After nearly 17 years on the pitch, Ahmed Hegazi has decided to bring his playing career to an end. However, the former Egyptian defender does not appear to be closing the door on the game that made his name. Instead, he could be preparing to begin a new chapter away from the pitch.

The former Egypt international announced his retirement from professional football on Saturday at the age of 35, following the end of his spell with Saudi club Neom. Hegazi made it clear that stepping away from playing does not mean turning his back on the sport that accompanied him throughout years of competition, achievements and challenges.

In his retirement message, Hegazi reflected on his journey on the pitch, confirming that his career as a player had come to an end while his connection with football would continue with the same passion and ambition.

However, retirement may not necessarily mean that Hegazi will leave Saudi football behind. Reports suggest that Neom are considering benefiting from his experience by offering him an administrative role at the club next season. The exact nature of the position has yet to be revealed, but the move would come as part of the Saudi club’s ongoing efforts to restructure its administrative and technical departments ahead of the next phase.

From Ismaily to the Saudi Summit

Hegazi began his career with Ismaily before moving to Egyptian giants Al Ahly. He then embarked on European adventures with Fiorentina and Perugia in Italy before later playing in England for West Bromwich Albion.

The most prominent chapter of his overseas career, however, came with Saudi giants Al-Ittihad. He joined the club in 2020 and quickly became one of the key figures in a team that returned to the top of Saudi football.

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In 2023, Hegazi was part of the Al-Ittihad side that won the Saudi Pro League title after a 14-year wait. He also helped the club win the Saudi Super Cup before moving to Neom in the summer of 2024.

With Neom, the Egyptian defender played a role in the club’s promotion to the Saudi Pro League after winning the First Division League, before bringing his playing career to an end following the conclusion of last season.

88 International Appearances for Egypt

At international level, Hegazi represented Egypt in 88 matches across various competitions, scoring two goals. For years, he was one of the most important pillars of the Pharaohs’ defence.

Throughout his career, the Egyptian defender won several major honours, including the Egyptian Premier League and Egyptian Cup, as well as the Saudi Pro League and Saudi Super Cup. He now leaves the pitch after a career that took him across Egypt, Europe and Saudi Arabia.

Ahmed Hegazi’s retirement does not necessarily mark the end of his relationship with football. It may simply represent a change in his role within the game. After years spent as a defender and leader on the pitch, he could soon begin a new chapter in football administration, drawing on the experience of a player who competed at different levels and left his mark in Egyptian, European and Saudi football.

The pitch has lost a prominent Egyptian defender, but football could soon welcome a new version of Ahmed Hegazi… this time from behind the scenes.