Star Egyptian midfielder/forward who was named Africa's Best Player of the Year in 2008, 2012 and 2013; played for the Egyptian national team from 2001 to 2013 and also became known as a prominent supporter of humanitarian causes.
He debuted professionally for one of the top clubs in Egypt, Al-Ahly, in 1997.
At the 2008 African Cup of Nations he showed a T-shirt under his jersey reading 'Sympathize with Gaza.'
He has sons named Ahmed, Seif, and Roqaya.
He joined in the protests against Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak in 2011.
