Riyad Mahrez Receives Nomination For Top African Football Award

At 31 years of age, Manchester City's Riyad Mahrez continues to grow from strength to strength.

Coming off the back of arguably his finest season in a Manchester City shirt during the 2020/21 campaign, the Algerian international certainly elevated his displays in the goal contributions department during the last term.

The numbers themselves support the aforementioned argument, as the silky winger enjoyed his most productive season throughout his career.

With 24 goals and nine assists to his name, the former Leicester City icon was one of the biggest contributors to the Sky Blues’ success last term.

However, it was palpable how the Le Havre academy product failed to get the recognition his splendid outings deserved last term.

The likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva and Joao Cancelo were somewhat given the credit they deserve as they were voted in the PFA Team of the Year.

However, a fresh update has emerged that has finally recognised the four-time Premier League champions’ excellence.

Confirmation this week has revealed that Riyad Mahrez has been nominated for the 2022 CAF Men’s Player of the Year.

The decorated forward has been named alongside 30 players from 13 African countries who shone in particular last term.

The Manchester City wide-man has been named alongside several Premier League players such as Mohamed Salah, Yves Bissouma, Edouard Mendy, Naby Keita, Mohamed Elneny, Bertrand Traore and Nampalys Mendy.

What separates Riyad Mahrez from the rest of his competitors is that he is the only one that ended up winning a truly major honour in the form of the Premier League title.

The Manchester City player’s main rivals for the honour are Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane - who both enjoyed brilliant personal campaigns for Liverpool last season.

The now-Bayern Munich superstar in particular may have an edge over the rest, as he guided Senegal to their first-ever African Cup of Nations title.

However, a victory for Riyad Mahrez would be his second-ever triumph, as he was bestowed with the honour in 2016.

With Gabriel Jesus set to join Arsenal and Raheem Sterling inching closer to a move to Chelsea this summer, it has also been reported that Manchester City have no plans to sell Mahrez.

The 31 year-old may also be in line for in excess of a one-year contract extension at the Etihad Stadium, with talks taking place between the relevant parties.