Among the highlights of Mohamed Shawky’s senior international career, which began when he made his debut in 2001, were goals scored against African giants Cameroon both home and away in the qualifying phase for the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™. He was also one of a select few who played every single minute of Egypt’s triumphant 2006 and 2008 African Cup of Nations’ campaigns.Shawky’s professional career began gathering momentum during his time at Egyptian club Al Masry, with the player selected by Shawky Gharieb, then Egypt’s youth national team coach and now assistant to senior head coach Hassan Shehata, to represent the country at the 2001 edition of the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina.

After playing a part in the Young Pharaohs’ impressive charge to third place, Shawky was signed by domestic powerhouses Al Ahly. He developed into a key member of the Al Ahly squad that won back-to-back CAF African Champions League titles in 2005 and 2006, before deciding to leave his homeland in favour of a move to Middlesbrough in the English Premier League – much to the chagrin of Al Ahly supremo Manuel Jose.

However, given that Boro manager Gareth Southgate used him only sparingly, Shawky recently announced that he would seek a move away from the relegated club. Despite these travails, Egypt boss Shehata still considers the man to be his first-choice defensive midfielder and a vital part of the backbone of his team.