East Bengal FC Has Mutually Parted Ways with Hamid Ahadad

East Bengal FC has announced a mutual separation with Moroccan forward Hamid Ahadad, bringing an end to the striker’s six-month stint with the Kolkata giants. The decision, confirmed on January 5, 2026, comes as the 30-year-old expressed his desire to be with his family during this uncertain period in Indian football.

A Family-Driven Decision

According to the official statement released by East Bengal on social media, the parting was mutual and driven by personal circumstances. “East Bengal FC has mutually parted ways with Hamid Ahadad. The decision comes after Hamid expressed his desire to be with his family during this period,” the club stated. “As a club that values the well-being of its players beyond the pitch, we have decided to honour his wishes.”

The timing coincides with widespread concerns about the delayed ISL season and financial instability affecting multiple clubs across Indian football. While Ahadad did not explicitly link his departure to these issues, his exit marks another setback for East Bengal as they prepare for the upcoming season.

A Promising Start Cut Short

Hamid Ahadad joined East Bengal in July 2025 from Maghreb de Fès with considerable fanfare. The Moroccan international, who earned 20 caps for his country, arrived with an impressive resume including stints at Zamalek SC and Raja Casablanca. His signing was met with optimism, with Ahadad expressing excitement about experiencing the famous Kolkata Derby.

His introduction to Indian football couldn’t have been scripted better. Making his debut against Namdhari FC in the Durand Cup on August 6, 2025, Ahadad came off the bench in the 61st minute and scored just seven minutes later. His perfectly timed header from Miguel Figueira’s corner secured a 1-0 victory and took East Bengal to the top of Group A.

Following his dream debut, Ahadad continued to contribute across various competitions. He scored twice in two IFA Shield appearances and made three Super Cup appearances. While his time at the club was brief, his performances showed promise and suggested he could have been a valuable asset.

Impressive Career Background

Before joining East Bengal, Ahadad built a distinguished career across Africa’s competitive leagues. At Raja Casablanca, he won the Botola Pro Inwi title in 2019-20, scoring nine goals in 22 appearances. His time with Egyptian giants Zamalek SC proved particularly successful, winning the Egyptian Premier League in 2020-21, the CAF Confederation Cup in 2018-19, and the Saudi-Egyptian Super Cup in 2018.

Throughout his career in Morocco’s top division, Ahadad logged 162 appearances, scoring 45 goals and providing 14 assists across spells with FUS Rabat, Wydad AC, and other prominent clubs. His international experience and proven track record made him an attractive signing for East Bengal.

Career Statistics at East Bengal

Player Profile

Part of a Broader Exodus

Ahadad’s departure fits into a larger pattern of foreign players leaving ISL clubs during January 2026. The uncertainty surrounding the league’s start date, combined with financial concerns and the lack of a clear commercial partner, has prompted several international players to seek opportunities elsewhere. Mumbai City FC also confirmed the departure of Spanish defender Tiri, highlighting the challenges facing Indian football.

This exodus of foreign talent represents a significant concern for the league’s overall quality. The ISL has built its reputation partly on attracting experienced international players who raise standards. Losing multiple foreign players simultaneously risks undermining these gains and creating a perception of instability.

East Bengal must now quickly identify a replacement forward while managing other squad needs ahead of the delayed ISL season. The club’s statement indicated they have begun searching for Ahadad’s successor, though no specific targets were mentioned.

For Ahadad, the decision to prioritize family over professional commitments reflects the difficult choices players sometimes face. While his time in Indian football was brief, his dream debut goal and subsequent performances suggested he possessed the quality to succeed in the ISL.

The mutual respect evident in the parting statements reflects well on both parties. As Indian football navigates its current challenges with the ISL 2025-26 season start date expected to be announced next week, East Bengal must regroup and prepare for what promises to be a challenging campaign.

Read More: AIFF–ISL Co-ordination Committee Orders Immediate Announcement of ISL 2025–26 Start Date

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