One-sided Farewell: Bentayik Parts Ways with Zamalek Amid Financial Turmoil

Key developments

Zamalek suffered another major blow after Moroccan Mahmoud Bentayik announced he had unilaterally terminated his contract with the White Castle, due to the club's crippling financial crisis that has led to the neglect of his outstanding payments.

What it means for the team

And Bentayik thus becomes the third Moroccan to depart the White Castle in a short span, after Salahuddin Mesdak and Abdel Hamid Meali, worsening the team's defensive crisis, particularly at left-back where Bentayik had been a regular starter.

Mahmoud Bentayik appeared for Zamalek in 42 matches, averaging 2880 minutes, scoring only two goals, and helped the team win the Egypt Cup and the CAF Super Cup for the 2024-2025 season.

Bentayik had joined Zamalek on a one-year loan, and last March the club's board activated the option to buy the player for one million euros.

Mahmoud Bentayik, aged 26, signed new contracts with Zamalek for three seasons, extending his deal to the end of the 2027-2028 season.

And Bentayik is expected to approach FIFA to seek full remuneration after the unilateral termination, citing non-payment by the club, a move that has become common among foreign players amid the ongoing financial crisis.

Punchline 1: If money talks, Bentayik heard “see you later.”

Punchline 2: Zamalek’s defense might need a statue—something to stare at while the money matters get sorted.