Essam El Hadary

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The High Dam

Essam El Hadary

Biography of former football player Essam El Hadary

Essam El Hadary

  • Name: Essam El Hadary
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Full Name: Essam Eddin Kamal Tawfik El-Hadary
Nickname: The High Dam
Date of Birth: January 15, 1973
Place of Birth: Kafr El-Battikh, Damietta, Egypt
Nationality: Egyptian
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 1.88 meters
Key Club: Al Ahly SC (1996–2008)
National Team: Egypt (1996–2018)

Early Life and Beginnings

  • Essam El-Hadary was born in Kafr El-Battikh, Damietta, where he grew up in a football-loving environment.
  • He began his football journey with Damietta Club in Egypt's second division, where his talent as a goalkeeper quickly gained attention.
  • His promising performances earned him a move to Al Ahly SC in 1996, marking the beginning of an illustrious career.

Club Career Highlights

Move to Al Ahly and Rise to Fame

  • El-Hadary joined Al Ahly SC in the summer of 1996, where he spent 12 years filled with success and iconic moments.
  • Over time, he became the team’s first-choice goalkeeper and played a pivotal role in securing numerous local and continental titles.

Key Moments with Al Ahly

  • Crucial Saves: Played a significant role in Al Ahly's triumphs, particularly in the CAF Champions League campaigns.
  • 2001 CAF Champions League: His penalty shootout heroics against Mamelodi Sundowns secured the title.
  • 2005 & 2006 CAF Champions League: Delivered outstanding performances, cementing his reputation as one of Africa's best goalkeepers.
  • El-Hadary made over 400 official appearances for Al Ahly during his time at the club.

Departure from Al Ahly

  • In 2008, El-Hadary made a controversial move to FC Sion in Switzerland, which caused a significant fallout with Al Ahly management and fans.
  • Despite the controversy, he continued to perform at a high level in the clubs he joined post-Al Ahly.

Career with Other Clubs

After leaving Al Ahly, El-Hadary played for several clubs and maintained his high standards:

  1. FC Sion (2008–2009):
    • Helped the team win the Swiss Cup.
  2. Ismaily SC:
    • Delivered consistent performances and became a fan favorite.
  3. Al-Merrikh (Sudan):
    • Won the Sudanese Premier League and the Sudanese Cup.
  4. Wadi Degla SC:
    • Played as the team captain and helped stabilize the club in the Egyptian Premier League.
  5. Zamalek SC & Al Ittihad SC:
    • Continued to showcase his experience and leadership skills.

International Career

Early Days and Breakthrough

  • El-Hadary began his journey with the Egyptian national team in 1996 and quickly established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper.

Major Achievements with Egypt

  1. 1998 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON):
    • Won his first continental title as part of the Egyptian squad in Burkina Faso.
  2. Golden Era (2006–2010):
    • Played a key role in Egypt's historic AFCON triumphs in 2006, 2008, and 2010, delivering iconic performances in penalty shootouts and earning the tournament's best goalkeeper award multiple times.

2018 FIFA World Cup

  • At the age of 45, El-Hadary made history as the oldest player ever to participate in a FIFA World Cup, playing against Saudi Arabia in Russia.
  • His save from a penalty kick in that match was a testament to his enduring talent and determination.

Playing Style and Key Attributes

1. Exceptional Reflexes

  • El-Hadary was renowned for his quick reactions, especially in close-range situations.

2. Confidence and Leadership

  • Known for his commanding presence on the field, he was a vocal leader who inspired teammates with his determination.

3. Penalty-Saving Specialist

  • His ability to save penalties made him a formidable opponent in high-pressure situations.

4. Physical Fitness

  • El-Hadary maintained peak physical condition throughout his career, enabling him to compete at the highest level well into his 40s.

Individual and Team Achievements

With Al Ahly SC

  1. Egyptian Premier League: 8 titles.
  2. CAF Champions League: 3 titles (2001, 2005, 2006).
  3. CAF Super Cup: 3 titles.
  4. Egypt Cup: 4 titles.
  5. Egyptian Super Cup: 4 titles.

With Other Clubs

  • Swiss Cup with FC Sion.
  • Sudanese Premier League with Al-Merrikh.

With Egypt National Team

  1. Africa Cup of Nations: 4 titles (1998, 2006, 2008, 2010).
  2. Arab Games Gold Medal.

Individual Accolades

  1. Best Goalkeeper in the AFCON (2006, 2008, 2010).
  2. Recognized as one of Africa's greatest-ever goalkeepers.
  3. Holds the record as the oldest player in FIFA World Cup history.

Retirement and Coaching Career

  • El-Hadary officially retired in 2020 after a career spanning over 25 years.
  • Transitioned into coaching, serving as the goalkeeping coach for Egypt’s national team and other clubs.
  • Aspires to mentor a new generation of talented goalkeepers, sharing his vast experience and knowledge.

Legacy and Inspiration

Essam El-Hadary, affectionately known as "The High Dam," is more than just a goalkeeper; he is a symbol of resilience and determination. His legendary career, filled with unforgettable moments and records, has inspired countless players and fans in Egypt, Africa, and beyond.