In a career that spanned more than two decades, Ahmed Fathi, the right back of Egyptian football and mostly that of powerhouse club Ahly, announced his retirement on Saturday at age 39. Alaa Abdel-Ghani reports.

Although Fathi, a reliable presence as right back, started his career in Ismaili and ended it in Pyramids FC, with brief stints in England in between, his most famous days were with storied Egyptian franchise Ahly.

It was the famed red shirts that Fathi played for from 2008 to 2020, winning 17 domestic and continental titles, including nine Egyptian Premier League crowns and three African Champions League trophies.

With the Egyptian national team, Fathi was no less prolific, playing 134 international matches which made him the fourth-most capped Egyptian.

He was one of the stalwarts of Hassan Shehata’s side that won an historic treble of African Cup of Nations in 2006, 2008 and 2010. Fathi’s announcement made him the last active member of Egypt’s celebrated AFCON-winning generation.

Fathi also played in the 2018 World Cup under coach Hector Cuper, allowing in an own goal from distance in a 3-1 loss to hosts Russia.

He moved to Sheffield United in the Premier League on a three-and-a-half-year deal and had a go with English side Hull City in 2013 but he never made it big overseas.

Though he will be most remembered for his right back position, Fathi could also comfortably slot in at centre back or left back when needed, earning the nickname “The Joker” for his tactical flexibility. 

Fathi concluded his playing days with Pyramids FC after helping the team claim their first-ever trophy, the Egypt Cup, earlier this month.

During an interview on MBC Masr, Fathi reflected on his career. “It has been an incredible journey filled with unforgettable moments. I am grateful for the opportunity to play the sport I love at the highest level,” he said.

* A version of this article appears in print in the 26 September, 2024 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly