The 39-year-old star, known for his exceptional skills and contributions to Egyptian football, made the announcement in a video posted on his official Facebook account, stating, "The journey has ended, and another will begin from the stands," as he bid farewell to Zamalek's supporters, known as the "White Knights."
Shikabala explained that he had already made up his mind about retirement. "I previously said that the current season would be my last, and I feel that I have given everything. The journey has ended, and Zamalek fans are happy because I can no longer give more," he said in an interview with MBC Masr 2.
He clarified that there were no discussions with Zamalek officials regarding the continuation of his career, despite having a contract for an additional season. "My journey with Zamalek fans will not end despite retirement," he said.
He revealed that former Zamalek player Ahmed Hossam Mido tried to convince him to reverse his retirement decision. "I told him that I made this decision a year ago, and although there was pressure, I see that this is the right time to decide what I will do," Shikabala added, stressing that his decision is final and that he is looking forward to his new journey from the stands.
Zamalek have announced plans to honour Shikabala with a special tribute match, details of which will be announced in due course. The club has decided to retire the number 10 shirt in honor of Shikabala.
A glorious and loyal career
Born in Aswan, Shikabala joined Zamalek’s youth system in 1996 and was promoted to the first team in 2002. “I used to sleep at the club, in a room under the stands, as I didn’t have anywhere else to go. I think that’s one of the main reasons I got attached to Zamalek,” he once said in a rare television appearance.
From his debut, he dazzled fans across Egypt with his speed, technical brilliance and trademark left-foot curlers. A natural entertainer, Shikabala’s signature move was cutting in from the right flank to bend the ball into the far corner with his left foot.
The late French manager Bruno Metsu, who coached Shikabala at UAE side Al-Wasl, once compared his raw talent to global icons. “Shikabala is a magician, he has superb fitness and tricks. He can make the difference, just like Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo,” Metsu told Al Bayan in 2012.
Over the course of two decades, Shikabala built one of the most storied careers in Zamalek history, winning 18 titles, including four Egyptian Premier League crowns and five Egypt Cups.
His final competitive appearance came in June 2025, when he played a pivotal role in Zamalek’s Egypt Cup final victory over Pyramids FC.
The veteran playmaker made 396 appearances for Zamalek, scoring 70 goals, placing him eighth on the club’s all-time scoring chart, and contributing 89 assists.
He also had spells abroad with PAOK and Apollon in Greece, Sporting Lisbon in Portugal, Al-Wasl in the UAE, and Al-Raed in Saudi Arabia, but always returned to the White Knights. For Shikabala, Zamalek was more than just a club, it was home.
Shikabala was seen as a symbol of loyalty and leadership by Zamalek fans and that’s what made him a living legend for the fans.
Off the pitch controversies
It is perplexing how such immense talent never reached the pinnacle of African football or made a significant impact on the international scene.
His career was frequently marred by disciplinary issues. Known for his fiery temper, he had public clashes with coaches — including Egypt’s iconic manager Hassan Shehata, who coached him at both Zamalek and the national team.
Shikabala often found himself in the spotlight for the wrong reasons, including confrontations with Ahly fans and on-field altercations with opponents.
"Today I retire, and I want to end my journey without leaving anyone upset or angry with me. I hope that everything ends today - I hold no grudges, and I hope a new chapter begins tomorrow," he said in a televised interview on MBC 2.
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