Egyptian · Kafr El Dawar, Egypt · Born 15 January 1973Record-breaking Egyptian goalkeeper who became the oldest player to appear at a World Cup and the oldest to keep a clean sheet at an Africa Cup of Nations.
Essam El Hadary was born in Kafr El Dawar, Egypt on 15 January 1973. One of the greatest goalkeepers in African football history, El Hadary had an extraordinary career spanning over two decades at the highest level. A commanding, agile shot-stopper with exceptional reflexes and bravery, he spent the majority of his club career at Al Ahly — winning multiple Egyptian Premier League titles and several CAF Champions League trophies. He won the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt four times — in 1998, 2006, 2008 and 2010. At the 2018 World Cup in Russia, aged 45 years and 161 days, El Hadary became the oldest player in World Cup history to appear in a match, saving a penalty against Saudi Arabia. He also holds the record as Africa's most-capped player with 159 international appearances.
Oldest player ever to appear at a FIFA World Cup (age 45)
At 45 years and 161 days, he became the oldest player in World Cup history by appearing for Egypt against Saudi Arabia at the 2018 World Cup — and saved a penalty to boot.
Did You Know?How They Played
Commanding presence, excellent shot-stopping ability, strong leadership and penalty-saving specialist
Lasting Impact
Egypt's most capped player and legendary goalkeeper who dominated African football for two decades
Career Honours
- AFCON 1998, 2006, 2008, 2010
- CAF Champions League (multiple) with Al Ahly
- CAF Champions League 2005
- CAF Champions League 2006
- CAF Champions League 2008
- CAF Champions League 2012
- Egyptian Premier League (multiple)
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Al Ahly | 1999–2008 | — | 0 | #1 |
| Damietta | 1993–1996 | 0 | 0 | — |
| Al Mokawloon | 1996–1999 | 0 | 0 | — |
| Ismaily | 2008–2011 | 0 | 0 | — |
| Sion | 2011–2012 | 0 | 0 | — |
| Wadi Degla | 2014–2017 | 0 | 0 | — |
| Nogoom FC | 2017–2019 | 0 | 0 | — |
 Egypt | — | 159 | — | — |
Egyptian Athletes