Ahmed Hegazi: Egypt and ex-West Brom defender retires from football aged 35

Ahmed Hegazi has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 35, bringing an end to a career of more than 15 years for club and country, as the former Egypt international is strongly tipped for an off-field role at Saudi side Neom.

The defender confirmed his decision in a statement on his official Facebook page on Saturday, saying he was stepping away as a player but not from the sport itself.

“Today I announce my retirement from football as a player, not my retirement from my passion and love for it,” Hegazi wrote. “Thank you to football for every moment, every challenge, every lesson, and every memory it created with me. My journey on the pitch has ended, but my journey with football continues with the same passion, ambition and determination.”

Focus shifts to potential Neom role

Attention is now turning to Hegazi’s next move, with Saudi reports indicating Neom are keen to retain his services within the club’s administrative and technical structure.

Neom officially ended their contractual relationship with Hegazi in May after two seasons, during which he became one of the key figures in the “sky blue” team’s push for promotion to the Saudi Pro League, known as the Roshn Saudi League.

He had joined Neom in the summer of 2024 from Al Ittihad, immediately establishing himself as a central pillar of the squad thanks to his experience and leadership at the back.

Local media have reported a strong desire within the club’s hierarchy to integrate the veteran into the management and coaching framework, seeking to benefit from his extensive career and his influence in the dressing room.

Club career across three countries

Hegazi’s retirement draws a line under a career that spanned major clubs in Egypt, Italy, England and Saudi Arabia.

In his homeland he represented Al Ahly and Ismaily, building his reputation as one of the most promising defenders of his generation.

A move to Europe followed, with spells at Fiorentina and Perugia in Italy, before a transfer to England where he played for West Bromwich Albion.

He later moved to Saudi Arabia, first with Al Ittihad in Jeddah and then with Neom, leaving a clear imprint at each stop through his defensive reading of the game and on-field leadership.

Legacy as a leading Egyptian defender

Across his club and international career, Hegazi became regarded as one of the standout Egyptian centre-backs of his era, combining aerial strength with organisational skills at the heart of defence.

His leadership qualities helped earn him prominent roles in every dressing room he entered, and they are now set to underpin his anticipated transition into a non-playing position, as he looks to continue his involvement in football off the pitch with the same “passion, ambition and determination” he referenced in his farewell message.