Full Name: Taher Abou Zeid Said Amer
Date of Birth: April 1, 1962
Place of Birth: El-Badari, Asyut Governorate, Egypt
Nationality: Egyptian
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Nickname: Maradona of the Nile
Current Role: Sports Analyst, Former Board Member of Al Ahly SC, Former Minister of Youth and Sports in the government of Hossam Beblawi.
Early Life and Football Beginnings
- Taher Abou Zeid was born in El-Badari, Asyut Governorate, Egypt, on April 1, 1962. His father, Abu Zeid Said Amer, was an English language teacher and later became a school principal.
- Taher started playing football in the streets of his neighborhood. He soon joined his elementary school team and developed a passion for the sport.
- At the age of 10, his family moved to Cairo, where he decided to try out for the Isco club’s youth team. Initially, his father opposed the idea, worried it would interfere with his education. However, his talent caught the attention of Al Ahly's scouts.
- In June 1973, Taher entered Al Ahly’s youth trials and was accepted immediately due to his exceptional talent. His journey at Al Ahly started under the supervision of coach Dr. Amr Abu El-Majd, who guided him through the youth academy.
Professional Career
Al Ahly SC (1973–1992)
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Youth Career Achievements:
- Taher quickly rose through the youth ranks at Al Ahly, scoring 159 goals in youth tournaments, setting a record in the 1975-1976 season with 49 goals, a record that remains unbroken.
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Promotion to the First Team:
- In 1979, at just 17 years old, he was promoted to Al Ahly's first team, where he quickly made a name for himself alongside legendary players such as Salah Selim, Mahmoud El-Khatib, and others.
- He played an essential role in Al Ahly’s success in both domestic and continental competitions.
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Achievements with Al Ahly:
- Egyptian Premier League: 7 titles.
- Egyptian Cup: 5 titles.
- CAF Champions League: 2 titles (1982, 1987).
- CAF Cup Winners’ Cup: 3 titles (1984, 1985, 1986).
- Afro-Asian Club Championship: 1 title (1988).
National Team
- FIFA World Cup 1990:
- Taher represented Egypt in the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy. He played in one match against Ireland, where he was substituted in the 75th minute due to a dispute with coach Mahmoud El-Gohary. This match marked his last appearance in the World Cup.
- Africa Cup of Nations 1986:
- Taher scored a memorable goal against Morocco’s legendary goalkeeper, Badou Zaki, in the semifinals. His free-kick helped Egypt secure a 1-0 win, ending a long-standing jinx against Morocco and propelling Egypt to the final, where they won the tournament.
- FIFA U-16 World Cup 1981:
- Taher captained the Egypt U-16 national team to a stellar performance in the 1981 FIFA U-16 World Cup in Australia. He won the silver boot as the second-highest scorer in the tournament with four goals, despite one of his goals being from a penalty.
- Olympic Games 1984:
- He represented Egypt at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
- International Appearances:
- Taher played 59 international matches for Egypt, scoring 12 goals.
Professional Experience Abroad
- Oman’s Sahar Club:
- In 1991, Taher had a brief stint playing for Sahar Club in Oman, but his time there was cut short due to administrative issues, leading to his return to Al Ahly in December 1991.
Retirement
- After a successful and decorated football career, Taher retired in 1992 at the age of 31. He played his last official match for Al Ahly in the 1992 Egypt Cup final against Zamalek, where he scored a last-minute goal, helping his team secure the title.
- Post-retirement, he represented Egypt in futsal, helping the national team qualify for the Futsal World Cup in Spain in 1997.
Administrative Career After Retirement
- After his playing days ended, Taher became a member of the Al Ahly SC Board of Directors for two consecutive terms.
- He was appointed as Egypt’s Minister of Youth and Sports in 2013 in the government of Hossam Beblawi. During his tenure, he contributed to the development of Egyptian sports and supported local clubs in various disciplines.
Achievements and Trophies
- FIFA World Cup 1990: Participated in the tournament.
- Egyptian Premier League: 7 titles.
- Egyptian Cup: 5 titles.
- CAF Champions League: 2 titles (1982, 1987).
- CAF Cup Winners’ Cup: 3 titles.
- Afro-Asian Club Championship: 1 title (1988).
- Africa Cup of Nations: Winner in 1986.
- Top Scorer of the FIFA U-16 World Cup 1981: 4 goals.
- Best Arab Player 1987: Voted by Al-Watan newspaper (Kuwait).
Legacy and Influence
Taher Abou Zeid is regarded as one of Egypt’s football legends, with his extraordinary skills, leadership qualities, and impact on both Al Ahly and the national team. His technical abilities, including his powerful free kicks and dribbling skills, earned him the nickname "Maradona of the Nile."
Following his retirement, Taher transitioned into sports administration and media, where he continues to be a respected figure in Egyptian football. His legacy is cemented both in the hearts of fans and in the record books, where his name remains synonymous with excellence in Egyptian and African football.
Personal and Social Influence
- Skills and Attributes: Taher was known for his exceptional technical skills, particularly his powerful and precise shots, as well as his creativity in the attacking midfield role.
- Popularity: He remains a beloved figure in Egyptian football, admired for his contributions on the pitch and his leadership within the sport.
