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Football Biography

Mohamed Aboutrika

“Aboutrika”

Egyptian · Cairo · Born 7 November 1978

Attacking Midfielder / Forward
101
caps
2006, 2008, 2010
a f c o n
3x
c a f c l
45
intl goals

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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 Ibrahim Aboutrika was born in Cairo on 7 November 1978. Widely regarded as Egypt's greatest modern footballer, Aboutrika was a technically sublime attacking midfielder with exceptional vision, dribbling and the capacity to score spectacular goals. He spent almost his entire career at Al Ahly — Egypt's most decorated club — winning multiple Egyptian Premier League titles, several Egyptian Cups and three CAF Champions League trophies (2005, 2006, 2008). He won the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt in 2006, 2008 and 2010 — three consecutive titles, the first time any nation had achieved this feat. He earned 101 caps for Egypt and scored 45 goals. Widely known for his charitable work, he famously lifted his shirt after a goal to reveal the message 'Sympathise with Gaza' in 2008, earning a FIFA warning. He retired in 2013.

Best Known For

AFCON 2006, 2008, 2010

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?
Honours & Achievements

Career Honours

  • AFCON 2006, 2008, 2010
  • CAF Champions League 2005, 2006, 2008 (Al Ahly)
Career Journey

Timeline

1978 👶 Born in Cairo
2013 🏁 Retired from professional sport
🏟️ Al Ahly
🏆 AFCON 2006, 2008, 2010
🏆 CAF Champions League 2005, 2006, 2008 (Al Ahly)
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

5 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.

Mohamed Aboutrika was born on 7 November 1978 in Cairo, Egypt.

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.

Career Timeline — Mohamed Aboutrika
1978
Born in Cairo
2013
Retired from professional sport
Al Ahly
Al Ahly
AFCON 2006, 2008, 2010
CAF Champions League 2005, 2006, 2008 (Al Ahly)