A lifelong journey comes to an end... Ahmed Magdy bids farewell to Shikabala with an emotional message after his retirement.
Ahmed Magdy bids farewell to Shikabala with an emotional message after his official retirement from football.
Ahmed Magdy, former coach at Zamalek SC, expressed his sorrow over the decision of team captain Mahmoud Abdel-Razek “Shikabala” to retire, stating that Egyptian football has lost one of its historic icons—someone who left an unforgettable mark on both the pitch and the hearts of fans.
In an emotional personal message posted on his official Instagram account, Magdy wrote:
“A sad day for Egyptian football—the retirement of one of its legends. But to me, Mahmoud is a lifelong bond. We played against each other, with each other, went abroad together, represented the national team together, and in the end, I had the honor of coaching him.”
Magdy continued:
“What sets Shikabala apart isn’t just his exceptional talent on the pitch, but also his high character, loyalty, and pure heart. He is one of the noblest personalities I’ve ever dealt with in my footballing career—one of the most genuine and clean-hearted individuals you could ever meet. His absence will leave a huge void on the field. We will miss his presence, leadership, and that smile that never faded, even during the toughest moments.”
Mahmoud Abdel-Razek “Shikabala,” captain of Zamalek, officially announced the end of his football career after a decades-long journey with the White Castle. Throughout that time, he carried the responsibility of leadership and became a symbol for the club’s fans and one of the most prominent names in its history.
Shikabala is considered the most decorated player in Zamalek’s history, having won 18 titles across various competitions—league, cup, super cup, and continental tournaments—from his debut with the first team to his retirement. His achievements reflect the level of dedication and loyalty he gave to the club.
In a symbolic gesture of appreciation, Zamalek’s board of directors, led by Hussein Labib and in coordination with the team’s sporting director John Edward, has decided to retire the number 10 jersey—worn by Shikabala throughout his career—starting from next season. This tribute cements his legacy among the club’s legends.
Shikabala’s departure from the field does not mean he will fade from memory. He will remain etched in the hearts of Zamalek fans as one of the rare players who combined talent, charisma, and loyalty all at once.
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