Egypt's oldest player to feature in the World Cup, known for his impressive goalkeeping skills and record-breaking appearances.
Essam El Hadary, fondly known as "The High Dam," is an Egyptian goalkeeping phenomenon who etched his name in the annals of football history with an illustrious career spanning over two decades. With an impressive 159 international appearances for Egypt and a plethora of titles with Al Ahly, El Hadary solidified his position as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time.
Born on January 15, 1973, in Kafr El Battikh, Damietta, Egypt, El Hadary's fascination with football began without his parents' knowledge. He would secretly play with his friends, washing his muddy clothes in a local river to avoid being discovered. His talent was soon recognized by a local football team, and at 17, he signed with Second Division club Damietta.
El Hadary's big break came when he joined Egyptian champions Al Ahly in 1996. Over the next 12 years, he won an astonishing eight Egyptian Premier League titles, four Egypt Cups, four Egyptian Super Cups, four CAF Champions League titles, three CAF Super Cups, one Arab Club Champions Cup, and two Arab Super Cups. His incredible reflexes, shot-stopping abilities, and leadership qualities made him an indispensable asset to Al Ahly.
El Hadary's success wasn't limited to club football. He represented Egypt in four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, winning the title four times and being named the tournament's best goalkeeper on three occasions. His 159 appearances for Egypt place him third on the list of all-time appearances for the national team.
In 2018, at the age of 45 years and 161 days, El Hadary became the oldest player in history to play in a World Cup match. This remarkable feat cemented his status as a footballing legend, earning him recognition and admiration worldwide.
After hanging up his gloves, El Hadary was close to becoming the goalkeeping coach of Tunisian club CS Sfaxien. However, his mother's illness forced him to reconsider, and he eventually stepped back from the opportunity.
Essam El Hadary's remarkable career is a testament to his dedication, perseverance, and passion for the beautiful game. His achievements serve as an inspiration to aspiring footballers, and his legacy will continue to be felt in the world of football for generations to come.
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Egyptian defender who played for Al Ahly and the national team, winning numerous titles and earning over 100 caps. He's a legendary figure in African football.
