Leicester City fans have experienced a rollercoaster of emotions in recent years, going from the euphoria of winning the Premier League title in 2016 to the devastation of being relegated to the Championship in 2023.
Against all odds, the Foxes defied expectations during the 2015/16 season. After narrowly avoiding relegation the previous year, many had written them off from the start. However, the hard work and determination of midfield duo N’Golo Kante and Danny Drinkwater, coupled with the formidable attacking partnership of Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy, propelled Leicester to the top of English football.
Throughout that incredible campaign, Mahrez and Vardy were the driving force behind Leicester’s success, contributing to an impressive 59 out of their 68 Premier League goals. Their remarkable performances etched their names in Foxes folklore.
While Vardy continues to play in the Championship at the age of 36, Mahrez has reached global stardom since leaving Leicester. In a bargain deal worth £400k, the club acquired the talented 22-year-old winger from Le Havre in January 2014. It proved to be one of the best investments in Leicester’s history, second only to Vardy’s £1m move from Fleetwood Town in 2012.
Mahrez’s skillful play on the right wing, characterized by precise ball control, the ability to maneuver in tight spaces, and a magical left foot, led to countless match-winning moments. In his first 18 months at the club, he played a vital role in Leicester’s Championship title victory in 2014 and their subsequent survival in the Premier League in 2015. However, he only managed seven goals and eight assists in 43 appearances across those campaigns.
It was during the following season that Mahrez truly showcased his immense potential. As Leicester swept to an astonishing Premier League triumph, the Algerian dazzled fans with his agile dribbling and ruthless finishing, contributing 17 goals and ten assists. These incredible performances earned him a place on the shortlist for the renowned Ballon d’Or, alongside superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Neymar.
Although Mahrez’s form dipped slightly in the 2016/17 season, with six goals and four assists, he played a crucial role in Leicester’s run to the Champions League quarter-finals, making six contributions in nine appearances.
Eager to experience Champions League football, the 5-foot-10 whiz seized the opportunity to move to an elite European club. After a prolific season with 12 goals and 11 assists, Manchester City broke their transfer record by signing Mahrez for £60m. His time at the Etihad, which concluded with a £30m move to Al-Ahli in the summer, was nothing short of outstanding. He played a pivotal role in City’s trophy-laden period, winning the Premier League title in all but one of his seasons at the club.
Despite facing tough competition from the likes of Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva, Mahrez impressed his former teammates and was adored by City fans. Pep Guardiola hailed him as “exceptional,” while center-back Aymeric Laporte described him as “unbelievable” for his performances.
As he now continues his career at Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia, Mahrez leaves Manchester City with a treble-winning season to his name. He scored crucial goals in the Champions League, FA Cup, and contributed 15 goals in the Premier League. In 236 appearances for City, he scored an impressive 78 goals and provided 59 assists.
Leicester City fans will forever remember Mahrez for his instrumental role in leading them to an unbelievable title victory. They can’t help but wonder what could have been if he had remained at the King Power Stadium.
