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| Mahrez Says AFC Title with Al-Ahli Feels Just as Special as Premier League and Champions League Wins. |
Riyad Mahrez isn’t playing around when it comes to winning trophies. After lifting titles in England and Europe, now he’s conquered Asia with Al-Ahli!
On Saturday night in Jeddah, Riyad Mahrez and Al-Ahli were officially crowned champions of the AFC Champions League Elite after defeating Japanese side Kawasaki Frontale 2-0 in the final. The Saudi club dominated the match so thoroughly that Kawasaki didn’t even manage a single shot on target.
The goals came from Galeno and Franck Kessie, two players who stepped up big throughout the tournament.
But the spotlight was all on Mahrez, who joined Al-Ahli in 2023 from Manchester City. The Algerian winger said this AFC title ranks right up there with his biggest career achievements—Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and even the Africa Cup of Nations.
“It feels different, but just as special,” Mahrez said with a big smile. “There was the title with Leicester, AFCON 2019 with Algeria, the ones with City… each has its own flavor. But this one, in Asia, really means a lot to me too.”
Mahrez admitted he was disappointed not to win anything with Al-Ahli last season, but he came into this year with a mission: make history.
“Last year we didn’t win anything and I was really upset. But this season, I was determined to prove myself. I wanted to win something for this club, the players, the coach, and everyone working behind the scenes.”
This win makes Al-Ahli the third Saudi club to lift the AFC Champions League trophy—joining the ranks of Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad. Mahrez believes the team deserved it all the way.
“Throughout the tournament we played so well. We didn’t lose a single match. In the group stage and the knockout rounds, whether home or away, we kept our level high. Even against Al-Hilal, who are a really strong side, we proved we can beat anyone.”
“I’m always the first to give credit when another team deserves it, but today—it’s our turn.”
This title may just be the start of a new era for Al-Ahli, as they establish themselves as one of Asia’s football powerhouses.
Riyad Mahrez has proven he’s still world-class, even after moving from Europe to Asia. For him, winning isn’t about the league’s popularity—it’s about the journey, the effort, and the pride. Every trophy has its own unique story, and this AFC title is no different.
Al-Ahli now has more than just a star player—they’ve got a champion’s mentality. And for Asian football fans, this is a proud moment. Big-name players like Mahrez are raising the game on the continent.
Congrats to Mahrez and Al-Ahli—you’ve made Asia proud!
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