Mahrez and Mane’ announce international retirements on same day after World Cup exits

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African football lost two of its modern greats on Thursday as Riyad Mahrez and Sadio Mané both announced their retirement from international duty following their respective nations’ elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The twin departures mark the end of an era for the continent, with two of Africa’s most decorated players of the 21st century walking away from the international stage on the same devastating day.

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Mahrez bows out after Swiss sucker-punch

Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez confirmed his decision moments after the Desert Foxes’ 2-0 defeat to Switzerland in the Round of 32 at BC Place in Vancouver. The 35-year-old winger, visibly emotional, told reporters: “It’s my last appearance even with the national team. It was my last game.”

“The goal was to progress, and I think it was a game that was within our reach,” Mahrez reflected. “We conceded two goals on mistakes, and at this level, we pay dearly for that.”

The defeat was particularly cruel for a player who had enjoyed his finest World Cup campaign this summer. Mahrez registered three goal involvements in four matches — scoring twice against Austria and providing an assist against Jordan — with no Algerian player ever recording more in a single edition of the tournament.

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A legacy etched in Algerian history

Mahrez retires as Algeria’s second-most capped player with 119 appearances, behind only team-mate Aïssa Mandi (123), and second on the all-time scoring list with 40 goals, trailing only Islam Slimani’s 49. He also provided 45 assists over his 12-year international career.

His crowning achievement came in 2019 when he captained Algeria to Africa Cup of Nations glory — the nation’s first continental title in 29 years. Mahrez memorably scored a stoppage-time free-kick winner in the semi-final against Nigeria before his side defeated Mané’s Senegal in the final.

“Representing Algeria has been a dream of mine ever since I was young,” Mahrez said. “There were good times and difficult times as well. That’s part of a career. But it’s been an immense honor and a great source of pride.”

Born in France, Mahrez chose to represent Algeria in 2013 and made his debut before the 2014 World Cup, where he helped the Desert Foxes reach the Round of 16 for the first time in their history.

At club level, the former Leicester City and Manchester City winger won five Premier League titles — one with Leicester in the fabled 5,000-1 title triumph and four with City — along with the Champions League. He currently plays for Saudi side Al-Ahli.

As he walked off the field following the match, Mahrez gave a thumbs-up, patted his heart and waved to the fans. “It is the new generation’s turn to play,” he said.

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Mané’s heartbreaking farewell in extra time

Sadio Mané also called time on his international career after Senegal’s dramatic 3-2 defeat to Belgium in the Round of 32.

The Lions of Teranga had led 2-0 until the 85th minute, only to surrender their advantage three minutes from time before conceding the decisive goal in extra time. The collapse proved the final chapter for Senegal’s all-time leading goalscorer.

Mané, 34, finishes as his nation’s greatest-ever marksman with 55 goals in 132 appearances for Senegal since his debut in 2012. He also ranks second in Senegal’s all-time appearance list.

The former Liverpool and Bayern Munich forward represented Senegal at seven Africa Cup of Nations tournaments — 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023 and 2025 — as well as the 2012 Olympics.

His international highlight came in 2021 when he scored the winning penalty in the final against Egypt to secure Senegal’s first-ever Africa Cup of Nations title. He was named African Footballer of the Year in both 2019 and 2022.

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An era ends for African football

The departures of Mahrez and Mané represent a seismic shift in African football. Between them, they have won four African Footballer of the Year awards, two Africa Cup of Nations titles, and countless Premier League and Champions League honours at club level.

For Algeria, the loss of their captain and talisman leaves a void that will be difficult to fill. For Senegal, saying goodbye to their all-time leading scorer marks the end of a 14-year journey that saw Mané transform the Lions of Teranga into a continental powerhouse.

Both players exit with their heads held high, having given everything for their nations. As Mahrez put it: “I think we deserved better, but the reality is that we concede too many goals.”

For now, African football must come to terms with a future without two of its brightest stars — a sobering thought as the World Cup knockout rounds continue without them.