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Essam El-HadaryEgyptian footballer, goalkeeper
Date of Birth: 15.01.1973
Country:  Egypt |
Content:
- Early Career and Rise to Fame
- Club Successes with Al-Ahli
- Record-Setting Performances
- Controversial Transfer to Sion
- Return to Egypt and International Career
- Four Africa Cup of Nations Titles
- Participation in the FIFA Confederations Cup
- Awards and Accolades
Early Career and Rise to Fame
Essam El-Hadary is an Egyptian footballer renowned as a goalkeeper for the Saudi Arabian club Al-Taawoun and the Egypt national team. His remarkable career has been marked by numerous accomplishments, including four triumphs in the Africa Cup of Nations with the Egyptian national team (1998, 2006, 2008, 2010).
El-Hadary began his football journey with his hometown club, Dumyat, in Egypt's second division, where he spent four seasons. In July 1996, he joined Egypt's most successful club, Al-Ahli, where he remained for 12 seasons. During his tenure with Al-Ahli, El-Hadary won numerous titles both in Egypt and Africa.
Club Successes with Al-Ahli
El-Hadary played a pivotal role in Al-Ahli's success, contributing to the team's victories in seven Egyptian Premier League titles, four Egyptian Cups, and four Egyptian Super Cups. The club also participated in two FIFA Club World Cups, finishing fifth in 2005 and third in 2006.
Record-Setting Performances
El-Hadary holds the distinction of being the most capped player in international football among active players. He also boasts one of the longest "clean sheet" streaks, maintaining 1288 minutes without conceding a goal from February 28 to August 21, 2006.
Controversial Transfer to Sion
In 2008, El-Hadary took advantage of a FIFA rule allowing players to terminate their contracts after a certain number of seasons. He left Al-Ahli and signed with Swiss club FC Sion, a move that was met with resistance from his former club and Egyptian fans. FIFA ultimately imposed a four-month ban on El-Hadary for breach of contract.
Return to Egypt and International Career
El-Hadary returned to Egypt in 2009, joining Ismaily. He has been a mainstay in the Egyptian national team since 1996, making his debut at the Africa Cup of Nations in Burkina Faso, where he served as the backup goalkeeper behind Nader El-Sayed.
Four Africa Cup of Nations Titles
El-Hadary became the starting goalkeeper for Egypt in 2006 and played a heroic role in that year's Africa Cup of Nations final. He saved penalties from Didier Drogba and Bakari Koné, securing Egypt's fifth African title in a 4-2 penalty shootout victory.
El-Hadary led Egypt to another triumph in the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations, this time as team captain. He was named to the team of the tournament following the victory.
Participation in the FIFA Confederations Cup
El-Hadary represented Egypt at the FIFA Confederations Cup in 1999, 2009, and 2013. In 2017, he broke the record for the oldest player to participate in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Awards and Accolades
El-Hadary has received numerous individual accolades, including being named Africa's Best Goalkeeper by CAF twice (2001 and 2006). His achievements on the field have solidified his status as one of Africa's greatest goalkeepers.
