Mohamed Zidan began his professional trajectory in 1998 at El Masry, his hometown club in Port Said. After a move to Denmark, he gained professional traction in the Danish Superliga, eventually emerging as a prominent forward within the German Bundesliga system, where he showcased his finishing abilities across multiple major clubs, including Mainz 05, Hamburger SV, and Borussia Dortmund.
Early Development in Denmark
After departing El Masry, Zidan relocated to Denmark, where he trained with B93 and played for the club FC Anatolien. In 1999, his scouting occurred while playing in a Danish park, leading to a tenure at Akademisk Boldklub. He later transitioned to FC Midtjylland in June 2003, where his scoring record—30 goals in 47 appearances—earned him the league's top scorer title and the Rookie of the Year award.
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Zidan joined Werder Bremen in 2005 for approximately 3.5 million euros. His impact was particularly felt during loan spells at Mainz 05, where he became a central attacking force. In early 2007, he moved to Mainz on a permanent deal for 2.8 million euros. During this period, he earned the Kicker magazine Player of the Month award for February 2007, scoring 13 goals in the second half of that season.
Hamburger SV and Borussia Dortmund
In June 2007, Zidan moved to Hamburger SV for roughly 5.8 million euros. He scored a notable goal against Bayern Munich in 2007, ending their undefeated streak. By August 2008, he transferred to Borussia Dortmund as part of a deal involving Mladen Petrić. He remained with Dortmund until 2012, accumulating 80 appearances and 13 goals for the club.
International Competition
Zidan represented Egypt in several high-profile continental and global tournaments. His international experience included participation in the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations. Additionally, he featured in the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup held in South Africa, contributing to his profile on the global football stage.
Fast facts
- Born: 11 December 1981, Port Said
- Citizenship: Egypt; Germany
- Primary Position: Striker
- Early Club: El Masry
- 2003-2004 Top Scorer: FC Midtjylland
- Bundesliga Record: Mainz 05, Hamburger SV, Borussia Dortmund
- Tournament Participation: 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup
- Professional Debut: 1998
Questions readers ask
What was the record for Zidan's fastest goal?
While on loan to Mainz, Zidan scored against Werder Bremen in 14 seconds, ranking sixth in Bundesliga history.
Which international tournaments did he participate in?
He participated in the 2008 and 2010 Africa Cup of Nations, as well as the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup.
