Zamalek's Ahmed Zizo Set to Join Saudi Roshan League with Al Shabab

By Ahmad El-Assasy

Sports critic Ahmed Darwish has confirmed that Ahmed Sayed "Zizo," the star midfielder of Zamalek's first football team, has finalized his agreement to join the Saudi Roshan League's Al Shabab club next season. The move comes after Zizo's name was heavily linked with the club.

Darwish revealed on his Facebook account that Zizo's deal with Al Shabab is valued at $8 million. The 27-year-old is currently under contract with Zamalek until June 2025 and has been a key player for the team in recent years, contributing significantly to their title victories.

This transfer marks a significant step in Zizo's career as he moves to the Saudi Roshan League, highlighting the growing appeal of the league to international talent.

The Roshan Saudi League, formerly known as the Saudi Pro League, has seen a significant transformation, especially in 2023, by attracting a plethora of top-level players from European leagues through financially lucrative contracts.

This shift has led to the league becoming star-studded, with the Public Investment Fund taking a 75% stake in four of the league's founding members (Al-Ahli, Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal, and Al-Nassr) as part of the Saudi Vision 2030 program.

This move aimed to elevate the league's profile on the international stage and included the signings of high-profile players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kanté, and others, significantly impacting the European transfer market.

The league operates with 18 clubs, following a double round-robin system where each club plays the others twice per season. The competition structure includes promotion and relegation between the Saudi Pro League and the Saudi First Division League, ensuring a dynamic and competitive environment.

Recent transfers have continued to highlight the league's appeal, with players like Ivan Rakitic moving to Al Shabab, further enhancing the league's international flavor.

The league's widespread attention and the caliber of its players have made it an exciting focal point for football fans worldwide, with clubs like Al Hilal and Al Nassr leading the way in terms of performance and attracting talent.