Egyptian national team and Al Ahly legend Ahmed Fathi, has officially announced his retirement from football after a long glamorous career.
Ahmed Fathi, one of Egypt’s most celebrated footballers, has said his final goodbyes to the sport, concluding a remarkable 23-year career that saw him play for top clubs in Egypt, becoming a national icon, and also play abroad.
The player’s journey began in the youth ranks of Benha SC before moving to Ismaily SC in 2001. His stellar performances at the club earned him a place in the Egypt national team at just 17 years old, making him one of the youngest ever players to represent Egypt internationally.
In 2007, his performances earned him a move to Sheffield United in the English Premier League; however, it was quite short-lived and didn’t work out all too well for him after just three appearances.
This prompted the defender to return to domestic football, where he found his true form after joining Al Ahly in 2008. It was with the Reds where Ahmed Fathi’s career truly flourished, establishing him as one of the best right-backs in Africa.
During his 12 years with the Red Devils, Ahmed Fathi won a staggering 11 Egyptian Premier League titles, four CAF Champions League titles, and three Egypt Cups.
Fathi also enjoyed a six-month loan spell at Hull City in 2013, making seven appearances for the Tigers and helping them earn promotion to the Premier League alongside Ahmed Elmohamady and Geddo.
After leaving Al Ahly in 2020, Fathi joined Pyramids FC, where he added yet another Egyptian Cup to his tally just last month.
The player’s spells abroad also included moves to Kazma SC in Kuwait and he also spent the 2014 season with Umm Salal SC in Qatar.
The defender’s influence wasn’t limited to the domestic stage. On the international front, he played a key role in Egypt’s dominance in the Africa Cup of Nations. Winning a record three-peat AFCON titles (2006, 2008, 2010) and earning a spot in the CAF Team of the Year in 2012.
He also represented Egypt in the 2018 FIFA World Cup and played in the 2012 London Olympics, further cementing his place as a cornerstone of Egyptian football.
Overall, Fathi has 134 caps to his name which made him the fourth-most capped Egyptian after only Ahmed Hassan, Hossam Hassan, and Essam El-Hadary.
Known for his versatility, Ahmed Fathi could comfortably operate as a right-back, midfielder, or even center-back when needed. His nickname “The Joker” speaks to his ability to adapt to multiple positions seamlessly.
Fathi’s resilience and leadership on the pitch made him a favorite among fans and teammates alike and his retirement marks the end of an era. Still, his contributions to Egyptian and African football will not be forgotten.
This legendary legacy is not only defined by the trophies he won but also by the professionalism and passion he brought to the game.
For many Egyptian football fans, Ahmed Fathi will forever be remembered as one of the all-time greats.