Football

The Magican of Cairo: A portrait of football legend Mohamed Aboutrika

Egypt's Al-Ahly forward Mohamed Aboutrika reacts with joy after scoring a goal against Japan's San Frecce Hiroshima during their 2012 Club World Cup quarter-final football match in Toyota on December 9, 2012. (Photo: Toru YAMANAKA/AFP)

By Sports Reporter | Saturday, December 30, 2023

Aboutrika was a vocal advocate for social justice and humanitarian causes. He championed education, donating generously to schools and charities. His integrity and humility endeared him to millions, becoming a role model for young Egyptians across the nation.

Mohamed Aboutrika was more than just a footballer.

Born in Giza, Egypt, in 1978, Aboutrika's love for football blossomed early. His talent shone through at Tersana SC, where he honed his skills, weaving magic with the ball at his feet. In 2004, he made the life-changing move to Al Ahly, the beating heart of Egyptian football. Here, his legend truly took flight.

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Aboutrika wasn't a typical forward. He wasn't the burly striker breaking through defences; he was an artist, a conductor orchestrating play from the midfield. His vision was unparalleled, his dribbling mesmerising and his passing pin-point accurate. He could turn defence into attack with a single, deft touch, leaving defenders bewildered and fans awestruck.

Mohamed Aboutrika (L) fights for the ball with Italian defender Fabio Cannavaro as Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon (R) watches during the Fifa Confederations Cup football match Egypt vs Italy on June 18, 2009 at the Ellis Park stadium in Johannesburg. Photo: ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP)

Accolades

Aboutrika's artistry translated into silverware. He lifted the CAF Champions League trophy five times with Al Ahly, establishing himself as the club's greatest player of the modern era. He led Egypt to three Africa Cup of Nations titles, scoring the decisive penalty in the 2006 final and the winning goal in 2008. Individually, he was nominated thrice for the African Footballer of the Year award, coming closest in 2008 with a second-place finish.

Beyond the Pitch:

Aboutrika's influence extended far beyond the confines of the football pitch. A devout Muslim, he was a vocal advocate for social justice and humanitarian causes. He championed education, donating generously to schools and charities.

The Controversial Chapter

Aboutrika wears a tee shirt reading "Sympathize with Gaza" as he celebrates his goal 1-0 against Sudan in Kumasi on January 26, 2008, during the African Cup of Nations football championship. (Photo: AFP)

However, Aboutrika's life hasn't been without its thorns. His outspoken support for the Muslim Brotherhood, a banned political group in Egypt, drew criticism and controversy. 2015 he was accused of funding the group, facing temporary detention and asset seizures. This episode cast a shadow over his legacy, sparking heated debates about his political activism and its impact on his footballing achievements.

An Enduring Legacy:

Despite the controversy, Mohamed Aboutrika's footballing genius remains undeniable. He is hailed as one of the greatest African footballers ever, a magician who captivated millions with his skill and grace. His dedication to social causes and his unwavering faith cemented his place as a national hero. Though he may face criticism for his political views, his on-field contributions to Egyptian and African football are etched in history, forever inspiring generations of aspiring footballers.

He retired on December 20, 2013, after Egypt failed to qualify for Brazil's 2014 FIFA World Cup.

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