Ziad El Sheiwi extends contract until 2026

Austria Wien has tied Ziad El Sheiwi to the club for the long term. The 18-year-old signed a new contract, valid until summer 2026. After suffering a torn cruciate ligament in December, the left-back is currently working on his comeback.

"For me, a little dream comes true. To sign such a long-term contract at the club where I practically grew up is incredible. I also think that in the current situation as an injured player, it is not a matter of course, so I'm even more pleased with the confidence in me," said Ziad El Sheiwi.

The left-back has been playing for the Veilchen since 2011 and went through the entire junior squad from U9 to U18 as well as Austria Wien's academy. On the first matchday of the 2021/22 season, El Sheiwi made his debut for the Young Violets in the 2nd division, where he made eight appearances until the fall of 2021.

On October 16, the then 17-year-old was in the starting eleven for the home match against Admira, making his Bundesliga debut without ever having been in the squad of the first team before. Five more appearances followed, including four from the start, before El Sheiwi tore a cruciate ligament in his right knee in the Vienna derby on December 5, 2021.

Since then, Ziad El Sheiwi, who immediately played his way into the hearts of many Austria fans last year, has been working almost continuously on his return. "The rehab is going well, there are no side effects at the moment and the knee is not causing any problems. As soon as I'm fit again, I want to fully attack and come back better than before."

Sporting director Manuel Ortlechner: "I remember back to the derby where Ziad got injured. At the time, I ran down from the stands onto the pitch and assured him while he was still on the stretcher that he shouldn't worry and that we would extend his contract in any case. We've now made good on that promise. What makes me particularly happy is the fact that Ziad has signed until 2026. He is not only a huge talent and great as a person, but also a full-blooded Veilchen. We hope that he will come back even stronger than he already performed in the fall. Then he is unstoppable anyway."

Coach Manfred Schmid: "Ziad had an incredible development until his injury, you had the feeling that he continues to adapt every week. He has huge potential and I'm really happy that he has decided to stay with Austria Wien for the long term. We in the team and the entire club will still have a lot of joy in and with him."