Tunisian legend Ali Maaloul announces departure from Al Ahly

Photo credit: Al Ahly SC.

In a shocking news, Ali Maaloul, the Tunisian left-back and an undeniable legend of Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly, has announced his departure from the club.

The news, which sent shockwaves through the club's fervent fanbase, was revealed by Maaloul himself via his official Instagram account. The decision comes after Al Ahly informed the player of the end of his time with the club.

Maaloul's tenure with Al Ahly has been nothing short of spectacular.

Since joining in 2016, he has been an integral part of the team's success, contributing significantly to numerous domestic and continental titles. His pinpoint crosses, and prolific goal-scoring from the left-back position earned him the adoration of millions and cemented his place as one of the greatest foreign players in the club's illustrious history.

Achievements with Al Ahly

7 Egyptian Premier League titles

4 Egypt Cup titles

5 Egyptian Super Cups

4 CAF Champions League titles

2 CAF Super Cups

3 FIFA Club World Cup bronze medals

Maaloul was also the top scorer of the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup, finishing with two goals.

Record-Breaking Stats

292 appearances for Al Ahly

51 goals – the highest-scoring defender in the club’s history

85 assists

Most goal contributions by a foreign player in Al Ahly’s history

Most appearances by a foreign player in Al Ahly’s history

Maaloul's Farewell Message

In an emotional post on his Instagram account, Maaloul shared a heartfelt message with the Al Ahly faithful:

"To the great Al Ahly fans,

I have been officially informed of the end of my journey with Al Ahly.

Oh loyal fans, throughout all these years, you were my homeland when distances separated us, and warmth when matches were tough. Believe me, I was never alone for a day. You were my back when days bent, and my heart when steadfastness was scarce. Your cheers were the hope that never failed, and the love that cannot be bought. If the journey is measured by years, then what is between us can only be measured by love and loyalty.

Since I set foot in Al Ahly's fortress in the summer of 2016, I realized that I did not sign a contract with a club, but rather entered into a covenant with an entire nation named "Al Ahly."

Nine years passed as if in the blink of an eye, difficult to put into words, but they were full of everything that makes life, life: joy, tears, ascents, prostration after goals, and belonging that cannot be bought.

I was never just a professional player; I was a lover who wore the red shirt as one wears a heart. I lived every minute in El Tetsh with the spirit of a child who grew up in the third-class stands and learned the meaning of "Ahlawey" before learning to walk. Today, as I write my last words in an Al Ahly shirt, I am not bidding farewell to just a club, but to a part of my soul.

Oh Al Ahly fans, you are the whole meaning. You were the help in every presence, the patience in every moment of absence, and the support in every match where glory was written. I was not alone when I scored my goals or made my decisive passes; rather, you were with me every time Al Ahly's flag was raised, sharing the glory with me, forgiving my stumbles, and granting me an unreturnable love.

I scored 53 goals, assisted 85 for my teammates, and lifted 22 trophies, none of which matched the trophy of your love. I was a witness and a maker in one of Al Ahly's greatest periods, and the name "Ali Maaloul" remained within the lines of glory, for no reason other than that I was from you, for you, and among you.

Today, I write to you the news of my departure with tears vying with ink, but I leave reassured because my heart will remain in your stands, and your voice will remain in my ears. I am not exaggerating when I say that I found in Al Ahly a home larger than all homes, and a second homeland to which my belonging was as true as the first.

To my family, my wife and children, to my teammates and friends, to the administration and employees of the club, to everyone I have worked with... Thank you for being my family. As for the fans, I tell them, it is time for my body to leave, but I leave my heart and my shadow in El Tetsh, and I offer my prayers to everyone who wears the shirt after me, to carry it as we always dreamed... towards the summit.

I am leaving, but love remains.

I love you forever.

Ali Maaloul."