In a display of true sportsmanship and loyalty, Egyptian star Ahmed Hegazi, currently playing for NEOM FC, made a point of going directly to the dressing room of his former club, Al-Ittihad, immediately after the final whistle of Wednesday evening's match between the two teams. This friendly visit allowed him to greet his former teammates and chat with them, reflecting the deep connection Hegazi maintains with Al-Ittihad despite his departure from the club.
Match result and Hegazi's performance
The match, part of the 12th round of the league, ended with Neom losing 3-1 to Al-Ittihad. Despite the defeat, the 34-year-old veteran defender continued to demonstrate his leadership, having played eight matches for Neom this season, scoring one goal and reaffirming his continued contribution to Saudi football.
The leader's journey: from rescue to the podium
Ahmed Hegazi's relationship with Al-Ittihad cannot be reduced to a mere passing professional stint. The Egyptian defender joined the "Tigers" during the summer transfer window of the 2020/2021 season, at a time when the team was going through a difficult period. Hegazi initially arrived on loan from West Bromwich Albion in England, before Al-Ittihad's management purchased his contract permanently due to his immediate and clear impact on the team's defense.
Hegazi played a pivotal role in restoring Al-Ittihad's defensive prowess, quickly becoming a true leader both on and off the pitch. This remarkable journey culminated in him leading the team to the Saudi Professional League title in the 2022/2023 season, as well as winning the Saudi Super Cup, bringing Al-Ittihad back to the winners' podium after years of absence and etching his name in gold in the memories of Al-Ittihad fans.
The end of an era and the beginning of a new challenge
With the end of the 2024/2025 season, Hegazi's journey with Al-Ittihad came to a close, as he embarked on a new and ambitious adventure with NEOM FC, a club striving to build a strong team capable of competing and achieving promotion. Despite the change of jersey, Hegazi's gesture today proved that human connections and memories of past achievements endure, and that mutual respect is the defining characteristic of the relationship between the Egyptian star and his former club, a gesture that was warmly welcomed by Al-Ittihad's players and management.
