. The consecration of a life. Bringing your nation to the roof of the continent is beyond measure. Even when we took Leicester to a historic English league title. Even when we won everything with Manchester City. For Ryad Mahrez, the goal now is to help Algeria retain its continental crown. History to return a little more in the legend.
Watch the video above to discover the beautiful story of Riyad Mahrez.
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