By now, we’re pretty used to hearing about football clubs in the Gulf going after big-name players or those nearing retirement. This trend, which many credit Cristiano Ronaldo for kickstarting when he joined Saudi’s Al Nassr in 2022, has often been criticized by Western media for causing their own respective leagues to lose out on both fresh and established talent. But now, rather than stopping, it looks like this approach is catching on in other places, like Egypt.
Over the past few days, it has been reported that 2010 FIFA World Cup winner Sergio Ramos would be in negotiations for a possible move from Sevilla—where his contract has just come to an end—to Egyptian giants Zamalek. Currently without a club since the expiration of his last deal, according to many outlets, the two parties would have discussed a potential agreement that could see him make a surprising transfer to North Africa.
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If finalized, his signing would signal a new era for African and Arab football as a player of his caliber could not only improve Zamalek’s chances to clinch titles on both the local and international level, but also highlight the growing appeal of leagues outside Europe and more broadly speaking the West. What was once considered impossible now seems more than within reach, encouraging other clubs, usually from our neck of the woods, to try their luck at signing big names themselves—provided they have the prestige, facilities, and financial resources to make it happen.
However, the latter still appears to be a sticking point in the Ramos-Zamalek deal, as according to Spanish sports outlet Marca, negotiations would have reportedly fallen through because “the economic reality of the Egyptian team did not meet the footballer’s (financial) demands.”
“It is difficult for Sergio Ramos to sign for Zamalek now at this time, and if the matter had started earlier, it could have been done. Ramos showed us his pleasure in joining Zamalek and playing in Egypt,” said Hani Shoukry, member of the board of directors at Zamalek.
Though it is disappointing, step by step, it feels like countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar and now Egypt are showing that it’s possible to challenge the status quo and bring top international talents home. We’ve often seen ourselves as underdogs, but that’s not always the case—especially for clubs like Zamalek. If being the best is the key to bringing in the best, then Zamalek is already there. For reminders, their trophy cabinet includes fourteen Egyptian League titles, twenty-eight Egypt Cups, five CAF Champions Leagues, and two CAF Confederation Cups.
