Riyad Mahrez: My Mother Made My Beginning... and the Africa Cup is the Most Valuable in My Career

Algerian international Riyad Mahrez revealed influential moments in his football career, highlighting his difficult beginnings and the significant role his mother played in helping him achieve his dream of becoming a professional. He also spoke about his current experience in the Saudi league and shared artistic and humanitarian aspects of his journey.

Mahrez explained, in statements on the "Kora Break" program hosted by former English star Rio Ferdinand, that he was playing for an eighth-division club in France when he got the opportunity to try out for a fourth-division team. However, his financial situation at the time prevented him from affording the travel expenses after his father's death.

The captain of the Algerian national team said: "My mother didn't work and was supporting four children, yet she managed to save 150 euros so I could travel and take the trial," adding, "I told her not to worry, I would pay her back. I traveled and stayed with an acquaintance, then went through the trials and signed a one-year contract."

Mahrez moved on to talk about his current experience with Al-Ahli Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, affirming that he is experiencing a happy period on all levels. He noted that the Saudi league is witnessing continuous development thanks to the recruitment of big stars and young players, in addition to the ideal environment the club provides for his family.

The Algerian star emphasized that claims about the lack of pressure in Saudi Arabia are incorrect, saying: "Some in Europe think I'm on vacation and playing just for money, but they don't realize the level of pressure here. The pressure at Al-Ahli is higher than at Manchester City; it's insane, and the fans want all the championships."

He added, "In the Elite Final, there were 60,000 fans, and the support from the crowd continues, always demanding from us the league, the cup, and the AFC Champions League."

On the international level, Mahrez affirmed that winning the Africa Cup of Nations with Algeria is the most important moment in his career, saying: "It is the feeling I am most proud of. We raised Algeria's second star, and it was unbelievable. The people's celebrations lasted for many hours."

He talked about the difference between the two championship editions, explaining that the first one included 8 teams, while the second in Egypt featured 24 teams, emphasizing that the challenge was greater in the second edition.

He also referred to the difficult phase the team went through after the 2014 World Cup, before coach Djamel Belmadi, whom he described as "amazing," came along. He emphasized that the team experienced a historic period during which they were almost unbeaten in 35 matches.

In another context, Mahrez praised a number of players, including Lamine Yamal, whom he said is capable of "breaking any full-back," as well as Michael Olise, whom he compared to himself in playing style, considering him a standout player since his time at Crystal Palace.

He also defended his colleague Youssef Belaili, explaining that he has great talent but his career has not been managed optimally, saying: "He is similar to Hatem Ben Arfa and Mario Balotelli in terms of talent, but he did not get the opportunity at the right time."

In his concluding remarks, Mahrez emphasized that international football always involves significant fluctuations and pressures, noting that he bears this pressure with full responsibility within the Algerian national team.