The 29-year-old joins Ahly following his contract with Zamalek, which expired after the 2025 Egypt Cup. Zizo's transfer has ended months of speculation and a protracted dispute with his former club. Zamalek had accused Zizo and Ahly of violating transfer regulations by premature negotiations.
Ahly broadcast a promotional video of the signing on its official website and social media platforms, confirming that Zizo will join the squad for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in the United States later this month.
Widely dubbed "the transfer of the season" by local media, Zizo's arrival is seen as a significant coup for the record African champions, who are bolstering their squad ahead of a demanding campaign featuring domestic and continental competitions.
The deal's financial terms were not disclosed.
Zizo's departure signals the collapse of the once iconic partnership with Zamalek, where he served as a talisman and helped lead the team through several title runs. But behind the scenes, tensions had been mounting.
Zamalek had been trying to extend Zizo’s contract since January 2024. However, talks repeatedly broke down due to what the club described as “excessive financial demands” that it could not meet under current budget constraints.
The fallout became public earlier this year when Zizo was dropped from a crucial CAF Confederation Cup tie, amid reports of stalled contract talks, secret negotiations with Ahly, and mounting distrust between the player and club officials.
In April, Zizo filed a complaint with the Egyptian Football Association (EFA), claiming unpaid wages amounting to EGP 70 million. Zamalek denied the figure, insisting the debt was far lower, and referred the player to disciplinary hearings. They also accused him of deliberately missing training, an allegation that Zizo's legal team dismissed.
The EFA ultimately ruled that Zizo's contract had legally expired at the end of the Cup competition, clearing the path for him to join any club as a free agent. Zamalek later escalated the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), arguing the move breached player registration rules. Still, the FA's disciplinary committee dismissed the initial complaint for lack of jurisdiction.
Zizo's switch has ignited fierce debate on social media. Ahly supporters celebrated the signing, while many Zamalek fans denounced the move as a betrayal.
A product of Belgium's Lierse SK, Zizo returned to Egypt in 2019 and quickly became one of the league's standout performers, helping Zamalek to multiple domestic titles.
He is expected to travel with Ahly to the United States next week for the Club World Cup, where the Cairo giants will represent Africa. His debut could come in the opening round of the tournament.
As Ahly prepares for the global stage, Zizo's performances will be closely watched—not only for his impact on the pitch but also for handling the pressures of crossing Egyptian football's most heated rivalry.
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