In terms of World Cup experience, Egypt are relatively an unknown entity on the scene.
But the nation has delivered some great players throughout the years.
Here, we will take a look at the five best players in the history of Egyptian football.
#5 Mido
Older generations will remember Mido as a prodigy on Football Manager. But in reality, the former striker was a pure class, albeit a bit more eccentric.
During his two years at Ajax between 2001 and 2003, Mido earned a reputation as one of the hottest attacking prospects in Europe.
Though he experienced a couple of lacklustre spells at Marseille and Roma, he flourished at Tottenham Hotspur, becoming one of the most exciting Premier League prospects.
Yet, hot hot and a lack of discipline soon saw Mido turn into a somewhat journeyman as he wandered in England for a few years before returning to his country in 2011.
After a year in his boyhood club Zamalek, he moved to Barnsley in 2012 to finish his career as an unfulfilled talent.
#4 Ahmed Elmohamady
Not many African players can boast such an impressive career in the Premier League as Ahmed Elmohamady since he joined the league in 2010.
During his 11-year stint in England’s top division, the attacking-minded defender amassed 197 appearances for the likes of Sunderland, Hull City and Aston Villa.
Elmohamady launched his Premier League journey at Sunderland in 2010 before moving to Hull in 2012.
However, he earned worldwide recognition for his illustrious spell at Villa Park, helping the Lions gain promotion from the Championship in 2018/19.
After racking up 129 competitive outings for Villa, the 34-year-old parted ways with the West Midlands outfit in 2021 upon the expiration of his contract.
He is currently a free agent.
#3 Mahmoud Trezeguet
Mahmoud Trezeguet kickstarted his European adventure at Anderlecht in 2015, but he established himself as a household name at Kasimpasa.
In just two years in Turkey, the versatile forward tallied 25 goals and 18 assists, growing into one of the most prolific wingers in the Super Lig.
Trezeguet’s eye-catching showings at Kasimpasa triggered an £8.75m move to Villa in 2019.
Unfortunately for the Egyptian star, things did not work well for him in Birmingham as he had to leave for a six-month loan at Istanbul Basaksehir in February 2022.
An inspiring short-term spell in Turkey could reinforce Trezeguet’s bid to cement his place at Villa Park next season.
#2 Mohamed Elneny
Widely regarded as one of Egypt’s best midfielders of all time, Mohamed Elneny has experienced mixed fortunes since swapping Basel for Arsenal in 2016.
His blistering performances in Switzerland between 2013 and 2016 saw him make a £7.4m switch to the Emirates Stadium six years ago.
But despite joining the Gunners with high expectations, the 29-year-old has blown hot and cold in the Premier League.
He even spent the 2019/20 season on loan at Besiktas to reignite his career.
After a few troublesome years in London, Elneny found his feet under Mikel Arteta last season.
In fact, he grew into one of Arsenal’s most consistent performers down the tail-end of the campaign.
#1 Mohamed Salah
Considered one of the best players in the world and amongst the greatest African players of all time, Mohamed Salah tops the list for a good reason.
The left-footed forward has taken the Premier League by storm since swapping Roma for Liverpool in 2017, helping the Reds win numerous major trophies.
The three-time Premier League Golden Boot winner has netted 120 goals in 193 appearances in England’s top-flight, becoming the second-fastest player to hit a 100-goal landmark in the league.
At 29, Salah already has a host of club and individual accolades under his belt and he still has plenty of time to add to his illustrious trophy cabinet even as he works through a long-standing contract saga with his club.
Salah was an integral part of Liverpool’s ‘Golden Generation’ that won their first Premier League title in 30 years.
He has also featured in three Champions League finals in five years with the Reds, lifting the crown in 2018/19.
Talking to L’Equipe, Salah admitted he wants to win the Ballon d’Or.
“I want to win it to join George Weah, the only African [in 1995],” he said.
No one can put it past the high-flying superstar to achieve his goal in the future.
