Riyad Mahrez Breaks Silence on Al-Ahli Training Controversy

Rumor sparks online backlash during Al-Ahli training session

The Algerian star Riyad Mahrez, now with Al-Ahli Saudi FC, was forced to address a rumor that circulated in recent hours, angering him.

A short clip circulating online shows Mahrez during Al-Ahli training looking exhausted, sitting on the ground as the medical staff monitors his condition closely.

The speculation spread further with interpretations about a possible injury and whether he could complete the team’s physical tests.

The plot thickened when teammate Merih Demiral appears in the background, sprinting without visible effort, fueling questions about Mahrez’s fitness.

Mahrez speaks on X and clears the air about the test

Facing the online buzz, Mahrez addressed the matter on X, saying it was not a VO2 max test but only a technical exercise. He quipped that 13.4 is not a VO2 max for kids.

He added with a touch of humor that he is fine with aging, but Twitter experts should ease up.

Since joining Al-Ahli in 2023 from Manchester City, Mahrez has been one of the club’s standout players, featuring in 97 matches, scoring 33 goals and creating 42 assists in a total of 8,428 minutes.

For context, the Algerian winger remains a central figure as the club competes in the Saudi Pro League. Still, the rumor mill moves fast, much faster than a sprint against a defender.

Punchline 1: If Twitter were a lab, they would diagnose every rumor as inconclusive.

Punchline 2: 13.4 is not a VO2 max for kids—it's the password to the drama club, apparently.