Record-breaking Egyptian goalkeeper who became the oldest player to appear at a World Cup and the oldest to keep a clean sheet at an Africa Cup of Nations.
Essam El Hadary was born in Kafr El Dawar, Egypt on 15 January 1973. One of the greatest goalkeepers in African football history, El Hadary had an extraordinary career spanning over two decades at the highest level. A commanding, agile shot-stopper with exceptional reflexes and bravery, he spent the majority of his club career at Al Ahly — winning multiple Egyptian Premier League titles and several CAF Champions League trophies. He won the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt four times — in 1998, 2006, 2008 and 2010. At the 2018 World Cup in Russia, aged 45 years and 161 days, El Hadary became the oldest player in World Cup history to appear in a match, saving a penalty against Saudi Arabia. He also holds the record as Africa's most-capped player with 159 international appearances.
AFCON 1998, 2006, 2008, 2010
At 45 years and 161 days, he became the oldest player in World Cup history by appearing for Egypt against Saudi Arabia at the 2018 World Cup — and saved a penalty to boot.
Did You Know?Career Honours
- AFCON 1998, 2006, 2008, 2010
- CAF Champions League (multiple) with Al Ahly