Shikabala in Red? The Day Egyptian Football Almost Changed Forever

Zamalek legend and current captain Mahmoud AbdelRazek "Shikabala" has dropped a bombshell by revealing how he nearly joined arch-rivals Al Ahly early in his career—an admission that could have changed Egyptian football history.

"I wore the red shirt ... something felt wrong"

Speaking on Hossam "Mido's" podcast, Shikabala recalled the dramatic moment two decades ago when he returned to Cairo from Greek club PAOK facing a hefty release clause. Only two clubs were capable of settling the amount—Zamalek and Al Ahly.

But shockingly, Zamalek didn’t respond.

“I went to the club five times, and no one met me. They even turned off their phones,” he said.

Al Ahly stepped in - And Shikabala accepted

With no support from his boyhood club, he agreed to meet Al Ahly officials. “I went to their training in the red shirt. Adly El Keiy told me: ‘When you play for Al Ahly, you’ll grow to love the red.’ But I didn’t feel right.”

A twist of fate

In a last-minute move, Shikabala reached out to then-Zamalek president Mamdouh Abbas, declaring his desire to come home. The deal was sealed immediately—and the rest is history.