- Full Name: Karim Hafez
- Date of Birth: March 12, 1996
- Age: 28 years
- Place of Birth: Egypt
- Nationality: Egyptian
- Position: Left-back (Defender)
- Shirt Number: 29
- Current Club: Pyramids FC (Egypt)
Football Career:
Early Career at Al-Mokawloon Al-Arab (Arab Contractors):
- Karim Hafez started his career in the youth academy of Al-Mokawloon Al-Arab, where he showcased significant talent as a left-back. His strong performances quickly drew attention from coaches and club officials.
- He was promoted to the first team in 2014, making his debut in the Egyptian Premier League, where he gained invaluable experience playing against top domestic competition.
Move to Turkey with Eskişehirspor:
- In 2016, Karim Hafez made a major career move by transferring to Eskişehirspor in the Turkish Süper Lig. This was a significant step up for the young player, as he gained exposure to a more competitive league in Europe.
- Hafez played a key role in Eskişehirspor's defense, becoming one of the regular starters in the team. During his time in Turkey, he significantly improved his technical skills and developed his attacking game, especially with his crossing ability.
Return to Egypt with Pyramids FC:
- In 2021, Hafez returned to the Egyptian Premier League by joining Pyramids FC. Since joining, he has established himself as an integral part of the team's defense, particularly on the left flank.
- Hafez continues to play a crucial role in Pyramids FC, contributing to both defense and attack. His ability to provide quality crosses and track back defensively has made him a key player for the club under coach Ramón Díaz.
Achievements with Pyramids FC:
- Egyptian Premier League: Hafez helped Pyramids maintain a solid defensive line in the domestic competition.
- CAF Confederation Cup: Hafez was part of Pyramids' successful campaign in the continental competition, where the team reached the advanced stages.
- Egyptian Cup: Hafez is aiming to help Pyramids secure domestic trophies, including the prestigious Egyptian Cup.
International Career with Egypt:
- Karim Hafez made his debut for the Egypt national team in 2018 and has since been part of the squad for various friendly matches and qualifiers.
- Though competition in his position is intense, Hafez remains committed to earning more opportunities to represent his country in major international tournaments like the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and World Cup qualifiers.
Style of Play:
-
Position: Karim Hafez plays as a left-back, a role that requires a balance between defensive duties and attacking contributions. Hafez is known for his ability to defend well while also pushing forward to support the attack.
-
Crossing Ability: One of Hafez's standout skills is his ability to deliver accurate crosses into the box. His crossing technique has been key in creating scoring opportunities for his teammates from the left flank.
-
Defensive Strength: Hafez is known for his strong defensive skills, particularly in one-on-one situations. He is capable of making crucial tackles and interceptions, and he is effective in dealing with aerial duels and set pieces.
-
Speed and Physicality: Hafez possesses good speed, which allows him to cover a lot of ground defensively and join counter-attacks. He also has a strong physical presence, which helps him in aerial duels and direct confrontations with attacking players.
-
Ball Distribution: Hafez has the ability to pass the ball effectively, often initiating attacks from the back or creating overloads on the left side.
Future Prospects:
- Ambitions with Pyramids FC: Hafez is aiming to help Pyramids FC secure more domestic and continental titles, including the Egyptian Premier League and the CAF Champions League.
- Future with Egypt National Team: Hafez is hoping for more international opportunities with the Egyptian national team, especially with the upcoming AFCON 2024 and 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Summary:
Karim Hafez is a talented left-back with excellent defensive and attacking abilities. After gaining experience in the Turkish Süper Lig, he returned to Egypt and has become an essential part of Pyramids FC's defense. His speed, crossing ability, and defensive skills make him a valuable asset for both his club and national team. Hafez continues to work towards achieving more success with Pyramids FC and representing Egypt in future international tournaments.
