Full Name: Walid Soliman Said Obaid
Date of Birth: December 1, 1984
Age: 39
Place of Birth: Beni Mazar, Minya Governorate, Egypt
Nationality: Egyptian
Position: Attacking Midfielder, Winger
Status: Retired
Last Club: Al Ahly SC (Egypt)
Early Life:
Walid Soliman was born in Beni Mazar, a small town in the Minya Governorate of Upper Egypt. He grew up in a modest family and developed a passion for football from a young age. He joined Beni Mazar Youth Center and later moved to Haram Police Club's youth team, where he began his football career.
Football Career:
1. El Gouna (2005-2006):
In the 2005/06 season, Walid Soliman joined El Gouna in Egypt's second division, where he wore the number 4 shirt. His impressive performances helped the team secure promotion to the Egyptian Premier League, and he became a key player for the team. In 2006, El Gouna finished third in the Upper Egypt group.
2. Petrojet (2006-2009):
After his success at El Gouna, Walid Soliman moved to Petrojet. In his first season in the Egyptian Premier League (2006/07), he showcased his skills and became one of the league's standout players. His strong performances earned him a call-up to the Egypt national team, where he played a significant role in winning the gold medal at the 2007 Arab Games.
3. Al Ahli Jeddah (2009):
In January 2009, Walid Soliman joined Al Ahli Jeddah on a six-month loan. Despite facing injury setbacks, he made an impact by scoring a memorable goal against Al Raed in the Saudi Pro League. He helped the team qualify for the AFC Champions League, finishing third in the Saudi league. After the loan period, Soliman returned to Petrojet.
4. ENPPI (2010):
In the summer of 2010, many Egyptian clubs, including Al Ahly and Zamalek, sought to sign Walid Soliman. In a controversial move, he joined ENPPI. He had a great season with the club, cementing his place as a key player in the team and also attracting the attention of the national team.
5. Al Ahly SC (2010-2022):
In the 2010/11 season, Walid Soliman completed his move to Al Ahly SC for 8 million Egyptian pounds, which was one of the club's highest-ever transfers. He became a prominent figure in the team over the next decade, playing a key role in winning numerous domestic and continental titles.
- CAF Champions League: 4 titles (2012, 2013, 2020, 2021).
- Egyptian Super Cup: 5 titles (2012, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2020).
- CAF Confederation Cup: 1 title (2014).
- FIFA Club World Cup: Third place (2020), Fourth place (2012).
- Arab Club Champions Cup: 1 title (2019).
Notable Moments in His Career with Al Ahly:
- Goal in the 2012 CAF Champions League Final against Esperance: A stunning goal in the second leg of the final at Rades, helping Al Ahly secure the title.
- Crucial free kick against Ismaily: Scored a fantastic free-kick in a key match that secured the Egyptian Premier League title for Al Ahly.
- Leading Al Ahly to several victories: Soliman was pivotal in numerous matches, contributing with both goals and assists to help Al Ahly win major domestic and international trophies.
Skills and Technical Abilities:
- Free-kick Specialist: Soliman was known for his exceptional ability to score from set pieces, particularly from free kicks.
- Dribbling and Passing: A gifted dribbler with excellent vision and passing accuracy.
- Match Winner: Soliman had the ability to change the outcome of a match with his individual brilliance, often providing decisive goals and assists.
- Football Intelligence: Known for his ability to read the game, he made intelligent decisions under pressure and was a reliable playmaker.
Personal Life:
Despite his success and fame, Walid Soliman remained humble and kept a low profile off the pitch. He was well-respected by teammates, coaches, and fans alike for his professionalism and dedication to the game. His longevity and consistency made him one of the best players of his generation in Egypt.
Legacy:
Walid Soliman is considered one of Al Ahly's greatest players of the modern era. His contributions to the club’s success, both domestically and internationally, solidified his place as a legend at Al Ahly. His performances in key matches and his ability to perform under pressure have made him an iconic figure in Egyptian football.
