How Shikabala Nearly Became Al Ahly Player? A Forgotten Chapter

Zamalek captain Mahmoud AbdelRazek "Shikabala"'s opened up about forgotten chapter in his career: his near move to arch rivals Al Ahly two decades ago.

"Zamalek Ignored Me, Ahly Wanted Me"

Speaking on podcast hosted by Hossam "Mido", Shikabala said he returned to Cairo from PAOK at a young age facing large financial clause that needed to be settled with the Greek side.

"Only 2 club could pay the required amount (Zamalek & Al Ahly) I visited Zamalek 5 time but no one met me. They even turned off their phones"

Feeling abandoned and on the verge of quitting football, Shikabala said Al Ahly reached out persistently leading to shocking decision.

"Wearing Al Ahly Shirt Felt Wrong"

"I agreed to sit with Al Ahly. When I went down to training wearing the red shirt, I felt something was wrong" Shikabala recalled.

He described conversation with Adly El Keiy who told him:

"When you play for Al Ahly, you’ll grow to love the red"

But that wasn’t enough.

"I Called Zamalek ... and Everything Changed"

In last minute twist, Shikabala contacted Mamdouh Abbas, Zamalek’s then president expressing his desire to rejoin the club.

"I went straight to the club and the transfer was completed" he said.

Legacy Saved

Today Shikabala remains not just Zamalek’s captain but club icon whose story could’ve taken dramatically different path one shirt away from becoming the enemy.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.