Saleh Selim
was a renowned Egyptian football player and actor
Saleh Selim
Saleh Selim (September 11, 1930 - May 6, 2002) was a renowned Egyptian football player and actor, celebrated as one of the most significant figures in Egyptian and Arab sports, and a prominent icon of Al Ahly SC.
Early Life
Saleh Selim was born on September 11, 1930, in the Dokki neighborhood of Giza Governorate. His father, Dr. Mohamed Selim, was a pioneer in anesthesia in Egypt, and his mother, Mrs. Zaynab Al-Sharaf, hailed from a family of Sharifs from Mecca. From a young age, Saleh developed a passion for football, playing with neighborhood children. He joined the Orman Preparatory School team and later represented the Secondary School National Team before being scouted by Al Ahly’s youth team in 1944.
Football Career
Saleh made his debut for Al Ahly’s first team at the age of seventeen. His first match was against Al Masry in 1948, where he scored the winning goal. Over his career, he achieved 11 league titles out of 15 competitions, 8 Egypt Cup titles, and the United Arab Republic Cup in 1961. He captained the Egyptian national team to victory in the Africa Cup of Nations in 1959 and participated in the 1960 Rome Olympics. Throughout his football career, Saleh scored a total of 101 goals, including 9 during his professional stint in Austria.
Achievements
Saleh Selim holds the record for scoring seven goals in a single match. He also led Al Ahly to win 53 championships during his tenure as club president, earning immense respect and admiration. His famous motto, "Al Ahly above all," highlighted his dedication and passion for the club.
Artistic Career
Beyond football, Saleh ventured into acting, appearing in films such as "The Seven Girls," "The Black Candles," and "The Open Door." Despite many offers for acting roles, he declined, feeling that he did not excel in that field.
Personal Life
Saleh married Zaynab Lotfi after completing his education, and they had two sons, Hisham and Khaled. Their marriage lasted until his death in 2002.
Saleh Selim's legacy endures as a symbol of excellence in sports, deeply respected and remembered for his contributions to Egyptian football and culture.