On the eve of the match between Algeria and Burkina Faso, Riyad Mahrez received an honorary distinction from an Algerian legend.
Riyad Mahrez and Algeria did not miss their start. Opposed to Sudan for their first match of the
African Cup of Nations 2025the Fennecs won 3-0, thanks in particular to a double from their number 7 and captain.
Second most capped player (108 caps), Riyad Mahrez now has 8 goals in four CAN appearances (1 in 2015, 2 in 2017, 3 in 2019 and now 2 in 2025). The former Citizen thus became the top scorer in Algeria’s history in the continental competition, ahead of Lakhdar Belloumi (6 goals).
The latter rightly paid him a vibrant tribute. The former playmaker even named him the best player in the history of the Greens? “ I’m happy that he reached this new record. I congratulate him. He proved that he is the best player in history (of Algerian football, editor’s note) », declared Lakhdar Belloumi to Win-win.
Belloumi on Mahrez: “He’s a great player and a role model for young people”
“ Mahrez did honor to the jersey of the Algerian national team during this Africa Cup of Nations. And he had done it in previous matches. He is a great player and a role model for young people. He has always proven his worth with the Algerian national team “, he added, before concluding: “ It’s a beautiful thing that Mahrez broke my record, and that’s football. Other players will come after him and can also beat his record. »
On the sidelines of the Fennecs’ second match in this CAN, against Burkina Faso, this Sunday (6:30 p.m.), Aïssa Mandi was full of praise for her captain. “ Riyad, everyone has seen him, he’s still a great player, said the former Rémois in front of the press. He is our technical leader, our captain, he is the one who must carry us. He takes responsibility and he always has. »
