Egypt’s all-time best players: Drogba’s toughest rival included, where does Salah rank?

Egypt stands alone at the summit of African football, boasting a record 7 Africa Cup of Nations titles that serve as an undeniable testament to the North African nation's continental dominance. As one of the world's oldest civilizations, it is only fitting that the Egyptian national team is also one of the oldest and most storied collectives in Africa. 

While the Pharaohs are still chasing their first-ever knockout stage appearance at a FIFA World Cup, their historical significance and tactical evolution remain peerless. Beyond the trophy cabinet, Egypt has functioned as a prestigious cradle for world-class talent. 

If the 10 legends ranked below by Livescorecz were able to take the pitch together in their prime, they would form a squad capable of conquering any elite tournament on the planet. This definitive ranking of the Egypt all time best player reflects a blend of modern global icons and local heroes who defined the "golden era" of African football.

Ranking Egypt all time best players

10. Wael Gomaa

Regarded as the "Rock of Giza," Gomaa was the defensive heartbeat of Egypt’s golden generation. Between 2001 and 2013, he earned 114 caps, providing a staggering 40 clean sheets. Gomaa was a pivotal figure in the historic AFCON "three-peat" (2006, 2008, 2010), where his ability to neutralize world-class strikers like Didier Drogba and Samuel Eto’o became legendary. 

At the club level, he spent the majority of his career with Al Ahly (2001-2014), making 364 appearances and winning 26 trophies, including 6 CAF Champions League titles. Gomaa retired in 2014 at age 38 and has since transitioned into sports management and punditry.

9. Mahmoud “Trezeguet” Hassan

A modern-day warrior, Mahmoud Trezeguet has earned nearly 100 caps since his debut in 2014, scoring over 20 goals. His tireless work rate made him the perfect tactical foil for Mohamed Salah during Egypt’s runs to the AFCON finals in 2017 and 2021, as well as the 2018 World Cup. Trezeguet’s club journey took him from Al Ahly to the English Premier League with Aston Villa (2019–2022), where he scored vital goals to ensure their top-flight survival.

8. Mahmoud El Gohary

El Gohary’s legacy is unique as he is the first man to win the AFCON as both a player (1959) and a manager (1998). Although knee injuries limited his playing career to just 6 years with Al Ahly and a few appearances for the national team (3 goals in 5 caps), his influence on Egyptian footballing identity is immeasurable. He was the tactical mastermind who ended Egypt’s 56-year World Cup drought by qualifying for the 1990 tournament. 

7. Mohamed Elneny

With over 100 caps, Elneny has been the tactical anchor for Egypt for over a decade. His career is highlighted by his long tenure at Arsenal (2016-2024), where he won the FA Cup, and his 4 Swiss Super League titles with FC Basel. Known for his incredible stamina and 90%+ pass completion rates, Elneny provided the stability needed during the 2017 and 2021 AFCON campaigns. Now 33, he plays for Al Jazira in the UAE, continuing to mentor the younger generation of Pharaohs.

6. Mahmoud El Khatib

Commonly known as "Bibo," El Khatib was the first Egyptian to be named African Footballer of the Year in 1983. In 54 appearances for Egypt, he scored 24 goals and led the team to AFCON glory in 1986. His entire club career (1972-1988) was dedicated to Al Ahly, where he scored 109 league goals and won 10 league titles. Bibo was celebrated for his "balletic" dribbling and was named the Arab Sportsman of the 20th Century. He retired in 1988 and currently serves as the President of Al Ahly SC.

5. Mohamed Aboutrika

Aboutrika was the creative soul of the 2006 and 2008 AFCON-winning teams. He earned 100 caps and scored 38 goals, including the iconic winning strike in the 2008 final against Cameroon. For Al Ahly, he won 23 trophies, including 5 CAF Champions League titles. Often called the "Smiling Assassin," he was twice the BBC African Footballer of the Year. 

4. Essam El-Hadary

The "High Dam" is arguably Africa’s greatest goalkeeper. Winning 4 AFCON titles and earning 159 caps, El-Hadary became the oldest player in World Cup history at age 45 during the 2018 tournament. He recorded 63 clean sheets for Egypt and was named the best goalkeeper in 3 different AFCON tournaments. Drogba once stated that El-Hadary was his "most difficult opponent." After a career spanning nearly three decades, he retired in 2020 and now works as a high-level goalkeeping coach.

3. Ahmed Hassan

As Egypt’s most capped player with 184 appearances, Hassan was the "Marathon Man" of the midfield. He won 4 AFCON titles and was named Player of the Tournament in both 2006 and 2010. His club career was equally impressive, winning league titles in Belgium with Anderlecht and in Egypt with Al Ahly. Hassan was known for his leadership and ability to control the tempo of a match through sheer physical and mental endurance.

2. Hossam Hassan

Egypt’s all-time leading scorer with 69 goals in 176 caps, Hossam Hassan’s longevity is legendary. He won the AFCON in 1986 and again 20 years later in 2006 at the age of 40. His club career saw him win an astounding 14 league titles across spells with Al Ahly and Zamalek. Currently, he serves as the head coach of the Egyptian national team, aiming to lead them to the 2026 World Cup knockout stages.

1. Mohamed Salah

Even without an AFCON trophy, Salah is the undisputed greatest. With over 60 goals in 101 caps, he single-handedly dragged Egypt to the 2018 World Cup. At Liverpool, he has won every major trophy, including the Premier League and Champions League, while becoming the highest-scoring African in Premier League history. 

Summary of the top 10 Egyptian legends: 

Mohamed Salah 

Hossam Hassan 

Ahmed Hassan 

Essam El-Hadary 

Mohamed Aboutrika 

Mahmoud El Khatib 

Mohamed Elneny 

Mahmoud El Gohary 

Mahmoud Trezeguet 

Wael Gomaa 

Do you agree with Livescorecz.net on this selection of the Egypt all time best player? It would certainly be a poetic conclusion to a magnificent career if Mohamed Salah could secure one final international trophy or lead the Pharaohs past the group stages in the upcoming 2026 World Cup. 

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