Ahmed Hegazi moves into senior football role at Neom after announcing retirement

Ahmed Hegazi has been appointed assistant sporting director at Saudi club Neom, just days after the former Egypt defender confirmed his retirement from professional football.

Neom announced the move on its official social media channels, confirming that their former captain will step directly from the pitch into a key backroom position at the club.

The decision comes shortly after Hegazi’s contract with Neom expired and he brought an end to a long career at domestic and international level, which concluded with the Saudi side.

In a statement, the club said: “After years of giving inside the rectangle of play, a new chapter begins in the career of a captain who ended his journey wearing Neom’s badge, and with it he starts again with greater passion and ambition, captain Ahmed Hegazi as assistant to the sporting director at Neom Club.”

The club added: “Welcome back, captain Ahmed, to your home once more, and our best wishes to you for success in your new mission.”

Direct move from pitch to boardroom

Hegazi, 35, joined Neom in the summer of 2024 from Al Ittihad Jeddah and finished his playing career there before immediately transitioning into his new role.

During his time with Neom, he made 52 appearances in all competitions, scoring one goal and providing one assist.

Beyond his direct contributions on the pitch, the centre-back was credited by the club with using his leadership experience to help drive the team’s promotion and consolidate its broader sporting project.

Neom banking on leadership qualities

Neom’s decision to retain Hegazi in a senior off-field role is seen by the club as a continuation of his influence in the dressing room over the past two seasons.

The appointment underlines the board’s confidence in his leadership and administrative potential, having regarded him as one of the most important figures within the squad structure during his spell as a player.

By moving him into the assistant sporting director position, Neom are seeking to harness his knowledge of the squad and his understanding of the club’s long-term plans as they look to build on recent progress.