{
  "id": 14474115,
  "title": "Mahrez joins Qatar's Al Shamal as a free agent",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/mahrez-joins-qatars-al-shamal-as-a-free-agent-14474115",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-14T15:04:20.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Recorder",
    "slug": "business-recorder",
    "url": "https://www.brecorder.com/news/40444210/mahrez-joins-qatars-al-shamal-as-a-free-agent"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Algerian footballer Riyad Mahrez has transferred to Al Shamal as a free agent after leaving Saudi club Al Ahli, the Qatar Stars League side revealed on Wednesday. The 35-year-old announced his retirement from international duty following the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. Al Ahli bid farewell to Mahrez after a memorable three-year career at the Jeddah-based club. The Qatari club expressed excitement about Mahrez joining their ranks, stating, \"His left foot made history and our ambition is writing the next chapter. Riyad Mahrez in Al Shamal colours.\"\n\nMahrez's professional journey began at Le Havre before he joined Leicester City in 2014, where he played a pivotal role in the English club's Premier League title victory in 2016. The 2016 African Footballer of the Year also represented Manchester City, securing four Premier League titles and the Champions League before signing with Al Ahli. Mahrez's contributions to Al Ahli included helping them secure consecutive AFC Champions League Elite titles in 2025 and 2026.\n\nBorn in France, Mahrez was a vital player for Algeria, leading the team to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations and helping them reach the World Cup’s last 32. Throughout his international career, he scored 40 goals in 119 appearances. Currently, Al Shamal occupy the fifth position in the Stars League standings with eight points from five games.",
  "summary": "Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez has joined Al Shamal on a free transfer after leaving Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli, the Qatar Stars League club announced on Wednesday. The 35-year-old, who announced his international retirement following this year’s World Cup, departed Jeddah-based club Al Ahli after a decorated three-year stint. “His left foot made history and our ambition is writing the next…",
  "key_points": [
    "Riyad Mahrez joins Al Shamal as a free agent.",
    "35-year-old Algerian footballer retires from international duty.",
    "Al Ahli bids farewell to Mahrez after three-year career."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Channel News Asia",
        "title": "Mahrez joins Qatar's Al Shamal as a free agent",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/mahrez-joins-qatars-al-shamal-as-a-free-agent",
        "published": "2026-10-14T13:51:18.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}