For Essam el Hadary and football, the adventure is finally over. The Egyptian famous goalkeeper announced the end of his career Thursday on TV. He is at 47 years old including thirty spent at the highest level.

“Football is my second wife and we just divorced. I won’t play anymore. The whole system is now in an error. Leaders attacking each other. May God help players,” he said.

“There is no much more to add to my career. There is no better goalkeeper than me in Egypt. I didn’t sit on the bench until 1998 for Nader El-Sayed,” added El Hadary.

The former Al Ahly goalkeeper thus puts an end to a rich career. More than 150 appearances in selection, 4 victories in African Cup of Nations. Also 3 Champions League and 3 CAF African Super Cup.

The eight-time Egyptian champion had already ended his international career in August 2018.
In club, he played El Merreikh SC (Sudan), Al Taawon (Saudi Arabia), Ismaily SC, Wadi Degla SC, Zamalek SC, Ittihad Alexandria and Nogoom FC. He went to FC Sion in Switzerland.

He moreover remains the oldest World Cup player at 45 with 161 days.