Zamalek SC signs Oday Dabbagh from Charleroi
Dabbagh becomes the fourth Palestinian player Zamalek has signed since the Asian Cup and will look to link up with fellow Palestinian Adam Kaied.
After conquering leagues in Asia and Europe, an African adventure awaits Oday Dabbagh- Palestine’s all-time top scorer.
Oday Dabbagh put pen to paper on a four year deal with the Cairo giants. Zamalek had long been admirers of the Palestinian and were thrilled that things lined up this offseason to secure his arrival.
In spite of failing to find a stable club to call home in Europe, Dabbagh departs the continent with 26 goals and five assists registered in four seasons. The Jerusalemite was at the peak of his powers with Arouca where he managed more goals than league starts in the Portuguese top-flight. He fell out with the team’s administration over a contract renewal in his second year but his goals led them to an historic top five finish in the 2022/23 season and an historic semifinal cup run.
His debut season with Charleroi was difficult as the team battled relegation but Dabbagh finished the season as the team’s top scorer. Without those goals Les Carolos would have been relegated.
New manager Rik de Mill had other ideas for the 2024/25 season and Dabbagh found playing time hard to come by. When he did score his lone goal for the club to save a point against Standard Liege on November 30th, 2024 the club’s fans took offence to a shushing gestured he made in celebration.
With the fans now against the player- Dabbagh had no choice but to leave and he found refuge in Scotland with Aberdeen. While mostly used as a back up to Scotland striker Kevin Nisbet, Dabbagh found great success in the Scottish Cup. Dabbagh scored a double against Queen’s Park to send Aberdeen to the semifinal. In the semifinal he came off the bench to score a dramatic winner to send The Dons to their first cup final in eight years.
Against Celtic at Hampden Park, the 26 year old once again played a crucial role off the bench. The Dons scored after shortly after his introduction in the 79th minute and he was full of running during the 30 minute period of extra time.
Dabbagh’s last kick of the ball for Aberdeen would prove to be absolutely critical. Tasked with the third penalty kick, the fromer Hilal Al-Quds striker burried his attempt in the top corner past Kasper Schmeichel to maintain Aberdeen’s advantage in the shootout. The Dons would go on to prevail 4-3 and halt Celtic’s quest for a domestic sweep.
With one year left on his Charleroi contract, Dabbagh returned to Belgium for preseason at the beginning of July. There was a mutual agreement from both sides to engineer an exit and Zamalek, having tracked the striker for years, was keen to secure his services.
Dabbagh, with playing time a top priority, was ready to listen to Zamalek’s offer. The pitch was perfect- Zamalek needs goals and Oday needs playing time.
A new administration headed by sporting director John Edward Nassif has prioritized Palestinian players as part of a strategy to rebuild the squad. Adam Kaied signed for the White Knights last month and the side is currently working on securing the services of Hamed Hemdan from Petrojet.
Omar Faraj, purchased last year, by the old administration has also returned from his loan to Degerfors IF.