In a scene embodying the highest ideals of sportsmanship and loyalty, Egyptian star Ahmed Hegazi, defender and current captain of NEOM FC, stole the show after the final whistle of the match between his team and his former club, Al-Ittihad, on Wednesday evening. The Egyptian defender made a point of going directly to the Al-Ittihad dressing room to shake hands with his former teammates and exchange friendly words with them, a gesture that was met with widespread approval from fans and observers.
This move reflects the deep connection between Hegazi and Al-Ittihad, where he was not just a professional player in the club's history, but a leader and icon of the team over the years. The Egyptian defender joined Al-Ittihad during the summer transfer window of the 2020/2021 season from West Bromwich Albion, initially on loan before his contract was purchased permanently, becoming a cornerstone of the Tigers' defense.
Historically, Ahmed Hegazi boasts a distinguished record with Al-Ittihad, having played a direct and decisive role in the team's return to championship glory. He was instrumental in securing the Saudi Professional League title in the 2022/2023 season, as well as winning the Saudi Super Cup. His time at the club was characterized by wise leadership and a high fighting spirit, making him a beloved figure among Al-Ittihad fans, who gave him a warm send-off when he moved to NEOM FC in the 2024/2025 season.
In the match itself, Neom suffered a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Al-Ittihad in their domestic fixture. Despite the loss, Hegazi delivered a professional performance for his new club, as the 34-year-old defender continues his impressive career in Saudi football.
Statistics indicate that Ahmed Hegazi has played eight matches for Neom this season, scoring one goal and demonstrating his ability to contribute both technically and as a leader to any team he represents. This match marked Hegazi's first encounter against his former club, adding a special emotional dimension to the game, further underscored by his visit to the locker room after the final whistle.
