Former Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez officially joins Qatari powerhouse Al-Shamal on a free transfer..

Al-Shamal announced on its official website on Sunday that former Manchester City Algeria international legendary winger Riyad Mahrez has officially joined the club on a free transfer.

According to the Qatar Stars League powerhouse's official statement, Mahrez has signed on a nine-month deal with the club which will only run until the summer of 2027. He will also wear his signature number 26 jersey.

About Riyad Mahrez

The 35-year-old Riyad Mahrez was born on February 21, 1991 in Clichy, France. He is 1.79 meters tall and primarily plays as a right winger, but can also play as a left winger or an attacking midfielder. He has nationalities of France, Algeria, and Morocco.

Mahrez played for the youth academy of non-league club Sarcelles when he was a child, and also participated in a two-month trial at Scottish club St. Mirren. After graduating in 2009, he joined another non-league club Quimper and completed his Quimper first-team debut in August of the same year.

In July of the following year, Mahrez moved to Le Havre.

During his three-and-a-half-year spell at Le Havre, Mahrez attracted the attention of Leicester City scouts with his outstanding performances.

In January 2014, Mahrez joined Leicester City for £450,000.

During his four-and-a-half-year spelll with the Foxes, Mahrez won the EFL Championship title once with the team, and also unexpectedly won the Premier League title with the team in the 2015/16 season.

In August 2018, Mahrez moved to Manchester City for £60 million, making him the most expensive Algerian player in football history.

During the five-year spell at the Cityzens, Mahrez won 4 Premier League titles, 3 English League Cups, 2 English FA Cups, 2 English Community Shields and 1 UEFA Champions League title with the team.

In July 2023, Mahrez joined Al-Ahli for £30 million.

During the three-year spell at Al-Ahli, Mahrez made 112 appearaces for the Saudi Pro League giants in all competitons, scored 37 goals and provided 50 assists, where he has won the AFC Champions League Elite title once and the Saudi Super Cup once, becoming the first Algerian player in the history of football to have won the European and Asian Champions League titles.

Image source: Internet / Al-Shamal Official Website