As Algeria prepares for its opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations against Sudan, team captain riyad Mahrez addressed a brief line of questioning regarding his family’s heritage during a press conference in Morocco on Tuesday. [[1]] The former Manchester City standout fielded inquiries about his mother’s Moroccan roots, emphasizing the welcoming atmosphere provided by their hosts as the team seeks to regain its competitive edge on the continental stage. [[2]] This comes as the algerian squad looks to rebound after recent performances.
Riyad Mahrez, captain of the Algerian national football team, briefly addressed questions regarding his mother’s Moroccan heritage while speaking to reporters in Morocco. The team is currently in the country preparing for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
Mahrez, formerly a star at Manchester City, appeared alongside head coach Vladimir Petkovic at a press conference on Tuesday, December 23rd, ahead of Algeria’s opening match against Sudan on Wednesday. This tournament marks a crucial opportunity for the Algerian squad to rebound and make a strong showing on the continental stage.
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When asked about his family’s roots, Mahrez emphasized the warm welcome the Algerian team has received from the Moroccan people. “They welcomed us well, the Moroccans. We are very happy to be here, in a neighboring country,” he stated, choosing to focus on the positive atmosphere surrounding the tournament.
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“Moroccan” Mother? Mahrez Responds
“That my father is Algerian and my mother Moroccan, that’s something separate,” Mahrez added. He reiterated his team’s excitement to participate in the competition and their commitment to performing at their best.
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Born in Sarcelles, France, in 1991, Mahrez’s father, Ahmed Mahrez, hailed from Tlemcen, Algeria, a region bordering Morocco. His mother, Halima, also has roots in Tlemcen through her father, and further Moroccan ancestry through her mother.
Mahrez experienced the loss of his father in 2006, and his mother subsequently took on the responsibility of raising him and his siblings.
