As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end – and so it's the case for Riyad Mahrez and Al Ahli.
It’s been a week since the Roshn Saudi League side announced that, after three stellar seasons, 122 games (in all competitions), 37 goals and two continental titles, their Algerian wing wizard was moving on.
The departure of Mahrez, and Cote d’Ivoire captain Franck Kessie with him, really does feel like the closing of a chapter in Al Ahli’s history as they transition into a new era, with revised targets and fresh faces.
But while Mahrez may be gone, he will never be forgotten.
Riyad Mahrez scores winner for Al Ahli in Sea Derby v Al Ittihad
He leaves – as he did at Leicester City and Manchester City – with an entrenched legacy of excellence and trophies. Yes, Mahrez could not help deliver Al Ahli a drought-breaking RSL title, but the back-to-back AFC Champions League Elite crowns surely make up for that.
One of European football’s best wideman, Mahrez rocked up in Saudi Arabia in 2023 fresh off winning the treble for Manchester City. Alongside the likes of Karim Benzema, Neymar and, of course, Cristiano Ronaldo, he formed one of the original cohort of big-name foreign arrivals designed to set the top flight alight.
Riyad Mahrez has been a leader at Al Ahli during the past three seasons
He did just that. Mahrez’s style and personality were a perfect fit for Al Ahli, who were returning to the RSL after a first-ever season in the second rung of Saudi football. Thus, they were looking to reestablish their wares as a top-tier club.
Some would say Al Ahli are more understated than their fellow “Big Four” rivals, much like Mahrez himself; the Algeria international has never sought to be the most prominent character or personality, instead preferring to let his football do the talking.
And, boy, did it speak volumes in Jeddah.
Riyad Mahrez is adored by the Al Ahli fans
Admittedly, Mahrez might have lost a yard or two of pace during the years, but he relinquished nothing of his totemic touch. If anything, he became a smarter footballer out on that right flank, cutting inside and using his wand of a left boot as the ultimate weapon.
During three full seasons at Al Ahli, Mahrez mined 46 assists across all competitions – 31 of those in the RSL. No one else gets close to him in that regard.
Meanwhile, his highlights were too many to name individually, although there are a few that really stand out.
Riyad Mahrez scores free-kick for Al Ahli v Al Kholood
His two goals against Al Ittihad last season, which fired Al Ahli to the double over their crosstown competitors, were particularly meaningful. Then there’s his stunning free-kick against Al Kholood in a 2-1 victory. Saying that, they are only a selection of the special memories Mahrez leaves behind.
However, it was more than the goals that lit up the league. It was his wizardry on the ball, his elegant first touch. There was a class about everything Mahrez did.
Yet it was on the continent that the footballing magician arguably provided his greatest impact. Mahrez was imperious for Matthias Jaissle’s side throughout both of their ACL Elite-winning runs, with 13 goals and 10 assists across both campaigns.
Al Ahli's Riyad Mahrez poses alongside the AFC Champions League Elite trophy
As Al Ahli dared to dream, not once but twice, Mahrez’s experience at the very top of the game proving invaluable. Time and again, when the moment required, he delivered.
In the most important of matches, Mahrez rose to the occasion, such as his sublime extra-time free-kick against Al Duhail in April that ensured the Asian champions advanced to the Champions League Elite Finals – and onto retaining the trophy.
That's what he did: created moments that would last a lifetime and memories that will forever be etched in Al Ahli folklore.
For a player who had achieved it all in club football before moving to Saudi, Mahrez set about games like he still had something to prove; like every game in green mattered as much to him as any that came before it.
Ziyad Al Johani (L) and Riyad Mahrez celebrate Al Ahli winning AFC Champions League Elite
It’s that attitude that endeared him so much to the loyal and passionate fans of Al Ahli. Although, Mahrez felt the connection almost as soon as he signed.
“The fans are incredible, behind us,” he told the SPL in 2023, mere months after arriving. “I really love this because they have the passion, and we’re going to try and do the best season as possible as we can.
“And, maybe sometimes when we don’t play as good or we don’t win, they’re still behind us. Like I said, I really love the fans.”
He loved them, and they loved him.
There has been an outpouring of love and support since Mahrez’s departure was made official, the Al Ahli support coming to terms with the fact their fabulous No.7 won’t be wielding his wizardry around Alinma Stadium again.
There’s bound to be a level of heartache, but as the saying goes: don’t be sad it’s over, be grateful that it happened.
