Ahmed Hegazi: Egypt defender retires from football at 35 after leaving Saudi club Neom FC

Ahmed Hegazi, the long-serving Egypt international defender, has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 35 following the end of his contract with Saudi club Neom FC.

The centre-back confirmed he is hanging up his boots after completing the 2025-26 season, bringing to a close a career that saw him represent clubs in Egypt, Italy, England and Saudi Arabia, as well as earning 88 caps for the Egypt national team.

Hegazi joined Neom two seasons ago on a deal running until June 2026 and played a central role in the club’s rapid rise. He captained the side to promotion from the second tier to the Saudi Pro League last season.

In their first campaign back in the top flight, Neom finished eighth in the 2025-26 Saudi league, with Hegazi remaining a key figure in defence during what proved to be the final year of his career.

Club career across four countries

Hegazi began his professional career at Ismaily in 2009, emerging as one of the most promising young defenders in Egyptian football.

His performances earned him a move to Europe, where he joined Fiorentina in Italy. He later signed for Brescia, continuing his stint in Italian football, before returning to Egypt in 2015 to play for Al Ahly.

At Al Ahly, Hegazi re-established himself domestically and on the continental stage, which paved the way for another move abroad.

In 2018 he signed for West Bromwich Albion in England, experiencing both Premier League and Championship football with the club, before moving to Saudi Arabia to join Al Ittihad.

He later completed his club journey with Neom, where he ended his playing days.

Key figure for Egypt

On the international stage, Hegazi was a mainstay for Egypt over more than a decade.

He made 88 appearances for the national team, scoring two goals, and was part of the squad that represented Egypt at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Hegazi’s retirement brings to an end a distinguished career for both club and country, highlighted by promotion campaigns, spells in major European leagues and a World Cup appearance with the Pharaohs.