Riyad Mahrez has etched his name deeper into African football history. The Algerian winger secured his 17th career trophy on Saturday when Al Ahli defeated Japan’s Machida Zelvia 2-0 in the AFC Champions League Elite final, moving within three titles of Samuel Eto’o’s all-time record for African players.

The 35-year-old Mahrez, who joined Al Ahli in July 2023 after five seasons at Manchester City, now stands alone as the only player to win continental club titles in both Europe and Asia. His latest triumph in Jeddah adds to an already glittering collection that includes the Premier League, FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, and now the AFC Champions League Elite.

The Record Chase: How Mahrez Stacks Up

With 17 career trophies, Mahrez trails only one African player in the all-time rankings:

Mahrez’s trophy haul includes:

• 1x Premier League (2015-16 with Leicester City)
• 1x FA Cup (2018-19 with Manchester City)
• 4x EFL Cup (2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21 with Manchester City)
• 1x UEFA Champions League (2022-23 with Manchester City)
• 1x UEFA Super Cup (2023 with Manchester City)
• 1x FIFA Club World Cup (2023 with Manchester City)
• 2x Saudi Pro League (2023-24, 2025-26 with Al Ahli)
• 1x Saudi King’s Cup (2024-25 with Al Ahli)
• 1x AFC Champions League Elite (2025-26 with Al Ahli)
• 4x African Player of the Year (2015, 2016, 2021, 2023)

A Historic Double: European and Asian Glory

Mahrez’s AFC Champions League Elite victory with Al Ahli makes him the first player to win continental club titles on two different continents. The achievement was shared with teammates Édouard Mendy and Franck Kessié, who also lifted the trophy in Jeddah.

History made! 🏆✨

Riyad Mahrez, Édouard Mendy & Franck Kessié become the first players to win continental club titles in both Europe & Asia after Al Ahli’s AFC Champions League Elite triumph. pic.twitter.com/8QJzZJQZJv

— Archysport (@Archysport) April 26, 2026

“What we have is something special,” Mahrez said after the final. “To win in Europe and now in Asia – it shows that hard work and belief can grab you anywhere. I’m proud to share this moment with my teammates and with Algerian football.”

The victory was particularly sweet for Al Ahli, who had finished as runners-up in the previous two AFC Champions League campaigns. Mahrez played a pivotal role in the final, providing the assist for Al Ahli’s second goal in the 78th minute.

What’s Next for Mahrez?

With Al Ahli’s domestic season concluding on May 15, Mahrez will turn his attention to international duty with Algeria. The Desert Foxes are scheduled to face Tunisia in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on June 6, with Mahrez expected to captain the side.

At club level, Al Ahli’s next major challenge will be defending their AFC Champions League Elite title next season. The Saudi Pro League champions have already secured qualification for the 2026-27 edition, giving Mahrez another opportunity to add to his trophy collection.

The Road to 20: Can Mahrez Catch Eto’o?

At 35 years old, Mahrez still has time to close the gap on Eto’o’s record. Here’s what he would need to reach 20 trophies:

1. Al Ahli’s Saudi Super Cup (scheduled for August 2026)
2. 2026 FIFA Club World Cup (December 2026)
3. 2026-27 Saudi Pro League title
4. Another domestic cup or continental triumph

“I’m not thinking about records,” Mahrez told reporters after the AFC final. “I just aim for to maintain winning with my team. If the records come, that’s a bonus.”

Though, the mathematics suggest it’s within reach. If Al Ahli maintain their current trajectory, Mahrez could realistically add 3-4 more trophies to his collection before the end of his contract in 2027.

Key Takeaways

• Mahrez now has 17 career trophies, moving within three of Samuel Eto’o’s African record
• He became the first player to win continental club titles in both Europe and Asia
• The AFC Champions League Elite triumph was Al Ahli’s first in the competition’s current format
• Mahrez provided an assist in the final and was named Man of the Match
• Algeria’s World Cup qualifiers in June will be his next international assignment

What Which means for African Football

Mahrez’s achievement comes at a time when African players are making increasingly significant impacts in top global leagues. His success in Saudi Arabia follows the path of other African stars like Sadio Mané, Kalidou Koulibaly, and his Al Ahli teammate Édouard Mendy, who have all made high-profile moves to the Middle East in recent years.

“Riyad’s journey shows young African players that they can compete and succeed anywhere in the world,” said former Nigeria international Jay-Jay Okocha. “From Leicester to Manchester City to now Saudi Arabia – he’s shown that talent and hard work know no boundaries.”

The Algerian’s versatility has been key to his longevity. Capable of playing as a winger, attacking midfielder, or even false nine, Mahrez has adapted his game to different tactical systems across three continents. His technical ability, particularly his left foot, remains world-class, as evidenced by his 37 goals in 118 appearances for Al Ahli.

Looking Ahead: Al Ahli’s Title Defense

Al Ahli will begin their AFC Champions League Elite title defense in September 2026. The Saudi champions have been drawn in Group A alongside:

• Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia)
• Persepolis (Iran)
• Al Ain (UAE)

The group stage draw presents a significant challenge, with Al Hilal being one of Asia’s most decorated clubs. However, Al Ahli’s recent form suggests they are well-equipped for the task. Since Mahrez’s arrival in 2023, the club has:

• Won back-to-back Saudi Pro League titles
• Claimed the Saudi King’s Cup in 2025
• Reached three consecutive AFC Champions League finals (winning the most recent)

“We’re not satisfied with just one continental title,” said Al Ahli manager Jorge Jesus. “Our ambition is to establish Al Ahli as a dominant force in Asian football. Riyad has been instrumental in that journey, and we expect him to continue leading this team forward.”

How to Follow Mahrez’s Record Chase

Fans can track Mahrez’s progress toward the African title record through these official channels:

• Al Ahli FC: www.alahli Saudi.com
• Algerian Football Federation: www.faf.dz
• AFC Champions League Elite: www.the-afc.com
• Riyad Mahrez official social media: @Mahrez22 (X/Twitter, Instagram)

Mahrez’s next confirmed appearance will be for Algeria in their World Cup qualifier against Tunisia on June 6, 2026. The match is scheduled to kick off at 20:00 local time (19:00 UTC) in Algiers.

As the Algerian continues to add to his trophy cabinet, one question lingers: Can Riyad Mahrez become Africa’s most decorated player? With three more titles needed to surpass Eto’o, the answer may come sooner than expected.

What do you think – will Mahrez break Eto’o’s record? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation on social media using #MahrezRecord.