Egypt is an African country in the northeast of the continent. The Land of the Pharaohs is one of the best and most dominant countries in Africa when it comes to football. The seven-time Africa Cup of Nations winner has produced incredibly talented footballers over the years. These Egyptian football players set records, won trophies and experienced incredible moments throughout their careers. Here are the five greatest Egyptian football players of all time.
1. Mohamed Aboutrika
The former Egyptian international is arguably the best midfielder the North African country has ever produced. Aboutrika was known for his creative skills and talent for scoring important goals. He was part of the Egyptian squad that won a historic treble of AFCON titles in 2006, 2008 and 2010. Mohamed won an impressive 100 caps for Egypt in his career from 2001 to 2013, scoring 38 goals. The lively attacking midfielder was also a legend at Egyptian club Al Ahly, with whom he won several domestic titles and five CAF Champions League trophies. He was named BBC African Player of the Year in 2008 and was named Egyptian Player of the Year four times in a row between 2005 and 2008. Mohammed Aboutrika is also one of the most underrated African football players of all time.
2. Hossam Hassan
The legendary striker is considered one of Egypt's greatest scorers. Hossam played an impressive 176 times for the senior team between 1985 and 2006. With 68 goals, he is also his country's top scorer. Hassan played most of his career in Egypt and played a prominent role for Al Ahly there. There he won several national trophies and continental cups. Hossam Hassan is one of the most decorated football players and also the third most capped player in international men's football.
3. Ahmed Hassan
Hassan is the Egyptian national team's record holder, with 184 appearances for the Pharaohs between 1995 and 2012. The midfielder was known for his passing range and technical ability on the ball. Ahmed also scored a lot with 33 goals. He played for some European clubs, but like most Egyptian players, he played a lot in the national league. He was the captain of the legendary Egyptian team that won three consecutive AFCON titles.
4. Mohamed Salah
This list wouldn't be complete without mentioning the living Egyptian legend himself. The magical winger and striker is without a doubt the best player to ever come from Egypt. His dazzling skills and breathtaking goals are some of the reasons why he is considered one of the best players in the world. So far he has played 80 times for the Pharaohs, scoring 47 goals and counting. He was named African Footballer of the Year in 2017 and 2018. Mo Salah is currently fighting for the 2024 AFCON trophy and is on his way to becoming a true African football legend.
5. Essam El Hadary
The former Egyptian goalkeeper is considered one of the greatest players in Egyptian history. El-Hadary was part of the famous Egyptian team that was so dominant in the mid-2000s. He was revered for his ability to stop shots and his composure in front of goal. In 2018, Essam played in Egypt's final group match against Saudi Arabia at the FIFA World Cup, officially becoming the oldest player to participate in the tournament, at 45 years and 161 days.
