Trezeguet scores first Al-Riyadh goal in Saudi league clash with Al-Shabab

Egypt international Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet” scored his first goal for Al-Riyadh with a left-footed strike against Al-Shabab in the third round of the Saudi Pro League.

Trezeguet opened the scoring for Al-Riyadh after cutting in from the left and sending a powerful effort into the Al-Shabab net. The match was level at 2-2 at half-time.

The goal marked Trezeguet’s second direct contribution since joining Al-Riyadh. His first came during his second appearance for the club, when he provided an assist as Al-Riyadh progressed to the last 16 of the King’s Cup.

The 31-year-old ended his contract with Al Ahly last month before completing his move to Al-Riyadh as a free agent. His transfer brought to an end a spell with the Cairo club, where he had developed through the youth ranks before making his first-team debut in 2012.

Trezeguet returned to Cairo last summer after a long period playing outside Egypt and represented Al Ahly before moving on to Al-Riyadh. His departure followed a decade-long overseas career that began in 2015, when he joined Anderlecht on loan.

Anderlecht made the move permanent after one season, marking the start of a career that would take the Egypt international across several European countries and the Gulf.

During his time abroad, Trezeguet played for English club Aston Villa, Turkish sides Trabzonspor, Kasimpasa and Istanbul Basaksehir, and Belgian teams Anderlecht and Mouscron. He also represented Qatari club Al-Rayyan.

His return to Al-Riyadh provides the forward with a fresh opportunity to establish himself in Saudi football, and his first goal for the club came only a short time after registering his first assist.

The left-footed finish against Al-Shabab was Trezeguet’s first goal since beginning his new chapter with Al-Riyadh. It also continued his immediate involvement in the club’s attacking play, following his earlier contribution in the King’s Cup.

Trezeguet began his career at Al Ahly and worked through the club’s age-group teams before reaching the senior side in 2012. Three years later, he moved to Europe with Anderlecht, launching an international club career that lasted 10 years before his return to Egypt.

Now back in Saudi Arabia with Al-Riyadh, the Egypt international has made an early impact, contributing a goal and an assist in his opening appearances for the club.