One of Leicester City's best signings, and most inexpensive when considering the immense skill set as well as the dizzying heights reached, was Riyad Mahrez. This writer would designate the elegant magician from Algeria as the Foxes' best-ever acquisition, was it not for the iconised Jamie Vardy; who achieved almost everything imaginable as the prime Leicester luminary.
Then there is distinguished Foxes hero Andy King. Who was present as The King Power International Group era began, and who remains cherished in LE2 as a coach.
Yet that's enough digression for now. That's because this particular narrative concerns Mahrez and a significant figure currently starring for a modest World Cup side.
Over a decade ago, famed City scout Steve Walsh (the elder statesman, not the former centre-back and captain) embarked on a scouting mission to France. Walsh "Snr" ventured across the channel with the express intention of evaluating the Cape Verdean attacker, Ryan Mendes.
At that period, the winger was a precocious youngster thriving at Le Havre. It appears Walsh did not secure a favourable glimpse of Mendes during this visit due to a lack of match fitness; eventually joining Lille.
From Ryan Mendes to Riyad Mahrez at Leicester City
However, that unbelievable twist of fate led the exceptionally gifted football analyst to discover a similarly brilliant baller in Mahrez. The forward signed for Leicester for a mere pittance, and the rest is famously inscribed in the annals of sporting history.
"In 2012, Leicester scout Steve Walsh travelled to the French club Le Havre where he would discover future five-time Prem winner Riyad Mahrez.
At the time, though, Walsh was on his way to see Mendes, the jewel of Le Havre’s academy.
Before Leicester signed Mahrez, Mendes joined Lille as a replacement for Chelsea bound Eden Hazard."
Mendes, now age 36, then quickly graced the English game during a loan spell with the Leicestershire side's Midlands rivals, Nottingham Forest a decade back. Now, he stands as the emotional heart of his nation at the 2026 World Cup, serving as their talismanic main man.
On Monday, Cape Verde secured an incredible, hard-fought point against the formidable Euro 2024 champions, Spain. Mendes, demonstrating his enduring quality, played the full 90 minutes.
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