Master Mahrez: Al Ahli star leaves lasting legacy in Kingdom and on continent

Master Mahrez: Al Ahli star leaves lasting legacy in Kingdom and on continentAs 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 IttihadHe 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.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.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