After 12 years, 120 caps, and one unforgettable free-kick, Algeria’s captain is hanging up his international boots.

Riyad Mahrez has called time on his Algeria career, cbinews.tv reports. The 35-year-old captain confirmed his retirement from international football right after Algeria’s 2-0 defeat to Switzerland in the World Cup last 32 in Vancouver, cbinews.tv reports.

“The goal was to progress, and I think it was a game that was within our reach,” Mahrez said. “We conceded two goals on mistakes, and at this level, we pay dearly for that.”

When asked if it was his last World Cup appearance, he was blunt: “It’s my last appearance even with the national team. It was my last game.”

And what a run it was. Mahrez bows out with 120 caps and 40 goals, making him Algeria’s second-most capped player behind Aissa Mandi on 123. He is also second on the Desert Foxes’ all-time scoring list, with only Islam Slimani ahead on 49.

Born in France, Mahrez chose Algeria in 2013 and never looked back. He made his debut before the 2014 World Cup and helped the team reach the last 16 in Brazil. His defining moment came in 2019 when he captained Algeria to Africa Cup of Nations glory.

Remember that stoppage-time free-kick against Nigeria in the semi-final? Then they beat Senegal in the final for their first continental title since 1990.

He even signed off with his best World Cup yet. This summer he had three goal involvements in four games, two goals against Austria and an assist against Jordan. No Algerian has ever done better in a single tournament. He also became the second-oldest African to start a World Cup knockout match, just behind Senegal’s Idrissa Gueye.

One of Algeria’s greatest ever, Mahrez leaves as a centurion and a champion.

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