Egypt national team captain Mohamed Salah paid tribute to former teammate Ahmed Hegazi after Hegazi announced his retirement from professional football at age 35.
Salah shared photos from their careers together on social media, writing: "A long journey we have lived together since our childhood.
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We enjoyed and were happy with every stage of it, I wish you success in what is to come."
Career Highlights
Hegazi's playing career spanned over 15 years, during which he represented multiple clubs in Egypt, Italy, England, and Saudi Arabia.
He was a key figure in Egypt's national defense.
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He played for Ismaily and Al Ahly in Egypt, Fiorentina and Perugia in Italy, West Bromwich Albion in England, and Saudi clubs including Al Ittihad of Jeddah and Neom.
Hegazi announced: "Today I announce my retirement from football as a player, and not the retirement of my passion and love for it."
He expressed gratitude for his career's challenges and memories, emphasizing his continued commitment to football.
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After concluding his playing career at Neom in 2026, where his contract ended in May, reports indicate Hegazi may remain with the club in a non-playing role, leveraging his experience in an administrative or technical capacity.
