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Mohamed Aboutrika

Mohamed Aboutrika

the greatest players in the history of Egyptian, Arab, and African football

Mohamed Aboutrika

  • Name: Mohamed Aboutrika
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Mohamed Aboutrika is a former Egyptian footballer, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of Egyptian, Arab, and African football. Born on November 7, 1978, in Nahia village, Giza Governorate, Egypt, Aboutrika became renowned for his exceptional skills as an attacking midfielder, excelling in playmaking and scoring crucial goals. He won numerous individual and team awards both domestically and internationally, and is affectionately known as the "Prince of Hearts" for his immense popularity, high moral standards, and humanitarian contributions off the field.

Football Career

Early Career at El-Tersana Club

Mohamed Aboutrika began his professional career with El-Tersana SC, where he quickly caught the attention of football enthusiasts with his superior ball control, precise passing, and ability to score from challenging positions. During his time at El-Tersana, he scored several important goals, making him one of the most promising young talents in the Egyptian Premier League.

Move to Al Ahly SC

In 2003, Aboutrika made a career-defining move to Al Ahly SC, where he became one of the club's all-time legends. He played a pivotal role in Al Ahly’s dominance in both domestic and African football. With Al Ahly, he won numerous titles, including:

  • Egyptian Premier League (7 times)
  • Egypt Cup (2 times)
  • Egyptian Super Cup (5 times)
  • CAF Champions League (5 times)
  • CAF Super Cup (4 times)
  • FIFA Club World Cup Bronze Medal (2006)

Aboutrika was instrumental in Al Ahly’s continental success between 2005 and 2013, scoring in crucial matches like the famous goal against Etoile du Sahel in the 2005 CAF Champions League final, and the decisive penalty in the semi-final of the 2006 FIFA Club World Cup.

Success with the Egyptian National Team

On the international stage, Mohamed Aboutrika played a key role in helping Egypt’s national team win the Africa Cup of Nations twice, in 2006 and 2008. In the 2006 edition, Aboutrika was one of the standout players, scoring the decisive penalty in the final against Ivory Coast. In 2008, he once again led Egypt to glory, scoring the winning goal in the final against Cameroon.

He also played a major part in leading the team to the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, where he delivered an outstanding performance, including scoring two goals against Brazil in a historic match that ended 4-3 in favor of Brazil.

Individual Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Mohamed Aboutrika received many individual accolades, including:

  • Best Player in Africa (Based in Africa) from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) (4 times)
  • Egyptian Premier League Best Player (multiple times)
  • Arab Player of the Year (from various media outlets)
  • CAF Champions League Top Scorer (2 times)
  • All-time Leading Scorer of the CAF Champions League with 31 goals

He was also named among the Top 100 Players in the History of African Football and gained international recognition for his remarkable performances and beloved persona.

Retirement and Post-Football Career

Mohamed Aboutrika officially retired from football in 2013, after leading Al Ahly to their fifth CAF Champions League title during his time at the club. His retirement marked the end of an illustrious career filled with unforgettable moments. He was given a warm farewell by fans, who continue to cherish his contributions to Egyptian and African football.

Sports Analysis and Media Career

After retiring, Aboutrika transitioned to a career in sports analysis, working as a pundit for beIN Sports, where his in-depth understanding of football and insightful analysis have earned him wide acclaim. His popularity in this role is enhanced by his clarity and accuracy in delivering expert opinions on the game.

Humanitarian and Charitable Contributions

Mohamed Aboutrika is also known for his philanthropic work and humanitarian efforts. He has supported various charitable initiatives in Egypt and abroad. One of his most famous moments was his public support for the Palestinian cause, where he displayed a T-shirt with the slogan "Sympathize with Gaza" during the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations, making him a symbol of humanitarian activism in the Arab world.

Legacy and Impact

Mohamed Aboutrika remains not only a football icon but also a role model of sportsmanship and integrity for future generations. His football career and moral values both on and off the pitch continue to inspire millions of fans around the world, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest athletes in Egyptian and African football history.