Essam El-Hadary, Egyptian footballer

Essam Kamal Tawfiq El Hadary, born on January 15, 1973, is widely celebrated as one of Egyptian football's most iconic figures, a testament to enduring excellence both as a professional footballer and now as a goalkeeping coach. His full Arabic name, عصام الدين كمال توفيق الحضري, reflects his profound Egyptian heritage, deeply rooted in a nation passionate about the beautiful game.

The High Dam: A Monumental Club Career with Al Ahly

Affectionately known as "The High Dam," a moniker evoking the colossal Aswan High Dam in Egypt, Essam El Hadary earned this nickname for his impenetrable presence and unwavering reliability between the goalposts. Much like the dam's vital role in controlling the Nile and providing stability, El Hadary consistently provided an insurmountable barrier for his teams, especially during his illustrious tenure with Al Ahly.

El Hadary spent the most significant portion of his professional club career, spanning over a decade (1996-2008), with Cairo's footballing giants, Al Ahly. This period marked an era of unprecedented dominance for the club, both domestically and continentally. His contributions were pivotal in securing an extraordinary collection of silverware, solidifying Al Ahly's position as one of Africa's most successful clubs. His extensive trophy haul includes:

This immense collection of club honors underscores El Hadary's role as a cornerstone of one of football's most decorated clubs, cementing his legacy long before his international heroics.

International Icon: Egypt's Guardian and AFCON King

Essam El Hadary's international career with the Egyptian national team, the Pharaohs, was as legendary as his club exploits. Spanning an incredible 22 years from 1996 to 2018, he amassed an astonishing 159 international appearances. This places him third on the all-time appearance list for Egypt, a testament to his unparalleled consistency, longevity, and dedication to his national colors. Such a high number of caps ranks him among the most capped male footballers in history globally.

His most significant achievements on the international stage came in the prestigious Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where he showcased his prowess as arguably the continent's finest goalkeeper. El Hadary was instrumental in Egypt's historic period of dominance, winning the AFCON title an unprecedented four times:

Beyond team success, El Hadary's individual brilliance was frequently recognized. He was deservedly named the tournament's best goalkeeper on three separate occasions (2006, 2008, and 2010), a remarkable feat that underscores his consistent world-class performances at the highest level of African football.

Breaking Records: The Oldest Player in FIFA World Cup History

In a career filled with incredible achievements, Essam El Hadary etched his name into the annals of global football history at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. On June 25, 2018, against Saudi Arabia in Volgograd, El Hadary made his World Cup debut at the astonishing age of 45 years and 161 days. This appearance officially made him the oldest player ever to participate in a FIFA World Cup match, a remarkable Guinness World Record that stands as a testament to his extraordinary dedication, physical conditioning, and enduring passion for the game.

During this historic match, despite Egypt's eventual 2-1 defeat, El Hadary further solidified his legendary status by saving a penalty, showcasing his goalkeeping reflexes even in his mid-forties. This moment captured the admiration of fans worldwide, symbolizing a lifetime of commitment and a fairy-tale ending to his international playing career on the grandest stage of world football.

Transition to Coaching: Sharing His Expertise

Following his illustrious playing career, Essam El Hadary embarked on a new chapter, transitioning into goalkeeping coaching to impart his vast knowledge and invaluable experience to the next generation of custodians. This natural progression saw him eyed by prominent clubs seeking to benefit from his unique insights.

In a notable development, El Hadary was reportedly on the verge of joining Étoile Sportive du Sahel, one of Tunisia's most esteemed football clubs with a rich history in African competitions, as their goalkeeping coach. He was set to be an integral part of the technical staff led by the renowned Brazilian coach, Jorvan Vieira. El Hadary had even agreed to sign the contract, signaling his readiness to take on this significant role abroad.

However, circumstances beyond his control necessitated a difficult decision. El Hadary was ultimately compelled to withdraw from the agreement due to his mother's illness. This personal matter highlighted his deep familial commitment, leading him to prioritize his family's well-being over the immediate pursuit of his coaching ambitions in Tunisia.

Frequently Asked Questions About Essam El Hadary

Who is Essam El Hadary?
Essam El Hadary is an iconic Egyptian former professional footballer and current goalkeeping coach, widely regarded as one of Africa's greatest goalkeepers.
What is Essam El Hadary's nickname?
He is affectionately known as "The High Dam," a testament to his formidable and impenetrable presence as a goalkeeper, much like Egypt's Aswan High Dam.
Which club did Essam El Hadary play for the longest and achieve the most success with?
El Hadary spent the majority of his club career with Al Ahly SC, one of Africa's most successful football clubs, winning numerous domestic and continental titles, including eight Egyptian Premier League titles and four CAF Champions League titles.
How many Africa Cup of Nations titles did Essam El Hadary win with Egypt?
He won the Africa Cup of Nations a remarkable four times with the Egyptian national team (in 1998, 2006, 2008, and 2010), contributing significantly to Egypt's golden era of continental dominance.
What significant World Cup record does Essam El Hadary hold?
At the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Essam El Hadary became the oldest player in history to play in a World Cup match, making his debut at 45 years and 161 days old against Saudi Arabia. This achievement is recognized as a Guinness World Record.
Why did Essam El Hadary not take up the coaching role at Étoile Sahel?
Despite agreeing to join Étoile Sahel of Tunisia as their goalkeeping coach, El Hadary was forced to withdraw from the agreement due to his mother's illness, prioritizing his family commitments.