Riyad Mahrez Makes Surprise Manchester City Visit Ahead of 2025/26 Premier League Season, Video
- Riyad Mahrez scored 78 goals in 236 appearances across all competitions for Manchester City during 5-season stint
- The African football icon won 11 trophies at Etihad, including 3 Premier League titles and 1 Champions League
- Manchester City are not seen as one of the top two teams to win the 2025/26 Premier League
Former Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez brought a wave of nostalgia to the club’s training ground this week with a surprise visit.
The 34-year-old, celebrated as a key figure in City’s golden period, was seen strolling around the Etihad Campus, sharing smiles, handshakes, and lively conversations with ex-team-mates and staff members.
Source: Getty Images
Mahrez, a Manchester City legend
The Algerian winger, who arrived from Leicester City in 2018, established himself as a key figure in Pep Guardiola’s squad for five seasons. His unexpected visit sparked a lighthearted moment when midfielder Rodri, clearly thrilled to reunite with his former teammate, jokingly likened Mahrez to one of City’s summer recruits, Rayan Cherki.
The 2021–22 campaign particularly underlined his value. According to Transfermarkt, Mahrez emerged as City’s top scorer with 24 goals across all competitions, playing a pivotal role in clinching another league crown.
In 2023, he was equally instrumental in City’s historic Champions League triumph, finally ending the club’s long pursuit of European success.
Over his Manchester spell, he amassed 78 goals and 59 assists in 236 appearances, according to Wikipedia, collecting an impressive haul of silverware — four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and that long-awaited Champions League victory.
Watch the video below.
When Riyad Mahrez made the surprise visit to Manchester City, many supporters took to social media to share heartfelt and emotional messages, expressing their admiration and best wishes for the Algerian star.
BlueHeart_87:
"Seeing Riyad back at the Etihad is like seeing an old friend again. You’ll always be part of our City family, Mahrez 💙."
PepTalks4Days:
"Mahrez, the magician! Thank you for all the memories, brother. Wishing you happiness wherever football takes you."
MancitySoul:
"Once a Blue, always a Blue. You gave us joy, trophies, and those silky first touches. We miss you, Riyad!"
Source: Getty Images
SkyBlueTears:
"Can’t lie, got emotional watching you hug Pep today. Legends never truly leave. We love you, Mahrez!"
EtihadEchoes:
"The smile, the skill, the class… you brought so much magic to our wings. Hope life treats you as kindly as you treated our hearts."
GoalGlory20:
"You may have left the pitch, but you’ll never leave our hearts. Thank you for everything, Riyad''
Who are 2025/26 Premier League favourites?
Squawka ranks Liverpool and Arsenal as the leading favourites for the 2025/26 Premier League title, with Manchester City considered the third-most likely champions.
Guardiola’s men will begin their Premier League season on August 16 against Wolves, following a friendly clash with Palermo this Saturday.
Mahrez's proposal to girlfriend
YEN.com.gh earlier reported on Riyad Mahrez's proposal to his partner Taylor Ward on June 22, 2021.
Friends and family gathered to witness the special moment as the Premier League champion reportedly went down on one knee.
Source: YEN.com.gh
