Ahmed Mostafa Zizo has opened up about his dramatic exit from Zamalek, painting a picture of broken promises, missed opportunities, and financial missteps that eventually pushed him toward Al Ahly.
The Egyptian international revealed that he had once turned down a $6 million move to Qatar’s Al Rayyan out of loyalty to Zamalek. He also noted that in January 2024, a lucrative $6 million offer from Al-Shabab was rejected by the club, followed by a similar proposal from Saudi side Neom in August, one that would have seen him earn a personal salary of $5 million.
Zizo said he was even sent a flight ticket for a medical with Neom, but Zamalek officials denied ever receiving an offer.
“I did receive a flight ticket from NEOM officials to travel to the UAE to undergo a medical examination… I spoke with Dr Hossam Al Mandouh, Zamalek’s treasurer at the time, after a session between Hussein Labib and myself was cancelled, but he denied receiving an offer from NEOM,” he said.
He believes Zamalek missed the chance to fix its financial woes by holding onto him without the means to renew his contract or build a strong squad.
He dismissed claims about exaggerated salary demands and questioned how private negotiations were leaked, suggesting it was Zamalek’s board, not him, that failed to honor the renewal talks.
