Ahmed Hegazi takes assistant sporting director role at Saudi club Neom after retirement from playing

Ahmed Hegazi has been appointed assistant sporting director at Saudi side Neom, just days after the Egypt defender announced his retirement from football at the age of 35.

Neom confirmed the move in an official statement, describing the position as a new chapter for their former captain, who ended his playing career with the club.

The club said: “بعد سنوات من العطاء داخل المستطيل الاخضر، فصل جديد في مسيرة قايد اختتم مشواره بشعار نيوم.” It added: “معه ينطلق بشغف وطموح اكبر، احمد حجازي مساعدا للمدير الرياضي في نادي نيوم.”

Neom continued its announcement by welcoming him back in an off-field capacity, saying: “مرحبا بك كابتن احمد في بيتك من جديد، ودعواتنا لك بالتوفيق في مهمتك الجديدة.”

Hegazi, who won 88 caps and scored two goals for Egypt, formally drew a line under his playing days on Saturday, having completed his contract with Neom.

Strategic move by Neom

According to Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat, Hegazi’s appointment forms part of a broader Neom strategy to attract technical and administrative expertise capable of helping to build a professional structure that matches the club’s ambitions for the coming period.

That strategy is particularly focused on the club’s recent rise, with Neom now competing in the Saudi Pro League and preparing for their second consecutive season in the top flight.

Hegazi joined Neom two seasons ago on a contract running until June 2026 and played a central role in their rapid progression through the Saudi league system.

Last season, he captained Neom to promotion from the second tier to the top division, guiding them into the Saudi Pro League.

In their first campaign back in the top flight, Neom finished the 2025-26 Saudi league season in eighth place.

End of a 17-year playing career

Hegazi chose to retire at 35, bringing to an end a senior career that began in 2009 and took him from domestic football in Egypt to leagues in Italy, England and Saudi Arabia.

He came through at Ismaily, making his debut there in 2009, before earning a move to Serie A with Fiorentina. After his spell in Florence, he joined Brescia in Italy’s lower divisions.

The defender later returned to Egypt, signing for Al Ahly in 2015, where he re-established himself as a key figure and earned further recognition with the national team.

In 2018, Hegazi moved again to Europe, joining West Bromwich Albion in England. Following his time in the English game, he transferred to Saudi Arabia with Al Ittihad.

He then completed his club career at Neom, where he would eventually wear the captain’s armband and help secure promotion to the Saudi Pro League before deciding to hang up his boots.

International career with Egypt

On the international stage, Hegazi became a mainstay of the Egypt national team over more than a decade.

He represented the Pharaohs in 88 international matches and scored twice, and was part of the Egypt squad that took part in the 2018 World Cup.

His new role at Neom will keep him in the Saudi game in an off-field capacity, as he begins his post-playing career by working alongside the club’s sporting director to support the development of the team and its long-term project.