He started from Manchester City for Saudi Arabia two years ago under a few criticism, some saying it “finished” for the very high level. But Riyad Mahrez has just proved in the most brilliant ways that he was still an outstanding competitor and, above all, a collector of trophies unique. This Al-Ahli club won the prestigious Elite Champions League by dominating the Japanese frontal Kawasaki (2-0) this Saturday evening on Saturday evening (2-0). A triumph for the Saudi club, but also and above all a historic moment for its Algerian playmaker, which inscribes its name in the annals of world football thanks to a feat ever previously achieved.
Mahrez (and Firmino!) In history: the double Europe-unique Asie!
What is this resounding feat? By lifting the trophy of the Asian Champions League with Al-Ahli, Riyad Mahrez became the very first player in history to win both the UEFA Champions League and its Asian equivalent! Winner of the “big ears cut” with Manchester City in 2023, the Algerian produced an absolutely unprecedented double continental double Asie. Notable fact, he is not alone in achieving this feat that evening: his Brazilian teammate Roberto Firmino, crowned in Europe with Liverpool in 2019, also entered this ultra closed circle. If legends like Ronaldinho, Neymar or Cafu had succeeded in the double Europe South American (C1-Copa Libertadores), no one had yet won the two largest club titles in Europe and Asia.
This Asian triumph is a form of personal revenge for Riyad Mahrez. Criticized for his choice to join the Saudi championship, considered by some as a golden pre-retirement, he demonstrates that he remains a player capable of leading a team at the continental summit. Winning the major competition in Asia, after having conquered Europe with City, proves its capacity for adaptation and its intact ambition, silencing those who doubted its motivation and its level after its departure from the Premier League.
Mahrez, the first sacred man in Europe and Asia
First Asian coronation for Al-Ahli… ​​But no club world
This victory is also historic for Al-Ahli, who won his very first title in the Elite Asian Champions League, succeeding the Emirati club in Al Ain. It is the fifth Saudi club to be sacred (far behind Al Hilal and its 4 titles), rewarding the massive investments made. The 2-0 success against Kawasaki (executioner of Al Nassr in a half), thanks to goals from the Brazilian Galeno (35th) and the Ivorian Franck Kessié (42nd), was logical and controlled. Only downside: despite this title of Asian champion, Al-Ahli should not participate in the next widen club World Cup, this honor returning, for Saudi Arabia, in Al Hilal. Too bad for Mahrez and Firmino who would have deserved to defend their colors there.
Anyway, Riyad Mahrez wrote a new page of his legend and that of football this Saturday. This double Europe-Asie, which no one had succeeded before him (and Firmino), definitively places him in a separate category. A unique feat that testifies to its longevity at the highest level and its ability to triumph on different continents.
