Mahmoud Abdel Razek Fadlallah, commonly known as Shikabala, is an Egyptian footballer who currently plays for Egyptian Premier League club Zamalek SC,[1] where he started his football career. He has previously played for PAOK of Thessaloniki.
Shikabala, who was born in Aswan, Egypt, plays a free role, usually in the upper midfield, either as a playmaker, a winger, or an attacking midfielder . He had a short spell in the Greek league with PAOK, however he had to return to Egypt to attend to military duties, so he chose to regather with his previous youth club Zamalek .
Shikabala was the subject of a dispute between PAOK and Zamalek, when he had to move to his youth club Zamalek in January 2007, while still officially belonging to PAOK. FIFA ruled that the move was illegal and suspended him from domestic competition for 6 months and also fined him 990,000 euros[2], a decision that the Court of Arbitration for Sport upheld.[3] The ban ended on 26 October 2008[4] and he made his return in an under 20 game against Haras El Hodood the following day[5]. He was due to make his first senior appearance on 7 November 2008 against Al-Mokawloon Al-Arab[6]
In May 2008, Shikabala was included in the squad to represent Egypt in its qualification matches for the 2010 FIFA World Cup,
Shikabala is now (August 2010) risking another suspension by FIFA, as he signed yet again a new 4 year agreement with Zamalek after having signed a 4 years agreement with the Belgian team RSC Anderlecht in June 2010.
At the 2nd of December 2010 shikabala had scored his first hattrick ever with Zamalek, where the 3 goals have been scored from Free kicks and he said after the match that he is living the best moments in his life with Zamalek this season where the time is first in the league and with the highest score average level since 1982 which Zamalek have its record too.
On december 31 of 2010, he announced his retirement from international football due to racist taunts from rival fans during a league match.[7] Two days later, Shikabala backtracked on his decision to quit the national team.
Honors
With Egypt
2010 Africa Cup of Nations
With Zamalek
* Egyptian Premier League (2003–04)
* Egyptian Cup (2008)
