The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup opening match saw Mohamed El-Shenawy deny Lionel Messi in the final minutes, anchoring a goalless draw for Al Ahly. This display solidified his reputation as a primary defensive force for the Cairo club, where he currently serves as captain after returning to the team in 2016.
Early Career and Departures
Born in Kafr el-Sheikh on 18 December 1988, El-Shenawy joined the youth system at El-Hamoul SC before moving to Al Ahly in 2002. He failed to secure a senior league appearance during his first stint and was released in 2009. He subsequently joined Tala'ea El Gaish and spent time on loan with Haras El-Hodood. In 2013, he moved to Petrojet, where his form during the 2015–16 season included keeping eleven clean sheets in twenty-two appearances.
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Al Ahly resigned El-Shenawy in July 2016. He established himself as the starting goalkeeper by displacing Sherif Ekramy in early 2018. His performance helped the club secure four consecutive Egyptian Premier League titles between 2016 and 2020, followed by additional titles in 2022–23 and 2023–24. His contribution to the 2019–20 CAF Champions League victory allowed the club to compete in the 2020 FIFA Club World Cup, where he saved two penalties in the bronze-medal shootout against Palmeiras.
International Service
El-Shenawy represented Egypt at the under-18 and under-20 levels, competing in the 2007 African Youth Championship. He earned his senior international debut in a 2018 friendly against Portugal. At the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, he started the opening match against Uruguay and received the Man of the Match award, which he declined due to its Budweiser sponsorship. He later played in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations final and was selected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad.
Fast facts
- Born: 18 December 1988, Kafr el-Sheikh
- Position: Goalkeeper
- Current Club: Al Ahly
- International Debut: March 2018
- 2022 African Inter-Club Player of the Year
- Citizenship: Egypt
Questions readers ask
Why did Mohamed El-Shenawy decline a Man of the Match award?
As a Muslim, he is forbidden from consuming alcohol, and the award was sponsored by the beer brand Budweiser.
Which international tournaments has he participated in?
He has appeared in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, the 2020 Summer Olympics tournament, and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
