Full Name: Mohamed Abdullah Zidan
Date of Birth: December 11, 1981
Place of Birth: Port Said, Egypt
Nationality: Egyptian
Height: 1.78 m
Position: Striker / Winger
Marital Status: Married to Mahitab El-Shazly, father of two children.
Early Life and Background
Mohamed Zidan was born in a modest neighborhood in Port Said, where he grew up in a football-centric community. From an early age, he showed exceptional talent and passion for football, spending most of his time playing in the streets of his hometown. His skills caught the attention of scouts, leading him to join the youth ranks of Al-Masry SC, one of Egypt’s historic clubs.
Despite limited opportunities with the senior team, it was evident that his talent was destined for a much bigger stage, propelling him to seek opportunities abroad.
Football Career
1. Early Beginnings with Al-Masry SC
- Zidan began his football journey with Al-Masry’s youth team.
- Although he played sparingly for the senior side, his talent was undeniable, prompting a move to Europe for greater challenges.
2. Professional Career in Denmark (The Turning Point)
- In 1999, Zidan made the bold decision to join FC Midtjylland in Denmark, marking the start of his professional career abroad.
- He excelled in the Danish Superliga, scoring 30 goals in 47 matches over a short period and establishing himself as one of the league’s top strikers.
- Zidan won the Danish Superliga Foreign Player of the Year Award, reflecting his remarkable impact.
3. Bundesliga Journey in Germany
After his success in Denmark, Zidan attracted attention from top European clubs, leading to his move to Germany’s Bundesliga, where he experienced the most prominent phase of his career:
Werder Bremen
- Zidan’s first stop in Germany was with Werder Bremen, where he contributed significantly but faced stiff competition for a starting role.
Mainz 05 (Breakthrough Period)
- Zidan transferred to Mainz 05 during the 2005-2006 season, marking the turning point of his career.
- Under the guidance of renowned manager Jürgen Klopp, Zidan thrived, scoring decisive goals and becoming Mainz’s standout player.
- He recorded 22 goals in 67 appearances, earning recognition as one of the Bundesliga’s most exciting forwards.
Borussia Dortmund (League Title Winner)
- Zidan joined Borussia Dortmund, one of Germany’s biggest clubs, where he became part of their historic 2010-2011 Bundesliga-winning team.
- Despite struggling with injuries, he played a vital role in the squad, contributing goals and assists during pivotal matches.
- Zidan’s time at Dortmund was marked by his partnership with Jürgen Klopp, helping to build the club’s golden era.
Hamburg SV
- Later in his career, Zidan moved to Hamburg SV, where he continued to deliver strong performances before his career gradually wound down due to age and injuries.
4. Return to Egypt and Retirement
- Following a long and successful journey in Europe, Zidan returned to Egypt.
- In 2015, he officially announced his retirement, concluding a career that spanned more than 15 years.
International Career with Egypt
- Debut Match: Zidan first represented the Egyptian national team in 2004.
- He played a pivotal role in Egypt’s golden generation under coach Hassan Shehata.
- Participated in three Africa Cup of Nations tournaments (2006, 2008, 2010) and contributed significantly to Egypt’s triumphs in:
- 2008: Delivered a stunning performance, including a memorable goal against Cameroon in the final.
- 2010: Played a key role in Egypt’s success, showcasing his skill and experience.
- Scored 13 goals in 44 international appearances for Egypt.
Achievements
Club Achievements:
- Bundesliga Title with Borussia Dortmund:
- 2010-2011 season.
National Team Achievements:
- Africa Cup of Nations:
- 2008 (Ghana).
- 2010 (Angola).
Individual Honors:
- Danish Superliga Foreign Player of the Year.
- Frequently included in the Bundesliga Team of the Week during his time with Mainz and Dortmund.
Playing Style and Personality
As a Player:
- Speed: Zidan’s exceptional pace made him a constant threat on counterattacks.
- Technical Skill: He was known for his remarkable dribbling ability, often outmaneuvering top defenders.
- Tactical Intelligence: His vision and ability to create chances for teammates were invaluable assets.
- Finishing: Zidan had a reputation for his accurate and powerful long-range shots.
As a Person:
- Zidan was known for his cheerful and charismatic personality, endearing him to teammates and fans alike.
- His celebratory antics and interaction with the crowd made him a fan favorite wherever he played.
Life After Retirement
- After hanging up his boots, Zidan ventured into sports analysis, collaborating with major sports channels to provide expert insights on football matches.
- He also entered the business world, launching ventures related to sports and community development.
- Additionally, Zidan became involved in charitable initiatives, particularly supporting youth development in his hometown of Port Said.
Legacy
Mohamed Zidan remains one of Egypt’s most iconic footballers, representing a shining example of success for players aspiring to excel on the international stage. His journey from the streets of Port Said to the Bundesliga epitomizes hard work and perseverance.
Zidan’s charisma, skill, and achievements continue to inspire young footballers in Egypt and across Africa.
