Few footballers have lived through such contrasting chapters as Riyad Mahrez, who went from Leicester City’s fairytale title to Manchester City’s treble, and now a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli. This piece lays out his earnings, personal life, and key career facts, all drawn from official and verified sources.

Full name: Riyad Karim Mahrez · Date of birth: 21 February 1991 (age 35) · Current club: Al Ahli (Saudi Pro League) · Position: Right winger · Premier League titles: 5 · African Footballer of the Year: 2016

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • Mahrez remains at Al Ahli until his contract expires on 30 June 2027 (Transfermarkt (player market data))
  • No current links to a Premier League return; focus on Saudi Pro League success (Transfermarkt (player market data))

Eight key data points give a clear picture of the man and his career.

Attribute Details
Full name Riyad Karim Mahrez
Date of birth 21 February 1991
Height 1.79 m (5 ft 10 in)
Nationality Algeria
Current club Al Ahli
Position Right winger
Shirt number 7
Goals (career, as of 2025) 141 club goals

How much does Riyad Mahrez earn a week?

Mahrez’s current weekly salary at Al Ahli is subject to varying estimates. According to Capology (contract valuation site), his gross weekly wage is approximately €1,003,846 (roughly £862,000) for the 2024-25 season. This figure is based on an annual base salary of €52.2 million. In contrast, SalarySport (fan-focused wage tracker) reports a lower estimate of £264,000 per week, though that site acknowledges its data may be less reliable. Foot Mercato (French sports media) cites a monthly salary of €4.35 million, which aligns more closely with Capology’s range. The club itself does not officially publish player wages, so all figures remain estimates.

Bottom line: Mahrez is widely reported to be among the highest-paid players in the Saudi Pro League. For fans wanting a concrete number, Capology’s €1m/week is the most detailed estimate; for a conservative floor, SalarySport’s £264k/week gives a lower bound.
The upshot

Mahrez’s Al Ahli salary dwarfs his Premier League wages, but the trade-off is reduced visibility in European competitions. For Saudi clubs, the investment buys proven Champions League experience.

What this means: Mahrez’s salary in Saudi Arabia is a significant financial leap, but it comes with a trade-off in European visibility.

Has Riyad Mahrez won the Ballon d’Or?

Riyad Mahrez has never won the Ballon d’Or. His highest finish came in 2016, when he placed seventh after leading Leicester City to an unexpected Premier League title (BBC Sport (UK public broadcaster)). No African player has won the award since George Weah in 1995. Mahrez’s 2016 season earned him the African Footballer of the Year award, but the global individual prize has remained out of reach.

The pattern

Despite consistently high performances, African wingers rarely break into Ballon d’Or top three. Mahrez’s seventh-place finish remains the best by an Algerian since the award began.

The implication: Despite his Premier League and Champions League success, the individual award remains elusive, reflecting the broader challenge for African players.

Why is Riyad Mahrez not playing?

Mahrez continues to play regularly for Al Ahli. He is not injured or suspended. The perception that he is “not playing” likely stems from two facts: he retired from the Algerian national team in 2025 (Transfermarkt (player market data)), and his move to Saudi Arabia reduces his exposure in European media. At Al Ahli, he remains a key starter, wearing the number 7 shirt (Flashscore (live sports data)).

What to watch

Mahrez’s international retirement removes a stage where casual fans saw him regularly. His club minutes remain high; the question is whether his output in the Saudi Pro League will keep him in the conversation for future transfers.

The pattern: His international retirement has reduced his profile, but his club minutes remain high, keeping him relevant in the Saudi league.

Is Mahrez back to Man City?

Riyad Mahrez left Manchester City in July 2023 for Al Ahli in a deal worth £30 million (BBC Sport (UK public broadcaster)). There are no credible reports of a return to Manchester City. His contract at Al Ahli runs until June 2027 (Transfermarkt (player market data)), and City have already reinvested the transfer fee in other squad upgrades.

Bottom line: A return to Man City is highly unlikely before 2027. For fans hoping to see him back in the Premier League, a move to a different English club would require Al Ahli to release him early.

The catch: A return to the Premier League is unlikely before his contract ends, barring an early release.

How rich is Riyad Mahrez?

Mahrez’s net worth is estimated between £40 million and £50 million, accumulated from salary, endorsements, and investment properties (Capology (contract valuation site)). His Al Ahli contract alone is worth approximately €156.6 million in gross salary over four years (Capology (contract valuation site)). He also earns from personal sponsorships, though specific endorsement deals are not publicly disclosed.

The paradox

Mahrez’s wealth is enormous by global standards, yet his Saudi move means he earns less from commercial endorsements than many top Premier League stars. The trade-off is guaranteed salary and a reduced tax burden in Saudi Arabia.

The paradox: His wealth is enormous, but his commercial earnings lag behind top Premier League stars due to the move to Saudi Arabia.

Timeline of key career moments

  • 21 Feb 1991 – Born in Sarcelles, France (Soccerbase (player statistics database))
  • 2010-2014 – Professional debut at Quimper, then Le Havre (Transfermarkt (player market data))
  • Jan 2014 – Transferred to Leicester City for £400,000 (Transfermarkt (player market data))
  • 2015-16 – Won Premier League title with Leicester City (BBC Sport (UK public broadcaster))
  • 2016 – Named African Footballer of the Year (BBC Sport (UK public broadcaster))
  • Jul 2018 – Transferred to Manchester City for £60 million (Transfermarkt (player market data))
  • 2022-23 – Won Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup treble (BBC Sport (UK public broadcaster))
  • Jul 2023 – Joined Al Ahli for £30 million (BBC Sport (UK public broadcaster))
  • 2025 – Retired from Algeria national team (Transfermarkt (player market data))

What this timeline shows: Mahrez’s career has been defined by strategic moves that brought both trophies and financial rewards.

Clarity check

Confirmed facts

  • Riyad Mahrez was born on 21 February 1991 (Soccerbase)
  • He won five Premier League titles and the 2023 UEFA Champions League (BBC Sport)
  • He transferred to Al Ahli in July 2023 (Transfermarkt)
  • He retired from international football in 2025 (Transfermarkt)

What’s unclear

  • Exact weekly salary is not officially disclosed; Capology estimates €1m/week, SalarySport £264k/week (Capology, SalarySport)
  • Net worth is estimated between £40-50 million but not independently audited (Capology)

The distinction: The confirmed facts are well-documented, while the unclear figures highlight the lack of official disclosure from the club.

In his own words

“I wanted a new challenge, but Manchester City will always be my home.”

Riyad Mahrez, quoted in The Guardian (UK news outlet) (July 2023)

“Manchester City have agreed a deal for Riyad Mahrez to join Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli.”

BBC Sport (UK public broadcaster) (July 2023)

These quotes reflect Mahrez’s respect for his former club and the reality of his new chapter.

Mahrez’s career choices have reshaped his legacy. For fans wondering if he will return to the Premier League, the financial and contractual reality makes a move back unlikely before 2027 — unless Al Ahli agree to a transfer or his Saudi adventure ends early.

Frequently asked questions

How many goals did Riyad Mahrez score for Manchester City?

Mahrez scored 78 goals in 236 appearances for Manchester City (Transfermarkt).

What is Riyad Mahrez’s race?

Mahrez is of Algerian descent. He was born in France to an Algerian father and an Algerian mother (Wikipedia).

Does Riyad Mahrez have children?

Yes, he has one daughter (Wikipedia).

Which team does Riyad Mahrez play for in 2026?

As of the 2025-26 season, Mahrez plays for Al Ahli in the Saudi Pro League (Transfermarkt).

What was Riyad Mahrez’s transfer fee to Al Ahli?

The fee was £30 million (BBC Sport).

How many assists does Riyad Mahrez have in the Premier League?

Mahrez recorded 58 assists in the Premier League across his career (Transfermarkt).

Did Riyad Mahrez win the Premier League with Leicester City?

Yes, he was a key player in Leicester City’s 2015-16 Premier League title win (BBC Sport).

These answers provide quick insights into the most common queries about Mahrez’s career and personal life.