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Reports: Shikabala Decides to Retire from Football

Mahmoud Abdel-Razek “Shikabala” has decided to retire from football and not complete his contract with Zamalek for another year, following the pressure he has been under in recent times.

The Black Panther led Zamalek to the Egypt Cup title at the end of last season, scoring a decisive penalty kick against Pyramids FC. Many then demanded that this would be his final goal with the White Knights after a career spanning more than 20 years.

Initially, there was talk that Shikabala had no intention of retiring and was determined to complete the next season. However, the last few hours witnessed numerous developments that led the 39-year-old to change his previous decision.

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Shikabala Decides to Retire

According to Egyptian media reports, Shikabala has decided to retire, content with his achievements with Zamalek. This decision was not spur of the moment, but rather was made long ago, contrary to what local newspapers had previously reported.

Shikabala had wanted to retire after the Egypt Cup final for some time, but at the same time, he preferred not to announce it at the time in order to give another legend, Mohamed Abdel-Shafy, the perfect send-off from Zamalek fans after the match against Pyramids.

Contrary to what was reported, there were no disagreements between Shikabala and the Zamalek management. In fact, Hussein Labib’s management gave the player complete freedom to decide whether to honor his contract in full or end his career.

It is reported that Shikabala wants to hold a final farewell match, attended by Zamalek and Egyptian national team legends, at Cairo International Stadium, during which he will bid farewell to the fans expected to fill the stadium.

Shikabala’s Numbers Last Season

It was clear that Shikabala was greatly affected by his age, as he only participated in 17 matches last season. However, his role was more of a leadership role than a sporting one, especially given the difficult financial and administrative circumstances facing Zamalek.

Shikabala scored one goal and assisted two others. He was heavily criticized after missing the decisive penalty kick against Al Ahly in the Egyptian Super Cup in the UAE. However, fate granted him a perfect ending, as he brought his team the Egypt Cup against Pyramids FC.

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Shikabala, a Zamalek legend and the most decorated player

Shikabala began his career with Zamalek in the youth teams and was promoted to the first team at the age of 17 in 2003. His first goal against Ghazl El Mahalla remains etched in the fans’ memories.

The golden left footer then moved to PAOK Salonika, returning in 2006. Since then, he has become a cult favorite among Zamalek fans and perhaps their most influential player to date.

While Shikabala had other experiences from 2006 to 2025, including a loan spell at Al-Wasl in the UAE and moves to Sporting Lisbon, Ismaily, and Al-Raed in Saudi Arabia, his greatest success came with Zamalek. Had he maintained the desired mentality, he could have become one of the most important footballers in African history.

In total, Shikabala played 396 matches for Zamalek in all competitions, scoring 70 goals and providing 89 assists. He is the most successful player in the White Castle’s history, having won 17 titles.