Nov 7

Nov 7 The 5 Greatest Egyptian Footballers of all-time

The 5 best Egyptian football players to play for their country

The Pharaohs of Egypt are the most successful team on the African continent, having won the African Cup of Nations a record 7 times, with 3 in the 21st century alone.

While no longer the force of old currently, the Egyptians have still produced some fantastic players throughout their history, players likely unknown to the current average football fan.

There’s a reason why football is one of the most popular sports in Egypt!

In this post, we’re discussing 5 of the best Egyptian footballers to ever play.

1. Mohamed Aboutrika

Position: Attacking Midfielder / Forward

Caps: 100

Goals: 38

Considered to be the greatest Egyptian player of all-time, Mohamed Aboutrika’s contribution to the national team and Egyptian football was shorter than most of the peers on this list, yet Aboutrika’s impact was similar or even greater.

His senior international debut came on 19th March 2001 at 22-years old. Aboutrika was then in his fourth season as a pro at Egyptian side Tersana. A very late bloomer in his career, the forward wouldn’t get his second cap till 2004, when Aboutrika scored in the game versus Trinidad and Tobago, making sure he stayed in the setup.

After a second goal in his third cap, the attacker would go on to earn 7 more caps that year, scoring 3 more goals. His career was propelled after his move to Egyptian giants Al Ahly in 2004, and Aboutrika would play for said club for the rest of his career.

Having scored 7 goals in 26 caps, Aboutrika was called up for the 2006 AFCON. At the tournament, the forward played 5 of Egypt’s 6 games, scoring twice during the group stages as well as the winning penalty in the final to secure Egypt’s first major trophy since 1998.

After performing so admirably in his first major international tournament, Aboutrika was rewarded with a place in the team of the tournament. Afterwards, Aboutrika became an integral part of the national setup, amassing 12 caps between the post-06 AFCON and pre-08 tournament. Aboutrika was called up to the 2008 AFCON.

At the 08 AFCON, the maestro played all 6 of his nation’s games, scoring 4 goals with 2 coming in the group and 2 in the knockout rounds; with 1 being the winning goal (and only goal) in the final versus Cameroon.

He scored the winning goal in two consecutive AFCON finals, and by this point, Aboutrika was already an Egyptian icon. While he wasn’t voted player of the tournament, Aboutrika was named in another team of the tournament.

Next was the 2009 Confederations Cup, where the attacker played all 3 of his nation’s games as Egypt exited in the group stage. Despite a poor collective performance, Aboutrika was named in the team of the tournament for his individual performance.

His last international tournament was the 2012 Olympic games, where he captained the U-23 team to the QF stage. Playing in the forward line of a 4-3-3, Aboutrika netted 2 goals in 4 starts in an impressive display. His last senior international cap came in November 2013 at the age of 35. A one-time African footballer of the year, Aboutrika was a fantastic finisher with immense composure. Although a set-piece specialist, most of his goals came as a result of great positioning, and Aboutrika had poacher-like instincts.

Proficient with both feet and blessed with powerful long shots, Aboutrika ranks third in Al Ahly’s top goalscorers of all-time (126).

2. Mohamed Salah

Position: Forward

Caps: 71

Goals: 45

Mohamed Salah isn’t the most successful footballer to have represented The Pharaohs, but he is the most talented. His senior international debut came on the 3rd of September 2011 at 19-years old. This was during the forward’s third season as a pro at Egyptian side Al Mokawloon. His first goal for Egypt came soon after, during his second cap versus Niger. After 2 seasons of consistent senior football, Salah was called up to represent Egypt at the 2012 Olympics football tournament.

At the Olympics, Salah played all 4 (3 starts) of the Pharaoh’s games, scoring in every group game. Playing on the flanks of a 4-3-3, Salah was initially a bench player but he scored as a substitute in the 1st game versus Brazil, forcing his way into the starting line-up as a result. After his spectacular performance at the 2012 games, Salah became a regular in the Egypt setup; amassing 17 caps by the end of 2012, with 8 goals scored.

It didn’t take long for the mercurial winger to become the star of the team, netting his first international hat-trick in June 2013. By Salah’s first international tournament, the 2017 African Cup of Nations, he had netted 29 goals in 47 caps.

An undisputed starter at the tournament, Salah played all 6 of Egypt’s games, netting twice as the Pharaohs narrowly missed out on glory to Cameroon in the final. Playing either as the #10 or a right-winger in a 4-2-3-1, Salah’s excellence was rewarded with a place in the AFCON team of the tournament.

After moving to Liverpool in the summer of 2017 and scoring 44 goals in his debut season, Salah became a global phenomenon. Thankfully for Egypt, the forward continued to impress in national colours as well, scoring 5 goals during the qualification campaign for the 2018 World Cup.

This made him the Pharaoh’s top scorer of the campaign. His brace in the 2-1-win versus Congo confirmed Egypt’s place at the World Cup, with a last-minute penalty sealing victory. This was Egypt’s first World Cup since 1990.

A shoulder injury caused some trepidation but Salah thankfully made Egypt’s WC squad. At the tournament, Salah missed the first game but started the next two, scoring in both games versus Russia and Saudi Arabia in an ultimately disappointing WC showing from the Pharaohs, as they exited in the group stage. Salah sparkled individually though, scoring all of his country’s goals.

After scoring 20+ goals in consecutive seasons for the Reds after his debut season, as well as 4 goals in 3 AFCON qualifying games for Egypt, Salah had illustrated his quality and consistency and was now seen as a world-class player. At the 2019 AFCON hosted by Egypt, Salah was initially played as a striker in a 4-3-3 but after not scoring in the first game, was switched back to the right-wing of a 4-2-3-1.

This led to 2 goals in his next 2 group games, propelling the Pharaohs to the Round of 16. Unfortunately, the Egyptians fell to South Africa in the R016, yet it was undeniable that Salah had once again stood out from his teammates during the tournament. The forward was made captain of his national team in September 2019.

Often compared to Lionel Messi, Salah is certainly not at that level- but he is close. A goalscoring winger with fantastic close control and devastating pace, Salah is often deployed on the right flank so he can cut in on his stronger left foot to create chances or shoot. The Egyptian’s stronger foot is a wand with which he’s scored more than a few wondergoals, but Salah is also capable of using his right foot.

A FIFA Puskas award winner, Salah is also a 2x EPL golden boot winner and 1x PFA Players’ POTY.

3. Ahmed Hassan

Position: Attacking Midfielder / Winger

Caps: 184

Goals: 33

Egypt’s most capped player of all-time, as well as the most capped player from Africa, Ahmed Hassan’s legacy stems from his longevity in the international game.

A staple of the Pharaohs setup for over 15 years, Hassan’s senior international debut came on 29th December 1995, during the attacker’s first season as a pro at Egyptian side, Aswan. Initially a right-back, Hassan immediately became a regular in the national setup, earning 7 more caps by the end of 1996.

Hassan’s first international tournament with the Pharaohs was the 1998 African Cup of Nations. At the tournament, Hassan started 5 of his side’s 6 games as Egypt won their fourth-ever AFCON trophy, and first since 1986. Still a defensive player at the time, Hassan helped his side keep a clean sheet in each game he played.

In fact, the only game he didn’t play versus Morocco, Egypt conceded and lost the game. Hassan also scored the opening goal of the 98 AFCON final, a blasted shot from 30-yards which will live long in the memory of Egyptians.

Despite his exceptional defensive displays across the tournament and decisive performance in the final, Hassan was inexplicably excluded in the team of the tournament. Consolation came in the form of recognition from Europe, and the Egyptian was rewarded for his AFCON performance with a move to Turkish side Kocaelispor.

Hassan immediately became a regular in Turkey and this ensured his continued involvement with the Pharaohs. Between the 98 AFCON and the 1999 Confederations Cup, he earned 11 caps. As a result, Hassan was called to represent Egypt at the Confederations Cup.

At the CC, Hassan started all 3 of the Pharaohs’ games as Egypt were knocked out in the group stages. Playing in central midfield of either a 4-3-3 or 5-3-2, Hassan netted once in a decent individual display at the tournament. Next was the 2000 AFCON, which came only 5 months after the 99 CC. At the tournament, Hassan played 3 of Egypt’s 4 games as his side only reached the quarterfinals.

The versatile maestro continued to illustrate his importance to the team after these tournaments, amassing 29 caps between 2000 and 2002. He was also a regular for Turkish side Gençlerbirligi at the time. These factors necessitated his call-up to Egypt’s 2002 AFCON squad. At the tournament, Hassan started all 4 of the Pharaohs’ games as Egypt crashed out in the QFs once again. 12 more caps were earned by Hassan between 2002 and 2004, as well as a move to Turkish giants Besiktas where he immediately became a regular in the starting line-up, as well as on the scoresheet.

At the 2004 AFCON, Egypt continued their then-recently disappointing record in continental competition, exiting in the group stage this time as opposed to the QFs. Hassan started all of his side’s games in a mediocre display from both player and team. Hassan and the Pharaohs redeemed themselves in 2006, triumphing on home soil which made the victory a bit sweeter. Having already surpassed 100 caps at this point, as well as earning 14 caps since the 04 AFCON, Hassan was undoubtedly going to be a part of the 06 Egypt squad.

Mercurial yet dependable, Hassan was made captain of Egypt’s national team before the 2006 AFCON. He started all 6 of the Pharaohs’ games, netting 4 goals to propel his country to the apex of the continent once more. 3 of the 4 goals came in the knockout rounds, with 2 being opening goals of the QFs and SFs. Hassan’s stellar AFCON performance earned him a place in the team of the tournament, as well as being named player of the tournament.

His 2006 AFCON performance earned him a move to Belgian giants Anderlecht and Hassan hit the ground running at another club, playing as the #10 in a 4-3-1-2. He scored 20 league goals in 56 games during his 2 seasons in Belgium, while amassing 15 caps during that period as well. Consistently good form for club and country led to Hassan being called up for the 2008 AFCON. At the tournament, Hassan led the Pharaohs to their second consecutive AFCON triumph, aged 32.

He played in 5 of his nations 6 games at the tournament. A few months after the 2008 AFCON, Hassan moved back to Egypt to round out his career, transferring to Egyptian giants Al Ahly. After scoring on his debut versus rivals Zamalek, Hassan continued to be a regular starter for club and country, amassing 13 caps for the latter between 2008 and 2009. He was called up to Egypt’s 2009 CC squad as a result. Hassan played all 3 of the Pharaohs’ games as Egypt exited early, helping his side keep a clean sheet in a 1-0-win versus Italy.

At the 2010 AFCON, Hassan became the player to have won the most AFCONs (4) in history, guiding Egypt to a treble of continental trophies in the 21st century.

Playing in central midfield of either a 4-4-2 or 5-3-2, Hassan started all 6 of his nation’s games, netting three goals (2 in the knockout rounds) and leading his side to 4 clean sheets in an age-defying overall display at 34 years old. His virtuoso performance at the 2010 AFCON led to another player of the tournament triumph for Hassan, as well as a second inclusion in the team of the tournament.

Hassan’s last international game came in May 2012 at the age of 37. Having played in a record-breaking 7 consecutive AFCONs in his career, and triumphed in 4, Ahmed Hassan is one of the greatest players the continent has ever witnessed in action.

A naturally talented footballer, Hassan’s versatility saw him play in various roles; from right-back to the wings to central midfield. A set-piece specialist also capable of piledrivers from distance with his favoured right foot, Hassan’s longevity in conjunction with his quality will ensure he’s remembered as one of the greatest ever.

4. Hossam Hassan

Position: Striker

Caps: 176

Goals: 68

The Pharaohs’ top scorer of all-time, Hossam Hassan is a legend in Egypt due to prolifically scoring for Egypt as well as the nation’s two biggest sides, Al Ahly and Zamalek. His senior international debut came on September 10th 1985 at the age of 19- Hassan was in his second season as a pro at Egyptian giants Al Ahly at the time.

Initially a sporadic member of the Pharaohs, amassing only 4 caps by the end of 1986, Hassan began to feature more regularly in 1987, with 6 caps in this year alone.

His first international tournament was the 1986 AFCON, and it ended successfully as Egypt won their third-ever continental trophy. Hassan was more of a squad member then, appearing only once at the tournament. By AFCON 88 though, the attacker had become a more prominent part of the team. He started all 3 of his nation’s games as Egypt defended the trophy in disappointing fashion, exiting in the group stage. Despite the poor collective display, Hassan was now an established member of the national setup.

Between the 88 AFCON and the 1990 World Cup, Hassan earned a ludicrous 35 caps. He also continued to score prolifically for Al Ahly, ensuring his place in the 1990 WC squad. At the tournament, Hassan started all 3 of the Pharaohs’ games as the Egyptians were eliminated in the group stage. Playing as a striker in a 3-5-2 and 4-4-2, Hassan performed decently but didn’t manage to score. He continued to feature for Egypt afterwards, earning 14 caps between 1990 and 1992.

Having moved to Europe in 1990, Hassan featured occasionally for Greek side PAOK and Swiss Side Neuchatel Xamax in the next 2 years. Despite his poor club form, he was still trusted to be part of Egypt’s squad for the 1992 AFCON. At the tournament, Hassan played all of his side’s games as Egypt disappointed once again.

As a result of poor performances in international tournaments, Hassan was dropped for Egypt’s 1994 AFCON squad. His next call-up for a major tournament was the 1998 AFCON. In the period between the 92 and 98 AFCON, Hassan continued to play for Egypt in friendlies and qualifiers, earning 55 caps. He had also moved back to Egypt in 1992, becoming an even more prolific goalscorer for Al Ahly on his return. At the tournament, Hassan had one of the best individual performances of all-time, scoring 7 goals in 6 games to fire Egypt to their 4th AFCON title.

Having scored 5 goals during the group stages and 2 in the SFs, Hassan was vital to his country’s success, scoring 70% of the team’s goals at the tournament. His displays earned him the golden boot as well as a place in the team of the tournament. Afterwards, Hassan was seen as an indispensable member of the team. He amassed 12 caps between the 98 AFCON and the 99 Confed. Cup, getting a call-up as a result.

At the CC, Hassan played only once as Egypt failed to progress past the group. Soon after was the 2000 AFCON, where the striker played a more prominent part. He played all 4 of the Pharaohs’ games, scoring 3 goals as Egypt reached the QFs. Scoring in each group game, one of Hassan’s goals was the winner versus fellow giants Senegal. After moving to Zamalek in 2000 and continuing to score prolifically there, as well as getting 7 caps in 2001, Hassan was called up to the 2002 AFCON.

At the 02 tournament, the marksman played 2 of Egypt’s 4 games as the Pharaohs only reached the QFs. Hassan’s last international tournament was the 2006 AFCON, and it ended on a high as Egypt won their 5th continental title, and first since 1998. Hassan played 3 of his nation’s 6 games, with his only goal coming in the 4-1 QFs demolition of DR Congo. His last cap came in February 2006, aged 39.

A legend in Egypt due to his domestic success (14 league titles won with Al Ahly and Zamalek respectively), goals, and longevity, Hossam Hassan was a complete #9. Standing at 5 feet 10 inches, the striker had fantastic positioning and was brave in the air with fantastic heading skills. Underrated with the ball at his feet, Hassan was often part of quick passing and interplay right before inevitably finishing off team moves.

Hassan’s career lasted 24 years, which is very rare in the modern game.

5. Essam El Hadary

Position: Goalkeeper

Caps: 159

Egypt’s most-capped goalkeeper and third-most-capped player of all-time, Essam El Hadary was the Pharaohs’ last line of defence for over 20 years.

His senior international debut came on 25th March 1996 at the age of 23- El Hadary was in his third season as a pro at Egyptian side Damietta. An occasional member of the national team in the first year, the shotstopper began to appear more regularly in 1997, earning 9 caps that year after only 2 in the previous year.

El Hadary was in the 1998 AFCON squad as Egypt won the trophy but made no appearances, only serving as a backup to Nader El-Sayed. His first major international tournament caps would be earned during the 1999 Confederations Cup. He appeared in all 3 of his nation’s games as Egypt crashed out in the group stages.

El Hadary didn’t keep a clean sheet at the tournament, and failed to claim his stake to start for Egypt in more prestigious competitions.

As a result of his poor 99 CC performance, El Hadary served as backup once again at the 2000 AFCON, making no appearances.

He was given a chance at the starting goalkeeper again at the 2002 AFCON, and he performed decently, keeping 1 clean sheet in the 4 games he played as The Pharaohs reached only the QFs. His average performance didn’t convince the Egyptian coaches, and El Hadary ended up not even in the squad for the 2004 AFCON.

After El Sayed’s retirement in 2005, El Hadary was called up to replace him in the Pharaohs’ squad for the 2006 AFCON. At the tournament, the shotstopper was immense, keeping 3 clean sheets and conceding only 3 goals in the 6 games he played, as Egypt won their first continental trophy since 1998.

Essam El Hadary - Legendary Egyptian Goalkeeper

El Hadary’s fantastic individual performance at the 06 AFCON earned him a place in the team of the tournament. Now seen as Egypt’s #1, El Hadary earned 16 caps between 2006 and 2008, while also playing consistently for Egyptian giants Al Ahly.

This all but certified his place in the Pharaohs’ 2008 AFCON squad. At the tournament, El Hadary played all 6 of his nation’s games as Egypt retained the continental title, keeping 2 clean sheets including in the 1-0 final win versus Cameroon.

The shotstopper was named goalkeeper of the tournament, as well as being included in the team of the tournament. Between the 08 AFCON and the 09 CC, El Hadary earned 14 caps. Consistency with the national team paired with El Hadary’s move to Swiss side FC Sion, which saw the ‘keeper playing consistently in Europe, and guaranteed his CC spot for Egypt.

He played all 3 games at the tournament, keeping 1 clean sheet in a win versus Italy in an otherwise mediocre showing from the Egyptians. Next was the 2010 AFCON, where Egypt completed a treble of AFCON triumphs. El Hadary was exceptional at this competition, keeping 4 clean sheets in 6 games played, and conceding only twice all tournament. For the third time in a row, he was named in the team of the tournament, as well winning ‘keeper of the tournament for the second time running.

After three consecutive continental triumphs, Egypt then failed to qualify for the next 3 AFCONs, a spectacular fall from grace. In this period, El Hadary still appeared quite frequently for the Pharaohs, amassing 29 caps between 2010 and 2016. Now back in Egypt and playing regularly for Egyptian side Wadi Degla, the shotstopper was called to represent Egypt at the 2017 AFCON. At the tournament, he played all 6 games as Egypt almost won the trophy during their first tournament in 7 years, falling short in the final to Cameroon.

El Hadary kept 4 clean sheets at the tournament, a herculean effort, and conceded only 3 goals in the 6 games he played. He was once again voted into the AFCON team of the tournament for the 4th time. The shotstopper’s last international tournament was the 2018 World Cup, with El Hadary’s making only one appearance on the biggest stage, captaining his side versus Saudi Arabia in the final group game. This would also be El Hadary’s last international cap, as he retired aged 45 years old.

The oldest player to debut and play at a World Cup, Essam El Hadary aged like a fine wine. Initially unreliable in his early career, the shotstopper grew into his role as he matured with time, and subsequently became one of the best ‘keepers in Africa during the 21st century. El Hadary is the oldest goalkeeper to save a penalty at the World Cup (in the Saudi game), as well as being tied with Ahmed Hassan as the player to have won the most AFCONs (4).

Honorable Mentions

Abdel-Zaher El-Saqqa Ahmed Fathy, Mahmoud El Khatib, Abdulrahman Fawzi, Magdi Abdelghani, Amr Zaki, Ahmed Shobair, Samir Kamouna, Abdel Sattar Sabry, Mohamed Zidan, Mohamed Shawky, Hassan El-Shazly. Ahmed El-Kass, Hosny Abd Rabdo, Radwan Yasser, Emad Moteab, Wael Gomma, Mahmoud El-Gohary, Hany Ramzy, Gamal Abdel-Hamid, Rabie Yassin and Nader El-Sayed.