The 35-year-old Algeria international completed his move after undergoing the required medical examinations, with Al-Shamal confirming his arrival on Wednesday. The club have not disclosed the length of his contract.
Mahrez spent three seasons with Al-Ahli after leaving Manchester City in 2023. During his time in Saudi Arabia, he helped the club win the AFC Champions League Elite in both 2025 and 2026, adding further honours to an already decorated career.
His move to Qatar represents another change of environment for a winger who has enjoyed success in England, France and Saudi Arabia.
Mahrez first established himself at Leicester City, joining the club in 2014 and becoming a central figure in their remarkable Premier League title triumph in the 2015-16 season. His performances earned him individual recognition and attracted interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Manchester City signed him in the summer of 2018. He went on to make 236 appearances for the club, scoring 78 goals and providing 59 assists across competitions.
Mahrez was part of a highly successful City side under Pep Guardiola, winning four Premier League titles and the Champions League among his major honours. His ability to cut inside from the right, create chances and score important goals made him a regular contributor during his five-year spell at the Etihad Stadium.
He left City for Al-Ahli in 2023, joining the Saudi club during a period of significant recruitment in the league. His subsequent success in continental competition helped strengthen his record as one of the most accomplished Algerian players of his generation.
Mahrez has also been a major figure for Algeria. He earned 119 international caps and scored 40 goals, playing a key role in the country’s Africa Cup of Nations triumph in 2019.
He recently announced his retirement from international football after representing Algeria at the 2026 World Cup, bringing that chapter of his career to a close.
Al-Shamal will hope his experience and technical quality can strengthen their ambitions in the Qatar Stars League. The club were fifth with eight points from their opening five matches at the time of the announcement.
His arrival gives Al-Shamal a player with extensive experience of domestic title races and continental competitions, as the club look to build on their start to the season.