Al Riyadh sign Egypt star Trezeguet on a free transfer

Al Riyadh have officially completed the signing of Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet” on a free transfer during the current summer window.

The Saudi club announced the move on Tuesday, 11 August 2026, unveiling their new signing in a presentation video titled: “From the land of Egypt to the School of the Central Region.”

“School of the Central Region” is the historic nickname of Al Riyadh. The title reflects the club’s reputation as a source of influential footballing stars and talent in the history of Saudi football.

Al Riyadh revealed the deal after receiving their financial efficiency certificate. The club said it had fulfilled the conditions required for the certificate, as set by the league association.

Trezeguet completed the move after ending his contract with Al Ahly last month, allowing him to join Al Riyadh as a free agent. His departure from the Cairo club brought to an end his return to Egypt, where he had represented Al Ahly after spending much of his career abroad.

The 31-year-old came through Al Ahly’s youth system before progressing to the first team in 2012. He returned to Cairo last summer to play for the club, having spent 10 years pursuing a professional career outside Egypt.

His first move into overseas football came in 2015, when he joined Anderlecht on loan. The Belgian club later made the transfer permanent after one season.

Trezeguet subsequently represented a number of clubs in different countries. His career has included spells with Aston Villa in England, Trabzonspor, Kasımpasa and Istanbul Basaksehir in Turkey, Anderlecht and Mouscron in Belgium, and Al Rayyan in Qatar.

The move to Al Riyadh gives Trezeguet another opportunity to continue his career outside Egypt after his spell with Al Ahly. It also marks his latest transfer following a decade in which he played for clubs in England, Turkey, Belgium and Qatar.

Al Riyadh’s announcement came only after the club had satisfied the league’s financial requirements, making the certificate an important step in confirming the signing during this summer’s transfer activity.

The wording of the presentation video linked Trezeguet’s arrival with the club’s traditional identity. By referring to Al Riyadh as the “School of the Central Region”, the announcement highlighted the side’s long-standing association with developing and producing players who have had an impact on Saudi football.

Trezeguet’s career began at Al Ahly, where he progressed through the age-group teams before reaching the senior side in 2012. Three years later, he started his 10-year overseas journey with a loan move to Anderlecht, who then signed him permanently after the season.

After a long period abroad, he returned to Cairo last summer to represent Al Ahly. He ended that contract the following month and will now continue his career with Al Riyadh as a free-transfer signing.