Mahrez ranks AFC Champions League title alongside Premier League, UCL honours

Al-Ahli star Riyad Mahrez hailed his side’s achievement after they beat Kawasaki Frontale 2-0 to win the AFC Champions League Elite on Saturday.

The Saudi Arabian side became the 25th different team to win the competition, and did so by not allowing their opposition a single shot on target in the final.

Goals from Galeno and Franck Kessie got the job done for Al-Ahli.

And Mahrez, who signed for Al-Ahli from Manchester City in 2023, ranks this title as being right up there with his Premier League, UEFA Champions League and Africa Cup of Nations successes.

“It’s different,” Mahrez said.

“There was the title with Leicester, [the 2019 African Cup of Nations] with Algeria, with City. I think all have a different taste, a different emotion. I cannot say I prefer one or the other.

“I think this is as good as all the titles I have. It’s a different competition, a different continent, this is new.

“Last year when I came here and we didn’t win anything I was really upset, and this year I really wanted to make a stand and win something with this club, these players, the board, the manager and the people behind him.

“We’re so happy and we have to enjoy it now.”

The victory makes Al-Ahli the third Saudi club to have won the competition after Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad.

History is written: ASIA IS OURS

WE ARE THE UNBEATEN CHAMPIONS OF THE AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ELITE#AHLvKWF #ACLEliteFinal #ملوك_آسيا pic.twitter.com/vP8FVKehM5

— Al-Ahli Saudi Club (@ALAHLI_FCEN) May 3, 2025

“Throughout the competition we played so well,” said Mahrez.

“We didn’t lose one game, we played against many teams whether it was big teams, games away or home. We always played well.

“The group stage was not easy. We managed the group and after the semi-final we showed to everyone that we are the best team.

“Even against Al-Hilal, who are a very good team, we showed to everyone we can beat anyone and I think we deserve it.

“I’m the first, when a team deserves something, to lift my hand to say congrats to them, and today it’s our turn.”