Date of birth : 08/06/1987
Height : 1.89 m
Team : Egypt
Position : Goalkeeper
Club : Zamalek
Age : 39
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El-Mahdy Soliman is the oldest player in Egypt’s World Cup squad.
A product of ENPPI’s youth system, the goalkeeper has represented several Egyptian clubs, earning a reputation as a commanding and dependable presence between the posts.
His move to Zamalek at the start of the season was, in his own words, “a dream come true”, but events surpassed even his expectations. Initially signed as cover for established internationals Mohamed Sobhy and Mohamed Awad, Soliman worked his way up the pecking order to become the club’s first-choice goalkeeper and played a key role in guiding Zamalek to their first Egyptian Premier League title in three years.
His authority in the penalty area, composure under pressure and vast experience in high-stakes matches earned him a place in Hossam Hassan’s 26-man squad for the World Cup.
Despite his longevity, Soliman is yet to make his senior debut for Egypt. He was previously called up by Argentine coach Héctor Cúper during the 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign but missed out on selection for the finals in Russia.
Now in the twilight of his career, Soliman has been rewarded for years of consistency with a place among Egypt’s elite at football’s most prestigious tournament and will hope to finally earn his first international cap.