Egypt defender Ahmed Hegazi has announced his retirement from football at the age of 35, bringing an end to a senior career of more than 15 years that spanned clubs in Egypt, Italy, England and Saudi Arabia, with the former international now expected to be offered a role on the backroom staff at Saudi club Neom.
Hegazi confirmed his decision in a post on his official Facebook account, stating that he was stepping away from playing but not from the sport itself.
“Today I announce my retirement from football as a player, not my retirement from my passion and love for it,” he wrote. “Thank you to football for every moment, every challenge, every lesson and every memory you created with me. My journey on the pitch has ended, but my journey with football continues with the same passion, ambition and determination.”
The centre-back, long regarded as one of the leading Egyptian defenders of his generation, closes his career having represented top-flight clubs and the national team at the highest levels of the game.
Neom future after contract expiry
Hegazi’s retirement comes shortly after the end of his spell with Neom in Saudi Arabia.
The club announced in May that his contract would not be renewed, drawing a line under a two-season stint with the side known as the “sky blue” team. Hegazi had joined Neom in the summer of 2024 from Al Ittihad, quickly becoming one of the key figures in the squad during the club’s push for promotion to the Saudi Pro League, known as the Roshn Saudi League.
Local media reports have indicated that Neom’s hierarchy are now strongly considering bringing the experienced defender into the club’s administrative and technical set-up. The move is seen as an attempt to make use of his extensive career at the top level and his leadership qualities in the dressing room, which were credited as an important influence during his time as a player.
No formal appointment has yet been confirmed, but Hegazi himself has made clear he intends to stay within the sport in a non-playing capacity.
Club career across four countries
Hegazi’s professional journey took him from domestic success in Egypt to spells in Serie A and the Premier League before his move to Saudi Arabia.
He began his senior career in his homeland, turning out for Ismaily and later Al Ahly, two of Egypt’s most prominent clubs. His performances earned him a move to Italy, where he played for Fiorentina and Perugia.
Hegazi later joined West Bromwich Albion in England, adding Premier League and Championship experience to his resume. His strong aerial ability, positional sense and organisational skills established him as a reliable presence in defence.
Following his time in England, he moved to Saudi Arabia, signing for Al Ittihad before eventually joining Neom. In both Saudi clubs he was noted for his defensive nous and on-field leadership, attributes that helped make him one of the standout Egyptian defenders of his era.
Over the course of his career, Hegazi built a reputation as a commanding centre-back, combining physical strength with tactical awareness. Those same qualities are now expected to underpin the next phase of his involvement in football, as he shifts his focus from the pitch to a potential role behind the scenes.
