The next destination of our alphabetical world tour is Egypt. No nation can better Egypt’s seven Africa Cup of Nations titles, but the Pharaohs have only qualified for three World Cup Finals tournaments in their history. According to the Premier League website, 12 players have represented Egypt in the Premier League.
First Player – Mido (Spurs, Middlesbrough, Wigan, West Ham; 2004-10)
An enigmatic and exciting player that could have you off your seat in excitement and rage just minutes apart, Mido became the first Egyptian to play in the Premier League when he joined Spurs in January 2005.
Of the four English clubs he appeared for, only Spurs saw anything close to his best. The odd flash of brilliance; the likes of which he had shown earlier in his career while at Ajax in a strike partnership with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, was not too uncommon during his loan spell at White Hart Lane, but when he signed permanently, it all seemed to fall apart.
Later years at Middlesbrough, Wigan and West Ham yielded just 46 appearances and eight goals and Mido left the Premier League for good in 2010. He won 51 caps for Egypt, scoring 19 goals.
Records
- Most Appearances – Ahmed El Mohamady (177)
- First appearance – Mido (SPURS 3-1 Portsmouth, February 5th 2005)
- Most goals – Mohamed Salah (72)
- First goal – Mido (SPURS 3-1 Portsmouth, February 5th 2005)
Current/Most Recent Players
Four Egyptians are currently with Premier League clubs. Ahmed Elmohamady and Trézéguet both currently play for Aston Villa, while Mohamed Salah is at Liverpool. Mohamed Elneny is still an Arsenal player but spent 2019/20 on loan at Besiktas.
Trivia
- Egypt are one of 32 CAF nations to have been represented in the Premier League.
- Former Sheffield United player Ahmed Fathy is one of 14 Egyptians to have won 100 or more caps for his country. Only Saudi Arabia, USA (both 17) and Mexico (15) have more players with 100 or more caps.
- Egypt are the most successful nation in Africa Cup of Nations history (seven titles).
