Mahrez inspired by Drogba and Niang, dreamed of playing for Marseille

Algerian star Riyad Mahrez stated that his childhood dream was to play for French Ligue 1 side Olympique de Marseille. The 34-year-old winger, currently on the books of Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli, came through the youth systems of Quimper and Le Havre.

Last night 🔥
⏱️ 85’
⚽️ Mahrez#الأهلي_أبها#RoshnSaudiLeague pic.twitter.com/sfDvna8yt1

— Al-Ahli Saudi Club (@ALAHLI_FCEN) May 19, 2024

The French-born 2016 CAF African Player of the Year award winner told L’Équipe that playing for Marseille was his dream, influenced by Ivorian great Didier Drogba and Senegalese star Mamadou Niang. “Ever since I was little, I always wanted to play for Marseille. It was my dream. I was in love with OM. All the players who came through: Drogba, Niang, Nasri, Ribéry… My dream was to play at the Vélodrome in Ligue 1. My journey was completely different.”

The winger took a different path to fame and success, leaving France for English side Leicester City. He later played for Manchester City, where he won the UEFA Champions League. Since joining Al Ahli, Mahrez has won the AFC Asian Champions League in the 2024/25 season.

He remains an integral part of Vladimir Petković’s Algerian national team. Mahrez will be hoping to replicate the success of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations with the national side in December 2025, when the tournament kicks off in Morocco. The Algerian national team captain has been capped 97 times and has scored 31 goals for his country.