Riyad Mahrez, known for his incredible technique and flair, has carved out an illustrious footballcareer, becoming one of the sport's brightest talents. After making a name for himself at Leicester City, where he played a key role in their historic Premier League title win in 2016, Mahrez moved to Manchester City in 2018. At City, he continued to shine, helping the team secure multiple domestic and international titles. As captain of the Algerian national team, Mahrez led his country to victory in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, further cementing his legacy on the global stage.

Early Life

Riyad Mahrez was born on February 21, 1991, in Sarcelles, a suburb of Paris, France, to parents of Algerian and Moroccan descent. His father, Ahmed Mahrez, hailed from Algeria, while his mother, Halima, has Moroccan roots. Growing up in Sarcelles, which was known for its challenging environment, Mahrez was raised in a tight-knit family alongside his older brother, Walid, and two sisters, Innes and Dounya. His father, a former footballer, greatly influenced his early passion for football. Tragically, Mahrez lost his father to a heart attack when he was just 15 years old. This painful event became a turning point in his life, as he later credited his father's death for pushing him to take footballmore seriously​.

Despite being considered too slender by many coaches, Mahrez was determined to prove them wrong. He devoted countless hours to perfecting his technique and skill, which became his strongest assets on the field. His footballjourney began at AAS Sarcelles, where his father would often accompany him to training before his passing. After his father's death, Mahrez's brother Walid and his mother Halima stepped in to support his ambitions. Mahrez’s persistence paid off, and he soon caught the attention of clubs, despite his physical challenges. His early years, marked by hardship and determination, set the foundation for his eventual success as one of football's most skillful and accomplished players​.

Club Career

Riyad Mahrez began his club career in France. In 2009, he joined Quimper, a fourth-tier French team, where he played one season and scored two goals. His performancecaught the attention of Le Havre, a Ligue 2 club, which he joined in 2010. At Le Havre, Mahrez spent several seasons, appearing 60 times and scoring six goals for their senior team before moving to England.

In January 2014, Mahrez joined Leicester City for around £450,000. Initially unknown to English fans, Mahrez quickly became an important player. He helped Leicester win the Championship and earn promotion to the Premier League in his first season. The following year, he played a significant role in Leicester's "Great Escape" from relegation. However, his most notable achievement came in the 2015-16 season, when Leicester City won the Premier League. Mahrez scored 17 goals and was named PFA Players' Player of the Year, becoming the first African player to win this award.

In July 2018, Mahrez moved to Manchester City for a club-record fee of around £60 million. Over the next five seasons, he helped City win multiple Premier League titles, domestic cups, and the UEFA Champions League. During his time with City, Mahrez scored key goals and provided numerous assists, becoming one of the top players in the league.

International Career

Riyad Mahrez made his debut for the Algeria national team in May 2014. He quickly established himself as a key player and was selected to represent Algeria at the 2014 FIFAWorld Cup. Over the years, Mahrez has participated in multiple Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments, including in 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2021. One of the highlights of his international career came in 2019, when he helped Algeria win the AFCON, scoring crucial goals, including a last-minute free-kick in the semifinals against Nigeria.

Mahrez has been praised for his leadership and technical skillson the field, eventually becoming the captain of the national team. He has consistently contributed to the team's success, earning numerous caps and scoring key goals across several international competitions. As of early 2024, Mahrez had played 93 matches for Algeria, scoring 31 goals.

Wife

Riyad Mahrez has been married twice. His first marriage was to British model and influencer Rita Johal. They met in 2012 and got married in 2015. The couple was together for a few years before their relationship began to strain, reportedly due to the pressures of Mahrez's footballcareer and allegations of infidelity. They eventually separated and divorced in 2020​.

After his divorce, Mahrez started dating Taylor Ward, a British model and influencer, who is the daughter of a former footballer and TV personality. Mahrez and Taylor got engaged in 2021 during a trip to Mykonos, where Mahrez proposed with a custom-made ring. The couple married in January 2022 in a private Muslim ceremony, followed by two additional wedding celebrations, including one in Lake Como, Italy​.

Children

Riyad Mahrez has three children, all daughters, from his two relationships. His first two daughters, Inaya and Ayla, were born during his marriage to his first wife, Rita Johal, which lasted from 2015 until their separation in 2020. His third daughter, Mila, was born in 2022 to Mahrez and his current wife, Taylor Ward, whom he married after divorcing Johal. Mahrez has continued to maintain a relationship with all his daughters.

Net Worth

As of 2024, Riyad Mahrez's estimated net worth is around $25 million. This wealth comes primarily from his successful footballcareer, where he has played for top clubs like Leicester City, Manchester City, and most recently, Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League. His annual salary at Al-Ahli is reported to be approximately €52 million, making him one of the highest-paid African footballers. Additionally, Mahrez earns significant income through endorsements with major brands such as Nike and Pepsi, further contributing to his wealth.