Mohamed Aboutrika has been named the greatest Egyptian football of all time in a FIFA poll. He beat the likes of Hossam Hassan and Mahmoud Al-Khateeb by taking a staggering 56% of the poll. Lesser known outside his native country, Aboutrika won most of his professional medals at Al-Ahly where he led the team to five CAF Champions League victories.
A surprise perhaps to fans of the English Premier League, who have followed the exceptional achievements of Mohamed Salah at Liverpool over the last few years, Aboutrika is one of Egypt’s biggest footballing stars to never play in arguably Europe’s best league.
He started at Tersana where he moved through the ranks of its academy. His debut for the first team came in 1997 before joining AL-Ahly in 2004 where he won a number of titles. During this time he also starred in Egypt’s national triumphs, winning the African Cup of Nations twice in 2006 and 2008.
Yet, perhaps it’s actually the former midfielder’s achievements off the pitch that led to his popularity. Indeed, fans adored him for his humanitarian work in the middle east making him a big celebrity in the Arab world.
The philosophy graduate is, however, best remembered for the tragic events that took place in 2012 when a riot between fans of Ahly and Masry ended in 74 people being killed. In their efforts to help where they could, Aboutrika told a 14-year old, who was fatally injured, “I’m glad to have met you.” That still resonates in the Egyptian footballing world, ultimately making the footballer a symbol of the revolution that followed.
While Salah took an impressive 36% of the vote, players that are solely known for their sporting prowess – Mohamed Elneny, Mido, Mahmoud Al-Khateeb, Amr Zaki, Ahmed Elmohamady and Hossam Hassan – were left in the shadow of a man who has transcended the game, bridging the gap between players and supporters in ways others have not.
Many outside Egypt who are unfamiliar with the adoration Aboutrika receives in his homeland will argue the footballing achievements of others may be better suited to an award from football’s governing body. For example, this year Mohamed Salah’s goals and assists, which have helped make Liverpool favorites in every match they’ve played this season for unibet football betting players, is a man whose skilful attributes and star-status in Europe would make him many people’s pick for Egypt’s best ever.
But the Al-Ahly favorite distinguished himself from those that chased the riches of Europe’s biggest leagues. His reputation was built on being a family man, someone who wanted to be at home; he was taken to the hearts of fans inside and outside the stadium. The fact he never triumphed in the race to African Footballer of the Year is perhaps indicative of his reputation for achievements off the pitch. His recent FIFA accolade is therefore a fitting tribute to someone who was more than just a good footballer.
