Riyad Mahrez Ballon d’Or, it’s validated

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By: Manu Tournoux

Riyad Mahrez Ballon d’Or, it’s validated

Despite his exile in Saudi Arabia, Riyad Mahrez remains a major player in world football.

Last summer, Riyad Mahrez made the big leap by leaving Manchester City and European football to join Al-Ahli, in Saudi Arabia. The Algerian international, however, remains a formidable ambassador for African football. And this year, again, he will monopolize the summits of the continent.

With a fantastic Champions League-Premier League-FA Cup treble in the City jersey, Mahrez is clearly positioning himself for the African Ballon d’Or. His coach Djamel Belmadi did not hesitate to take a stand. “Mahrez deserves the African Ballon d’Or,” said the Algerian technician this Wednesday at a press conference. We have to support our players especially when they achieve results, the hat-trick with City is not easy. It’s not often Africans win the C1, I don’t know how they make their choice but for me it’s Riyadh.

Mahrez clearly assumes his ambition

These comments echo those of the main person concerned. In an interview with L’Equipe, Riyad Mahrez did not hide, fully assuming his ambition to win the individual distinction, especially in a year where his usual competitors, Sadio Mané and Mohamed Salah, were not as successful. view. “ The African Ballon d’Or, normally, there is always Mané, Salah but last year on a collective level, it was a little more difficult for them. I won the treble (FA Cup, Premier League and Champions League). In the year, including selection, I scored 20 goals and gave 15 assists. In the game, I was a major player in the PL, FA Cup, a little less in the Champions League, but over the last few years, I have always been important in this competition. There is a form of logic in my being rewarded with this European title “.

Riyad Mahrez also made an unequivocal statement about one of his competitors this year, Moroccan international goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, winner of the Europa League with Sevilla FC and above all semi-finalist of the World Cup. “ Afterwards, I heard that we were also trying to push for Morocco’s goalkeeper, Bounou, it’s true that he won the Europa League, but hey, that’s in no way worth a historic treble with City. So we’ll see…. “.

Manu Tournoux

Written by:

Manu Tournoux

Manu Tournoux is a passionate and knowledgeable football enthusiast with a special focus on French football. Born and raised in France, Manu discovered his love for the beautiful game at a young age and developed a deep understanding of the ins and outs of "Le Championnat." His French roots and extensive experience in football journalism have made him an invaluable asset to the French Football Weekly team. As an author for the website, his expertise includes not only in-depth analysis of Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 matches but also insightful profiles of up-and-coming talents, detailed transfer news, and engaging coverage of the French national team. His captivating writing style and undeniable passion for the game have earned him a loyal following among our readers. When he's not crafting engaging articles for French Football Weekly, Manu enjoys attending live matches whenever he can, exploring football culture in various French cities, and engaging in spirited debates with fellow fans.