Hamdy Fathy

Hamdy Fathy has been one of the cornerstones of the Egyptian national team for several years.
A tireless defensive midfielder capable of operating in several positions, he provides the tactical balance and discipline that allow Egypt’s attacking players to flourish.
Born in 1994, Fathy first emerged at ENPPI before taking the next step in his career with a move to Ahly in 2019. At the Cairo giants, he quickly established himself as one of Africa’s leading defensive midfielders, helping the club win the CAF Champions League in 2020, 2021 and 2023.
His spell at Ahly also highlighted a less recognised aspect of his game. Under Swiss coach Marcel Koller, he was often deployed in more advanced roles, demonstrating his ability to make late runs into the box, contribute in attack and pose a threat in the air. In 2023, he moved to Qatar to join Al Wakrah.
Fathy made his Egypt debut against Botswana in October 2019 and marked the occasion with a goal. Since then, he has become one of the national team's most trusted performers, earning 63 caps before the World Cup.
Capable of covering large areas of the pitch, dominant in duels and highly effective at recovering possession, Fathy was a key figure in Egypt’s run to the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations final. His work rate and tactical intelligence often allow more attack-minded teammates greater freedom while maintaining the team's defensive structure.
His versatility is also one of his greatest assets in the eyes of coach Hossam Hassan. Depending on the opposition and tactical requirements, Fathy can operate as central defender or a holding midfielder.
“I can play in defence or midfield, it doesn’t matter to me. The important thing is to serve the team. At a World Cup, you always have to be prepared for different scenarios, both individually and collectively,” he said recently.