Riyad Mahrez becomes first Algerian to win UEFA Champions League in over 30 years

Footballer Riyad Mahrez became the first Algerian player to win the coveted UEFA Champions League title in over 30 years after Manchester City beat Inter Milan on Saturday night.

Mahrez, who plays as a winger for the club, also became the second Algerian overall to win the top European trophy, after Rabah Madjer achieved the feat with Portuguese side FC Porto back in 1987.

Manchester City claimed a 1-0 victory over Italian side Inter Milan in Istanbul’s Ataturk Olympic Stadium after Spanish player Rodri scored the winning goal in the 68th minute, after a goalless first half.

Riyad Mahrez is the second Algerian player to win the European Cup / Champions League after Rabah Madjer with Porto in 1987.

RM are strong initials for the UCL. 🇩🇿#UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/7SDGuSK6aG

— Squawka (@Squawka) June 10, 2023

Saturday night’s victory also gave the top English team their first-ever UEFA Champions League trophy, capping off a stellar season in the sport which saw them become Premier League and FA Cup champions.

The Champions League trophy sealed what is known as a "treble" in football for the team, which is when a club wins three significant trophies in the same season.

Mahrez, who captains the Algeria national team, did not play in the match against Inter Milan but cheered on his teammates from the sidelines as a substitute. However, he proved to be a key player throughout the competition, having scored three goals in nine matches.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Faz Hussain (@faz_hussain)

The team’s victory saw the Algerian winger celebrate with his teammates on the pitch, as well as his family and wife, English model Taylor Ward, later in the evening.

The player posted a picture of himself on his social media pages with him holding the prestigious trophy, captioning the photo with "A dream come true, #alhamdulillah," in commemoration of the victory.

Moreover, social media personality and Manchester luxury limousine company owner Faz Hussain, who is associated with the club, was seen saying saying "Alhamdullillah", which is Arabic for "praise be to God" with several City players including Mahrez, as they celebrated their victory.

Mahrez, who has played for Manchester City since 2018, is one of the Premier League's most-known Muslim players and has previously expressed support for the Palestinian cause.