04-07-2025
Zamalek legend Shikabala announces retirement - Egyptian Football
Zamalek's iconic skipper and fan favourite, Mahmoud 'Shikabala' Abdel-Razek, announced on Thursday his retirement from professional football, marking the end of a legendary two-decade career that cemented his status as one of Egypt's most celebrated players.
The 39-year-old star, known for his exceptional skills and contributions to Egyptian football, made the announcement in a video posted on his official Facebook account, stating, "The journey has ended, and another will begin from the stands," as he bid farewell to Zamalek's supporters, known as the "White Knights."
Shikabala explained that he had already made up his mind about retirement. "I previously said that the current season would be my last, and I feel that I have given everything. The journey has ended, and Zamalek fans are happy because I can no longer give more," he said in an interview with MBC Masr 2.
He clarified that there were no discussions with Zamalek officials regarding the continuation of his career, despite having a contract for an additional season. "My journey with Zamalek fans will not end despite retirement," he said.
He revealed that former Zamalek player Ahmed Hossam Mido tried to convince him to reverse his retirement decision. "I told him that I made this decision a year ago, and although there was pressure, I see that this is the right time to decide what I will do," Shikabala added, stressing that his decision is final and that he is looking forward to his new journey from the stands.
Shikabala's decision to hang up his boots marks the conclusion of a remarkable career that spanned over two decades, during which he became one of the most decorated players in Zamalek's history, securing 18 titles, including four Egyptian Premier League championships and five Egypt Cups.
His last competitive match was a triumphant victory in the Egypt Cup final against Pyramids FC in June 2025, where he played a pivotal role in leading his team to glory.
Shikabala began his career with Zamalek in 1996 after joining from Aswan Youth and was promoted to the first team in 2002. He had a stint with Greek club PAOK before returning to Zamalek in 2006. After that, he went out on loan to Emirati club Al-Wasl and later played professionally for Sporting Lisbon in Portugal.
He then returned to Zamalek and was loaned out to Ismaily, Al-Raed in Saudi Arabia, and Apollon in Greece.
Since 2019, he has continued to play for Zamalek, leading them to win the 2025 Egypt Cup title against Pyramids with a decisive penalty kick.
The Zamalek captain played 396 matches for the team, scoring 70 goals and ranking eighth in Zamalek's historical list of top scorers. He also provided 89 assists during his career.
Zamalek have announced plans to honour Shikabala with a special tribute match, details of which will be announced in due course. The club expressed their gratitude for his service and wished him well in his future endeavours.
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
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