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MA
Football Biography

Mohamed Aboutrika

“Aboutrika”

Egyptian flag Egyptian · Cairo · Born 7 November 1978

Attacking Midfielder / Forward

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Egypt's most beloved modern footballer, a graceful and prolific attacking midfielder known as 'The Magic Scorpion' and champion of social causes.

Mohamed Mohamed Mohamed Aboutrika was born on 7 November 1978 in Nahia, Giza, Egypt, and progressed through the youth ranks of Tersana, making his professional debut in 1997. His technical quality, vision, and calm composure as an attacking midfielder made him one of the most gifted Egyptian footballers of his generation, prompting Al Ahly to sign him in 2004. Aboutrika scored 11 goals in just 13 appearances in his first half-season at Al Ahly, and went on to spend nearly a decade as the club's talismanic creative force, helping Al Ahly win the bronze medal at the 2006 FIFA Club World Cup and numerous domestic and continental titles, establishing himself as one of the greatest players in the history of Egyptian and African club football. Aboutrika was central to Egypt's dominant run of Africa Cup of Nations success, winning the tournament in 2006 and then scoring the winning goal in the 2008 final to secure a second consecutive title. He was named African Footballer of the Year in 2008, having previously finished as a nominee in 2006 and again in 2013. Aboutrika earned dozens of caps for Egypt across a 12-year international career, and is widely regarded as the greatest Egyptian player in history. Beyond football, he has been recognised for extensive humanitarian and charitable work in Egypt, cementing his reputation as one of the most respected figures in African football both on and off the pitch.

Famous For

Scoring winning goal in 2006 AFCON final

He won three consecutive Africa Cup of Nations titles with Egypt in 2006, 2008 and 2010 — the first player to win three consecutive AFCON titles and a feat that may never be repeated.

Did You Know?
Playing Style

How They Played

Creative attacking midfielder with exceptional vision and finishing

Legacy

Lasting Impact

Considered greatest Egyptian footballer and Al Ahly legend

Honours & Achievements

Career Honours

  • AFCON 2006, 2008, 2010
  • CAF Champions League 2005, 2006, 2008 (Al Ahly)
  • AFCON 2006
  • AFCON 2008
  • AFCON 2010
  • CAF Champions League 2005
  • CAF Champions League 2006
  • CAF Champions League 2008
  • Egyptian Premier League 2005
  • Egyptian Premier League 2006
  • Egyptian Premier League 2007
  • Egyptian Premier League 2008
  • Egyptian Premier League 2009
  • Egyptian Premier League 2010
  • Egyptian Premier League 2011
  • Egyptian Premier League 2014
Club Career
Club Period Apps Goals Shirt
Al Ahly2004–201325450#10
Egyptian flag Egypt10145
Career Journey

Timeline

2001 📌 Professional debut with Al Ahly
2001 🌍 Egypt national team debut
2005 🏆 First CAF Champions League title
2006 🏆 AFCON victory with winning goal in final
2008 🏆 Second AFCON title
2009 🥇 CAF Player of the Year
2010 🏆 Third AFCON title
2013 📌 Retirement from football
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

4 common questions about Mohamed Aboutrika

His technical brilliance, loyalty to Al Ahly, winning three consecutive AFCON titles and his vocal advocacy for social causes including Palestinian rights made him a national hero and moral figure far beyond sport.

In 2008, after scoring at the Africa Cup of Nations, Aboutrika lifted his shirt to reveal a message reading 'Sympathise with Gaza' in protest at the conflict in Gaza, earning a FIFA warning.

Three — in 2006, 2008 and 2010 with Egypt. No other nation has won three consecutive AFCON titles, making it the most remarkable national achievement in African football history.

No — despite strong European interest, Aboutrika remained loyal to Al Ahly throughout his career, one of the most celebrated acts of club loyalty in African football history.