Chance or Masterplan? Mahrez’s Derby Strike Sparks Debate and Buzz
10 November 2025
In the Jeddah derby, Algerian international Riyad Mahrez lit up the field as Al-Ahli edged Al-Ittihad 1-0 in the eighth round of the Roshen Pro League.
Mahrez scored the decisive goal in the 55th minute after a powerful run from Franck Kessié, who delivered a cross to his teammate that beat the center backs and found the net.
The strike drew praise from fans, media, and football experts, and fans circulated the goal widely across social platforms.
Controversy or Coincidence?
Mohammed Noor, a legend of Al-Ittihad, offered a different take, suggesting the goal looked like a stroke of luck, with the ball returning to Mahrez after a defensive slip.
He argued the ball came back to him following a contact, and that Mahrez did not produce anything spectacular, simply finding the ball at his feet and finishing.
Danilo Pereira went down, the ball bounced off him and redirected to Mahrez, who tucked it away without a dramatic touch.
He added that Mahrez is naturally talented, but this strike felt more like fortune than artistry.
The Moment of Glory
The Algerian star was the standout, scoring the winning goal and guiding his side to a valuable three points. SofaScore rated him 8.5/10, the night’s top score.
It marked Mahrez’s first league goal of the season in Saudi Arabia, the fourth across all competitions, alongside six decisive assists.
Moreover, it was his first derby goal in Jeddah since joining Al-Ahli in the summer of 2023 from Manchester City.
Impact Beyond the Scoreline
Over time, Mahrez has become more than a high-profile signing for Al-Ahli; he is a pivotal figure boosting the Saudi league’s value. His technical ability, dribbling, and vision give him the power to change games and turn tough moments into golden opportunities for his team.
His influence extends beyond the pitch; his presence provides a significant morale boost, motivates teammates to perform at their best, and forces opponents to raise their level against Al-Ahli.
In short, Mahrez is not just a signing; he is a major asset for the entire Saudi league, combining flair, fan appeal, and media clout to reinforce the league as a genuine global stage for elite stars.
Al-Ahli Extend the Gap
Al-Ahli extended their historic dominance over Al-Ittihad in the league, recording victory number 14 to 10 for the Deanship, with nine draws in their head-to-head series.
In the last five meetings between the two Jeddah giants, Al-Ahli have won three times, Al-Ittihad once, and one match ended in a draw.
The win kept the Crimson Tide undefeated this season and sent a clear message to rivals that they intend to stay in the top spots.
As a reminder, Al-Ahli won last season’s Asian Champions League for the Elite, the club’s first, under the guidance of the young German coach Matthias Jaissle.
Punchline 1: If this derby were a sniper duel, Mahrez lined up the shot perfectly and the defense barely had time to blink. Boom, goal. Punchline 2: The internet didn’t just celebrate a win; it launched a meme meteor shower that could power a social media season for weeks.”
