Egypt’s veteran goalkeeper El-Hadary rejoins Al Ismaily
The 45-year-old earned a place in history during Egypt’s 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia, becoming the oldest footballer to play at a World Cup.
Egypt’s veteran goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary has rejoined Egyptian Premier League side Al Ismaily on a free transfer, the club announced on Monday.
The 45-year-old ends his contract with Saudi club Al-Taawoun FC, where he became the first foreign goalkeeper to play in the Arab country.
He earned a place in history during Egypt’s 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia, becoming the oldest man to feature at a World Cup.
"What I accomplished in this tournament was the result of years of hard work, dedicated training and suffering that only a few know about."
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 25, 2018
Saving #WorldCup penalties aged 45 doesn't come easy, ya know!#EGY record-breaker Essam El Hadary spoke to us 👇https://t.co/XbVaO4BpNG pic.twitter.com/Bjyboot1qk
Third stint at Ismaily
This is the third time the veteran goalkeeper wears Al Ismaily’s jersey, having previously done so in the 2009-10 and 2014-15 seasons.
‘Essam is back at our club again,’ Al Ismaily said in a statement.
‘The technical staff, under the leadership of head coach Kheïreddine Madoui, will hold a meeting with El Hadary to know when he will join up with the team.’
He will also return to the Caf Champions League for the first time in eight years.
El-Hadary has been capped 159 by the Egypt national football team and is often regarded as one of the best-ever keepers in African history.
He guided the Pharaohs to three Nations Cup titles in 2006, 2008 and 2010.