Caykur Rizespor have confirmed the departure of Algerian international Rachid Ghezzal, officially bringing an end to their collaboration after a single season.
The Turkish Süper Lig club made the announcement through a statement on its social media platforms, thanking the 32-year-old winger for his contributions.
Rachid Ghezzal has officially parted ways with our club. We thank him for his services and wish him the best in his future endeavours, the club wrote, drawing a close to what had been a promising yet disrupted campaign for the former Lyon and Leicester City attacker.
Ghezzal joined Rizespor last summer and quickly established himself as a valuable figure within the squad.
Known for his creativity and left-footed precision, the Algerian impressed early on, offering attacking flair and technical quality on the flanks.
However, a series of injuries began to undermine his rhythm midway through the season, limiting his ability to maintain consistent form.
Despite these physical setbacks, Ghezzal still managed to contribute in meaningful ways.
He made 25 appearances across all competitions—23 in the Süper Lig and two in the Turkish Cup—registering four goals and two assists.
His vision and passing remained evident throughout, though his recurring fitness issues eventually curtailed his impact.
The club’s decision not to extend the partnership appears to stem from a combination of strategic planning and the player’s injury record.
With Rizespor aiming to consolidate their place in Turkey’s top flight, the departure of Ghezzal signals a potential shift in their recruitment policy as they look toward younger or more physically reliable options.
No official details have emerged yet regarding Ghezzal’s next destination.
Still, with his experience in Europe’s top leagues and a pedigree that includes spells at Beşiktaş, Fiorentina, and AS Monaco, the winger is likely to attract interest from clubs looking to bolster their attacking options with a seasoned playmaker.
The younger brother of former Algerian international Abdelkader Ghezzal, Rachid remains a respected figure in Algerian football, and his departure from Rizespor marks another chapter in a career defined by technical brilliance and professional perseverance.
Where he heads next remains to be seen—but at 32, he may still have one more move to make.
