The 26-year-old played a vital role in steering Zamalek to a second consecutive league crown for the first time since 2004. He did everything a star winger could do: scoring, creating goals and making the best use of his versatility.

His 19 goals and 14 assists made him the top scorer and the highest assist-maker in the Egyptian Premier League this season.

Zizo contributed to more than the half of the goals scored by the team so far (61 goals).
 
Since the 2-2 draw against archrivals Ahly in the Cairo derby in June, Zamalek have played 13 games -- 11 in the league and two in domestic cups.

During that run, Zizo's impact was immense as he produced some virtuoso displays to help Zamalek tighten their grip on the league title.

"Zizo is the best player of the season without any doubt," Hazem Imam, a former Zamalek and Egypt, star said in a television interview. "He is a complete player with his attacking and defensive capabilities. He is an asset to any coach."
 
A right winger who can also operate as a deep-lying forward, central midfielder or left winger, Zizo also made the difference with his inviting crosses and powerful long-range shots.

His attributes were all the more pivotal after Zamalek lost star winger Achraf Bencharki, who had to leave at a crucial stage of the season after his contract expired.
 
He took up responsibility of orchestrating Zamalek's attacking attempts, forging potent partnerships with attacking midfielder Emam Ashour and lone striker Seifeddine Jaziri as the White Knights claimed six successive wins following Bencharki's departure.

"The most important thing for me is to help the team win titles," Zizo said in a television interview.

"I'm not looking for personal glory. It is clear that the departure of Bencharki is a great loss for the team, but we were determined to make achievements whatever the circumstances."
 
Little-known
 
Zizo's move to Zamalek from Portuguese side Moreirense in January 2019 baffled many observers, giving that he was little known at the time.

But he quickly caught the eyes to force his way into Zamalek's starting line-up under Swiss coach Christian Gross.

A no-nonsense player, Zizo's displays were not charming but still very efficient.   

"Zizo is not the kind of player the fans like, but he is a very important player for the coach," said Amir Azmi, Gross' assistant at the time.

"He is very disciplined, tireless and very important at the tactical level."
 
The former Wadi Degla player finished his first season at Zamalek in style, helping the club win their first ever Confederation Cup title after scoring the decisive penalty in a shootout win over Morocco's RS Berkane.
 
He also played a key role in helping Zamalek win the league last season after a six-year absence, scoring nine goals and providing six assists -- only second to Bencharki.

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