I'm not Ronaldo, said Riyad Mahrez, the Al Ahli Saudi star, with a light smile, when asked if he plans to extend his international career beyond the 2026 World Cup.
His remark came in comments to reporters after the veteran star helped Algeria secure a formal qualification for the 2026 World Cup, following a 3-0 victory over Somalia in the qualifiers.
The 34-year-old added that the upcoming tournament would be his last on the international stage, after an illustrious career wearing the Desert Warriors' jersey, including leading Algeria to the African Cup of Nations title in 2019.
World Cup 2026 and Ronaldo's Longevity
Ronaldo, the Saudi leader at Al Nassr, is also preparing for his own World Cup send-off, as the Portuguese star enters his forties and nears a possible retirement in international football within the next two years.
But what Mahrez meant was Ronaldo's extraordinary longevity in the game, which has kept him among the world's elite into his 40s.
Ronaldo insists on maintaining his high-level abilities that allow him to deliver strong performances at this age, and his absence from the Portuguese squad isn't a sign of weakness but a choice to prioritize important moments.
Mahrez's Impact at Al Ahli
As for Mahrez, he remains a star who contributes regularly to his national team, a leader who inspires teammates with his presence.
Since joining Al Ahli Jeddah in summer 2023 from Manchester City, the Algerian star has become one of the team's pivotal figures, a field leader shaping performances.
His move represented a major step in Al Ahli's project to regain top status; he brought European experience to Saudi football, complementing his playmaking and finishing.
Marez is known for dribbling, cutting inside from the right, precise assists, and control of the game's tempo.
He has played a central role in building attacks and varying attacking options, relying on his individual moves and incisive through balls.
Since his first season, he contributed to many goals in the Saudi Roshen League, cementing his status as one of the league's most influential players.
Mahrez has shown leadership on and off the pitch, taking the armband at times and modeling discipline, boosting younger players' confidence.
His ability to handle tough situations and influence crucial moments has made him a cornerstone for coaches in big matches, especially against title contenders.
He also helped improve Al Ahli's set-pieces and team play, making the team more balanced in attack.
Thanks to his high level, Mahrez helped restore part of Al Ahli's prestige and proved he is a heavyweight asset in Saudi football.
Ultimately, Mahrez and Al Ahli clinched the Asian Champions League Elite, a trophy that highlighted his decisive goal-scoring influence.
Riyad has become among a select few who combine European and Asian titles, after previously winning the UEFA Champions League with Manchester City.
The Algerian star is one of the main reasons Al Ahli won the club's first continental trophy, always making a difference in big matches, never fading, and impressing coach Matthias Jaissle who knows how to maximize his abilities.
Punchline 1: Age is just a number, says Mahrez, but the goals keep tallying as if he were defying gravity.
Punchline 2: Ronaldo is aging like a fine wine; the bottles keep getting more valuable, and the net keeps getting busier.
