Sports

15 Greatest Egypt Players in Football History [Ranked]

Published

3 hours ago

June 15, 2026

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Egypt is a land of history, landmarks and cultural importance. Alexandria, the country’s second-largest city, located at the western edge of the Nile River delta, housed one of the largest and most significant libraries of the ancient world. A hive of knowledge and power, it’s no wonder that Egypt’s empirical stature spread into many facets of modern life.

For the North African nation, it’s clear that their methodological approach and thirst for knowledge has seeped down to football — as Egypt presents itself as one of the continent’s bastions of ability. Egypt is Africa’s oldest national football team, and proudly holds a record seven Africa Cup of Nations victories. The Pharoahs, as they’re aptly nicknamed, have made multiple appearances in the World Cup and were the first-ever African and Middle Eastern team to make such an appearance.

The country have had some legendary and talented players turn out for them over the years, including current Liverpool star Mohamed Salah. But where does he rank among the 15 greatest Egyptian players in football history?

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15

Omar Marmoush

Career span: 2016-Present

During his time in the Bundesliga with Eintracht Frankfurt, Omar Marmoush was considered one of the best strikers on the planet. 15 goals and 10 assists in the first half of the 2024/2025 season caught the attention of Manchester City, who paid £59 million for his services.

Despite minutes with City being harder to come by than they were in Germany, the Cairo-born forward has scored some impressive goals since his arrival. He suits up for his country alongside Mohamed Salah and gives Egyptian fans a lot to be excited about going forward, and he’ll be hoping that his talent can lead his country to a first AFCON title since 2010.

14

Ahmed Elmohamady

Career span: 2004-2021

A two-time winner of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (2008, 2010), where he played in a third final in 2017, Ahmed Elmohamady is ranked 11th in our rankings. Having initially started his career as a centre-forward, it was as a right-back that he finally exploded onto the scene.

Transferred from Egyptian club ENPPI to Sunderland in 2010 (on loan), the Pharaohs international went on to spend more than ten years playing in the Premier League and Championship, alternating between promotions and promotions during his English years. During this European adventure, he also played for Hull City and Aston Villa, with whom he will retire in 2021 before becoming one of the club’s ambassadors.

Ahmed Elmohamady’s international career
Egypt caps	91
Egypt goals	6
Egypt assists	10

13

Mohamed Diab Al-Attar

Career span: 1944-1958

Mohamed Diab Al-Attar, also known as Ad-Diba, is one of the greatest African players of all time. The attacking leader of Al-Ittihad Alexandria Club, he made history by finishing top scorer in the inaugural season of the Egyptian Premier League in 1948.

A club with which he spent his entire career before, in 1958, he swapped his football boots for those of a referee in a post-career that occupied some twenty years of his life. On the international front, he was a member of the Egyptian team that won the 1957 African Cup of Nations, where he also finished as Golden Shoe winner.

Mohamed Diab Al-Attar’s international career
Egypt caps	29
Egypt goals	22
Egypt assists	–

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12

Mahmoud Al-Gohary

Career span: 1955-1961

Mahmoud Al-Gorahy is remembered as the first man in history to win the African Cup of Nations as both a player and a coach. The first of these successes came in 1959, two years after the Egyptians’ first triumph and almost 40 years before he lifted the prestigious trophy as a manager.

Unfortunately for him, his career on the field was shorter than he had expected, as knee problems prevented him from completing what many had thought was a promising adventure. And so it was after just six years with Al Ahly, with whom he won numerous titles, including five championships, that he finally decided to retire.

Mahmoud Al-Gohary’s international career
Egypt caps	5
Egypt goals	3
Egypt assists	–

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11

Abdulrahman Fawzi

Career span: 1928-1947

It would certainly have been difficult to compile this list without also including the first African goalscorer in the history of the World Cup. Abdulrahman Fawzi, a legend on the Egyptian national football scene whose career with Al-Masry and Zamalek is still remembered, made history at the 1934 World Cup.

At that tournament, he not only became the first player from the continent to find the net, but also the first to score twice. This impressive feat was achieved against Hungary, who might even have conceded a third goal had Fawzi not had his effort disallowed for a more than debatable offside position.

Abdulrahman Fawzi’s international career
Egypt caps	3
Egypt goals	3
Egypt assists	–

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10

Mohamed Zidan

Career span: 1999-2015

Here is a true cult striker. Mohamed Zidan was an excellent forward for both club and country, yet it’s his domestic career that sees him feature. He ventured through eight different teams and it all began when he left Egypt for Denmark as a young player. Zidan developed a knack for finishing, as well as positional awareness and fine dribbling, and progressed from Akademisk Boldklub to FC Midtjylland before scoring exploits saw him move to the Bundesliga with Werder Bremen.

Zidan and the Bundesliga just clicked, and he embarked on an eight-year stay that reaped a DFL-Ligapokal in 2006 with Bremen, and back-to-back league titles with Borussia Dortmund in 2010/11 and 2011/12. Sandwiched between those accolades were Zidan’s two mercurial stints at Mainz with 22 goals in 41 games, before a third saw him score seven goals in 12.

Perhaps a prelude to the German’s famous relationship with another Egyptian forward, it’s no wonder Jurgen Klopp held the second striker in such high regard. Under Klopp’s stewardship, Zidan scored a total of 36 goals and registered 14 assists in 118 games split across both Mainz and Dortmund.

Internationally, the striker who had a penchant for coloured hair – when he wasn’t clean-shaven – scored 13 goals in 44 games and could’ve flourished further had it not been for his fallings out within the national team set-up. The striker still won two Afcon titles with his country though, and played a keen part too – scoring his side’s second goal in the semi-finals of the 2010 edition as Egypt demolished Algeria 4-0.

Mohamed Zidan’s international career
Egypt caps	44
Egypt goals	13
Egypt assists	8

9

Hassan El-Shazly

Career span: 1959-1978

Hassan El-Shazly deserves recognition in this list as a prelude to so many excellent Egyptians that followed him. A dedicated servant of Tersana, where he won just one Egyptian Premier League and two league cups, El-Shazly was described as a simply devastating shooter, being lethal with both feet. The Giza native went down as the Africa Cup of Nations’ all-time top Egyptian scorer, and domestically, he was the Egyptian Premier League top goalscorer four times – which contributed to him becoming the all-time top scorer in the division with 173 goals.

Internationally, El-Shazly never won a Cup of Nations, yet by finishing third three times, he still left his mark on the tournament. He was the top scorer with six goals at the 1963 Afcon and scored five goals in the 1970 edition, before he scored his 12th goal in the competition four years later, becoming Egypt’s all-time top scorer at the tournament.

A winner’s medal did come at the 1965 Arab Games when he was the tournament’s top scorer with nine goals. In total, he played 62 international games and scored 49 goals for his country.

Hassan El-Shazly‘s international career
Egypt caps	62
Egpyt goals	49
Egypt assists	N/A

8

Mahmoud El Khatib

Career span: 1972-1988

Nicknamed Bibo, El Khatib is this list’s second forefather of Egyptian football. He was an icon during the 70s and 80s and was honoured as African Footballer of the Year in 1983, before going one better to be named as the Arab Sportsman of the 20th century. He was recognised by IFFHS as the joint 11th-best African player of the last century and by CAF in 2007 as the second greatest.

A hugely dominant figure with Al Ahly, El Khatib won almost a dozen domestic titles with the Cairo giants and also crucially helped build the club’s continental reputation, playing a role in their CAF Champions League triumphs in 1982 and 1987.

El Khatib won the continental crown with Egypt in 1986 and also played at the Olympic Games two years earlier. After retirement, El Khatib embarked on a sports management career before he was elected onto Al Ahly’s board. In 2004, he became the vice-president of Al Ahly, before being elected as president in 2017. A fine finisher with an unrelenting engine, El Khatib was also the Egyptian League’s top scorer twice.

Mahmoud El Khatib‘s international career
Egypt caps	54
Egpyt goals	24

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7

Mohamed Barakat

Career Span: 1995-2013

A right-footed playmaker, Mohamed Barakat typically played as a right-winger or attacking midfielder for Al Ahly and Egypt. In his pomp, the elegant Barakat was deemed by many to be one of the most talented players in Africa. His hallmarks were surging runs from midfield which often disrupted opposition defences, as well as a box-to-box work ethic, which made him an important figure both in defence and attack.

For Al Ahly, Barakat scored 41 goals in 149 league games, and became a feared member of Egypt’s ‘Bermuda Triangle’, a front three comprising Barakat, Mohamed Aboutrika and Emad Moteab.

Barakat was at the peak of his powers in the mid-2000s. He helped his club win the CAF Champions League in 2005 and 2006 respectively, as well as Egypt’s fifth Afcon that same year on home soil. In total, Barakat achieved a whopping 25 honours with Al Ahly including seven Egyptian Premier League titles.

Individually, 2005 was a crowning year for Barakat, as he won the BBC African Footballer of the Year award ahead of Cameroon’s Samuel Eto’o and Obafemi Martins of Nigeria.

Mohamed Barakat’s international career
Egypt caps	70
Egpyt goals	9
Egypt assists	2

6

Wael Gomaa

Career Span: 1993-2008

So far, forward-thinking players have dominated this list. However, it must be said that Egypt can produce excellent defenders too. Regarded as one of the best African defenders of all time, Wael Gomaa was known for his passing accuracy and the ability to score from both corners and free-kicks. Although not the tallest centre-back at 6ft, Gomaa was an athletic presence and possessed great jumping ability to score important headers – evidenced by his goal in the CAF Champions League 2008 final against Cotonsport Garoua of Cameroon.

Gomaa started his career with Ghazl El Mahalla, before his raw talent caught the eye of Al Ahly, who Mahalla played in the 2001 Egyptian Cup final. Following the move, Gomaa went on to make 364 appearances and steadily established himself as Al Ahly’s best defender. With the Cairo club, Gomaa won 26 honours.

For the national side, Gomaa made his debut in 2001 before developing into a pivotal part of a three-time Afcon-winning side. In the 2008 and 2010 tournaments, the defender played in every game – and rose to the occasion consistently to defend against top European league players such as Didier Drogba and Samuel Eto’o.

Wael Gomaa’s international career
Egypt caps	114
Egpyt goals	1
Egypt clean sheets	40

Sports

25 Greatest Portugal Players in Football History [Ranked]

Published

9 minutes ago

June 15, 2026

admin

When it comes to the world of football, Portugal certainly has provided a fair few special talents over the years. And while they may still be awaiting a first-ever World Cup win, no international tournament feels complete without the iconic red and green colours of the European nation.

Countless Portuguese stars have dazzled, with the current game littered with those from the Iberian Peninsula. Cristiano Ronaldo, for instance, will go down as one of the best players to ever grace the sport. But which of his fellow countrymen also deserve to be regarded in a similar vein?

To solve this dilemma, GIVEMESPORT has written up a list, ranking the 30 greatest players to ever play for Portugal.

Ranking factors

International achievements (honours, appearances, goals, assists, etc)
Club achievements (honours, appearances, goals, assists, etc)
Individual awards
Legacy within football

25

Ricardo Quaresma

Ricardo Quaresma, the Portuguese winger who flopped at Barcelona

Ricardo Quaresma was one of the most gifted and unpredictable players of his generation. Known for his flair, creativity and trademark trivela passes and shots, he could produce moments of magic that few others could match. One of his most memorable goals came at the 2018 World Cup, when he curled a brilliant trivela strike into the net against Iran.

Although his inconsistency sometimes held him back, Quaresma still enjoyed a highly successful career. He played an important part in Portugal’s historic Euro 2016 triumph, scoring the winning goal in extra time against Croatia in the last 16 as the team went on to claim its first major international trophy.

At club level, Quaresma also tasted success abroad, winning the treble with Inter Milan during the 2009/10 season under fellow Portuguese José Mourinho. His career may have had its ups and downs, but his talent was never in doubt.

Ricardo Quaresma’s Career
Appearances	684
Goals	112
Assists	166
Portugal caps	80

24

Antonio Simoes

Antonio Simoes spent 14 professional seasons with Benfica, playing 449 official games and scoring 72 goals from the left wing position. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, he also represented several teams in the United States, and subsequently worked as a manager in both continents.

Simoes holds the record of youngest player (18 years and 139 days old) to play and win a European Cup final, when he appeared for Benfica against Real Madrid in 1962. How underrated he is is best proven by the fact images of him are hard to come by.

Antonio Simoes’ Career
Appearances	449
Goals	72
Assists	N/A
Portugal caps	40

23

Nuno Gomes

Nuno Gomes in action for Portugal at Euro 2004

With 29 goals in 79 caps, Nuno Gomes remains one of Portugal’s all-time top goalscorers. He played a crucial role in their “golden generation,” finishing third at Euro 2000 and reaching the final of Euro 2004.

Known for his clever movement, which combined perfectly with the fact he didn’t need much encouragement to turn few touches into goals, Gomes is another on this list who spent most of his time with Lisbon giants Benfica. He spent 12 seasons across two separate stints with them, cementing his legacy as an icon. In total, he scored 166 goals in 398 appearances for them alone.

Nuno Gomes’ Career
Appearances	585
Goals	219
Assists	68
Portugal caps	79

22

Fernando Couto

While Portugal is mostly known for its technically-gifted footballing imports, Fernando Couto completely ripped up what outsiders knew about the Iberian nation throughout the 1990s. He was an uncompromising, physical “stopper” who loved tight marking and gained a reputation for his intense, sometimes combative approach to defending.

Despite being average in height for a modern centre-back, Couto’s exceptional leap and timing made him a massive threat both in clearing crosses and scoring goals at the other end. And, as the Porto defender’s career progressed, he became more of a Libero with clubs such as Parma, allowing him to read the game, cover for his teammates, and dictate play from the back.

Fernando Couto’s Career
Appearances	552
Goals	34
Assists	4
Portugal caps	110

21

Jose Augusto

Jose Augusto played most of his career with Benfica, for which he appeared in 369 competitive matches and scored 174 goals, winning 13 major honours, including eight Primeira Liga titles and two European Cups. He was dubbed the “Portuguese Garrincha” by French footballer, coach, and journalist Gabriel Hanot.

He earned 45 caps for Portugal, and was a key part of the squad that took part in the 1966 World Cup. Despite his legendary status, though, his two attacking partners – Jose Aguas and Eusebio – both stole much of the limelight from him.

Jose Augusto’s Career
Appearances	344
Goals	163
Assists	N/A
Portugal caps	45

20

Joao Pinto

A key member of Portugal’s celebrated “golden generation,” which lifted consecutive U-20 World Cup titles in 1989 and 1991, João Pinto was a creative playmaker who could unlock defences at the drop of a hat and had a keen eye for goal, netting 23 times in 81 appearances for the national team.

Pinto helped Portugal reach the semi-finals of Euro 2000, but he was also known for occasionally letting his temper get the better of him. That fiery streak landed him in hot water at the 2002 World Cup, where he received a six-month suspension after pushing a referee following his dismissal. At club level, he enjoyed success on both sides of Lisbon’s football divide, winning Primeira Liga titles with Benfica and later with their fierce rivals, Sporting CP.

Joao Pinto’s Career
Appearances	604
Goals	148
Assists	102
Portugal caps	81

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World Cup History Quiz

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19

Nene

Few forwards in Portuguese football have matched Nene’s consistency in front of goal. Spending his entire professional career with Benfica between 1968 and 1986, he rattled in an astonishing 359 goals across 575 appearances, helping the club claim 10 league crowns. His exploits did not go unnoticed, as he was named Portuguese Footballer of the Year in 1971 and finished atop the Primeira Liga scoring charts on two occasions.

On the international stage, Nene earned 66 caps and struck 22 goals for Portugal. He played a pivotal role in the Seleção’s memorable run to the Euro 1984 semi-finals, proving time and again that he had a knack for being in the right place at the right time when the stakes were highest.

Nene’s Career
Appearances	575
Goals	359
Assists	N/A
Portugal caps	66

18

Jose Aguas

Before the television was a centrepiece in every European household, Jose Aguas was one of the most prolific goalscorers in football, and typified the modern day characterisation of a “fox in the box”. As the legendary captain of Benfica, he won 5 Primeira Liga titles (finishing top goalscorer in all of those) and back-to-back European Cups in 1961 and 1962.

He scored a staggering 290 goals in just 281 official matches for the club, and ran so that Eusebio could walk later down the line. Also notably, he was the top scorer of the 1960/61 European Cup, scoring his team’s opening goal in both the 1961 final against FC Barcelona (3-2) and the 1962 final against Real Madrid (5-3).

Jose Aguas’ Career
Appearances	281
Goals	290
Assists	N/A
Portugal caps	25

17

Ruben Dias

A gem at the back for Manchester City, Ruben Dias has earned his reputation as a defensive titan, and one of the best in his position in the world. Fearless when tackling, an underrated passer of the ball and a leader at the back, he is well-equipped to play Pep Guardiola’s style of football and has cemented his status as a key part of the winning-machine at the Etihad Stadium for the best part of the last decade.

Injuries prevent him from being any higher on this list, but he’s always a commanding presence when fit, both for club and country. For Portugal, he has 76 caps, which has amounted to two Nations League winners’ medals.

Ruben Dias’ Career
Appearances	466
Goals	14
Assists	19
Portugal caps	76

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We’ve ranked the best 11 Spanish-born players in the history of football, taking into account several factors such as trophies won and longevity.

16

Jose Torres

Jose Torres, affectionately nicknamed “O Bom Gigante” (The Good Giant), was an exceptionally prolific centre-forward and a legendary figure in Portuguese football. Standing at 6ft3in, he relied on formidable physical presence and clinical finishing to amass 226 goals in 259 appearances for Benfica.

It was with the same club that amassed 9 Portuguese Liga titles and 6 Portuguese Cups during his 12-season stint, while also helping score the goals that got them to three European Cup finals. With the national side, he scored 14 goals in just 34 caps, starring alongside a certain other iconic striker.

Jose Torres’ Career
Appearances	374
Goals	217
Assists	N/A
Portugal caps	34

Sports

What Donald Trump Said to UFC Fighter After Michelle Obama Insult

Published

34 minutes ago

June 15, 2026

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A professional lip reader has revealed what Donald Trump allegedly said to UFC fighter Josh Hokit after the athlete made controversial remarks about former First Lady Michelle Obama. The US president, who celebrated his 80th birthday on Sunday, was captured speaking with him during the historic UFC Freedom 250 event – the first UFC fight ever hosted at the White House.

The unprecedented event was part of the Trump administration’s commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary. As anticipated, hosting a UFC bout in the nation’s most iconic residence produced several headline-hitting moments. Of those incidents, perhaps the most eyebrow-raising was when Hokit shocked viewers with his post-fight comments after defeating Derrick Lewis on the South Lawn.

Jake Paul Savaged Over Ilia Topuria Tweet After UFC Freedom 250 Loss to Justin Gaethje

This didn’t go as Jake had planned…

Speaking to podcaster Joe Rogan, he said: “Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right, America?” Rogan chose not to engage with the statement, simply responding: “Ladies and gentlemen, Josh Hokit.” Watch his bizarre interview below:

Lip Reader Reveals What Trump Said To Josh Hokit Amid Obama Slur

U.S. President Donald Trump is pictured saluting during the national anthem ahead of the final match between Italy's Jannik Sinner and Spain's Carlos Alcaraz

After his win over Derrick Lewis, Hokit was spotted chatting with Trump, who stood ringside. Lip reader Jeremy Freeman has now shared his interpretation of Trump’s words to the fighter. According to the Mirror, after Hokit placed a chain around Trump’s neck, the president responded:

“Too kind, thank you. You are the champion.”

The event, though divisive, resonated strongly with MAGA supporters. Secretary of State Marco Rubio even drew parallels between hosting the fights and the historic 1969 moon landings. He stated: “When President Kennedy announced that we were going to put a man on the moon and return him safely to the earth, no one thought that was possible, and we did it.”

“We are a nation founded on doing what no one else dared to do, and no one else aspired to do. And at some level, that’s what this whole company, what UFC has been.”

How UFC 250 Unfolded As Ilia Topuria Loses Undefeated Streak

The main event saw Ilia Topuria lose his undefeated record and his lightweight championship against 37-year-old Justin Gaethje, as the American forced the Georgian to quit on his stool and not answer the bell for the fifth and final round.

At heavyweight, Alex Pereira lost his debut in the division to former champion Ciryl Gane, who took home the interim championship in the process. The co-main event was the third successive second-round stoppage on the night, following on from Sean O’Malley’s victory over Aiemann Zahabi and Josh Hokit’s continuation of his undefeated record with him defeating Derrick Lewis.

The opening bouts of the night also saw premature endings. To start off the show, Diego Lopes stopped Steve Garcia in just under eight minutes. What came next was Bo Nickal and Mauricio Ruffy needing less than five to dispatch Kyle Daukaus and Michael Chandler, respectively.

Sports

Sweden’s Route to the 2026 World Cup After Winning 0 Qualifiers

Published

57 minutes ago

June 15, 2026

admin

The biggest ever World Cup tournament is well under way and one of the biggest winners in the opening round of matches has been Sweden.

Graham Potter’s men were on fire as they ripped Tunisia apart in their Group E encounter in Philadelphia, with Premier League stars Yasin Ayari (2), Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak bagging four of the five goals in a 5-1 demolition job.

Had it not been for Germany’s 7-1 thrashing of minnows Curacao hours beforehand, the Swedes would have been celebrating the biggest victory of the early stages of the competition.

West Ham United head coach Graham Potter

Former Chelsea and West Ham boss Potter only took over as head coach of the national team in October, with the sole task of getting them into the World Cup, following a dismal spell in charge by Dane Jon Dahl Tomasson.

If it was so dismal, I hear you scream, how did they make it to the World Cup Finals? Well that is a very good question to those who do not follow the qualification process game-by-game.

When it came to the qualifying process for the 2026 World Cup, the UEFA pathway was split into 12 groups with the group winners all advancing to the World Cup Finals. The 12 runners-up were then paired together in a play-off round, with the six winners also making it through to the tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

Sweden were in Group B of qualifying and actually finished bottom of the four-nation table, failing to win a single match, picking up just two points in their six matches from draws home and away with Slovenia. They lost home and away to Switzerland and Kosovo, leading to Tomasson getting the sack.

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World Cup History Quiz

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So how did they make it to the World Cup?

Well, the UEFA qualification process does not just come down to those groups. It brings in the best performers from the UEFA Nations League competition too.

Nations League plays a part in World Cup qualification

Cristiano Ronaldo with the Nations League trophy

Twenty spots are available to UEFA nations, with the 12 group runners-up in qualifying joined by the four best performing countries in the 2024/25 Nations League campaign that have not already qualified for the tournament or the play-offs.

As a result, Sweden’s impressive performance in the Nations League – they finished top of Group C1 and were promoted to the B League, got them into the play-off round. They were joined by fellow Nations League group winners Romania, North Macedonia and Northern Ireland.

But unlike those other three nations, Sweden, under Potter, beat Ukraine in the play-off semi-final and then Poland, who had finished second behind the Netherlands in Group G of World Cup qualifying, 3-2 in the final to secure their place in the States, Canada and Mexico.

And they’re certainly taking their opportunity with both hands. Sweden play Japan and the Netherlands in their next two group games, knowing that they only have to be one of the eight best third-placed teams in the tournament to qualify for the knockout stages.