On the eve of starting the 2025 African Cup of Nations with Algeria, against Sudan this Wednesday (4 p.m.), Riyad Mahrez was present alongside coach Vladimir Petkovic at a press conference. Asked about his Moroccan origins, the captain of the Fennecs kicked in, indicating that he preferred to concentrate on the competition.
“You’re a smart guy,” he reacted to the journalist’s question, provoking laughter in the room. The Moroccans welcomed us very well. We are super happy to be there, to be in a neighboring country. Now, that my father is Algerian, my mother Moroccan, that’s a separate thing. But we are super happy to be here, to participate in such a competition and we will give everything to try to do something great. That’s the most important thing. »
Born in Sarcelles (Val-d’Oise) to an Algerian father and a Moroccan mother, and therefore eligible for three different selections, the Al-Ahli attacking midfielder quickly chose the Fennecs in 2014.
“My father often took me with him on vacation to Algeria, I felt more Algerian since then, and it was close to my heart to wear the Algeria jersey. I am very happy to have made this dream come true,” he said in an interview given to France Football. A choice which notably allowed him to win the 2019 CAN and to accumulate 107 selections for 34 goals scored.
