File Photo: Ahly’s Tunisian fullback, Ali Maaloul. Photo courtesy of Ali Maaloul Instagram account.
The 35-year-old Maaloul had announced his departure from Ahly last May, after playing a pivotal role in one of the club's most successful eras.
Speculation regarding his next move had been rife, with some suggesting he would retire, while others believed he would return to his childhood club, CS Sfaxien.
On Saturday, CS Sfaxien made the announcement official with a video posted on their official Facebook page, headlined ‘The Legend is Back.’
Maaloul’s stint with Ahly was marred by injury, as he underwent surgery in May 2024 to treat a partial tendon tear suffered during a match against Esperance de Tunis.
The injury sidelined him for several months, including during the first leg of the CAF Champions League final.
Despite signing a contract extension last summer, Maaloul was dropped from the squad to make room for a foreign player.
When the transfer window reopened in January, he was not included in coach Marcel Koller’s plans., as the club sought to strengthen their attack with a foreign forward.
Since joining Ahly in the summer of 2016, Maaloul established himself as a cornerstone of the club’s success.
He recorded an impressive 51 goals and 83 assists in 287 appearances, earning a special place in the hearts of the club’s supporters for his unwavering dedication and loyalty.
Over his illustrious time in Cairo, the Tunisian international left behind an unmatched legacy, securing 21 titles, including four CAF Champions League trophies, two CAF Super Cups, six Egyptian Premier League titles, five Egyptian Super Cups, and four Egypt Cup victories.
Before his time at Ahly, Maaloul helped CS Sfaxien secure the Tunisian League title in the 2012/13 season.
Across 190 appearances for the club, he scored 39 goals and provided 43 assists in all competitions from 2008 to 2016.
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