Full Name: El-Hany Suleiman Mousa Suleiman
Date of Birth: August 7, 1984 (40 years old)
Place of Birth: Alexandria, Egypt
Height: 1.87 meters (6 feet 2 inches)
Position: Goalkeeper
Nationality: Egyptian
Current Club: Smouha SC (Egyptian Premier League)
Jersey Number: 1
Early Life and Development
El-Hany Suleiman was born and raised in Alexandria, a city renowned for its deep football culture.
He began his football journey at the academy of Al-Ittihad Alexandria Club, where his talent as a goalkeeper quickly stood out due to his physical presence and sharp reflexes.
He made his debut for the first team in a friendly match against Aberdeen (Scotland), where he impressed with his exceptional performance, garnering attention locally and internationally.
Professional Career in Detail
1. Al-Ittihad Alexandria Club (2007–2013):
After graduating from the youth academy, Suleiman established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper for the senior team.
He played 119 official matches in the Egyptian Premier League and earned a reputation as one of the league’s standout goalkeepers.
During the 2008-2009 season, he delivered remarkable performances, attracting interest from major clubs, including Al Ahly and Zamalek.
Al Ahly presented a formal offer worth EGP 10 million in 2009, but Suleiman chose to remain loyal to Al-Ittihad Alexandria out of love for the club.
He was a key figure in Al-Ittihad’s lineup for many crucial games, particularly excelling in matches against Al Ahly and Zamalek.
2. El Gouna Club (2013–2015):
Suleiman transferred to El Gouna and made 10 appearances during his tenure.
Although his stay was brief, he played a significant role in stabilizing the team’s defense in the Egyptian Premier League.
3. Return to Al-Ittihad Alexandria (2015–2019):
Returning to his home club, he played 75 matches during this stint.
He continued to perform consistently, becoming a mentor and leader for younger players.
4. Smouha SC (2019–Present):
Suleiman joined Smouha SC on a free transfer, where he has made 36 appearances so far.
His experience and reliability have significantly contributed to Smouha’s positive results in the Egyptian Premier League and Egypt Cup.
International Career
1. Youth National Teams:
Represented Egypt across various age categories:
Egypt U-17
Egypt U-20
Egypt U-23 (2006–2008): Played 9 matches in qualifiers and preparatory tournaments.
2. Senior National Team (2008–2013):
Played 24 matches for the senior Egyptian national team.
Part of the squad during the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, contributing solid performances in key games.
Transfer Offers and Overseas Prospects
Throughout his career, Suleiman received numerous offers from domestic and international clubs:
Domestic Offers: Major Egyptian clubs like Al Ahly and Zamalek expressed interest in signing him during his peak years with Al-Ittihad Alexandria.
International Offers: He was approached by mid-tier clubs in England, Portugal, and Switzerland, but he opted to stay in Egypt due to his loyalty to Al-Ittihad.
Suleiman has often stated that he would only leave Al-Ittihad Alexandria for an opportunity to play in a top-tier league like the English Premier League or La Liga, ensuring the club benefits financially.
Key Skills and Attributes
Quick Reflexes:
Renowned for his ability to make rapid saves in high-pressure situations.
Penalty Specialist:
An excellent record in saving penalty kicks, making him a go-to goalkeeper for decisive moments.
Leadership:
Acts as a leader on the field, guiding teammates with his extensive experience.
Physical Fitness:
Despite his age, Suleiman maintains exceptional physical condition, enabling him to perform consistently.
Memorable Statements and Legacy
Suleiman is celebrated for his unwavering loyalty to Al-Ittihad Alexandria.
He once stated in interviews that he views Al-Ittihad as his “family home” and would only leave to pursue a career in one of the world’s top football leagues to provide significant financial benefits for the club.
Achievements
Club-Level Success:
Played crucial roles in his teams’ achievements, particularly in high-stakes matches in the Egyptian Premier League and Egypt Cup.
International Recognition:
Represented Egypt on various levels, earning respect for his consistent performances.
Closing Thoughts
El-Hany Suleiman Mousa Suleiman exemplifies dedication, perseverance, and professionalism.
He remains one of the most respected names in Egyptian football, having built a legacy as a dependable and loyal goalkeeper over his illustrious career.
