Former Egyptian international goalkeeper Essam El-Hadri said he is the best goalkeeper in the history of the Arab world [1].
The statement sparks debate over the legacy of Arab athletes and the criteria used to rank historical performance against modern achievements. El-Hadri's comments challenge the standing of other legendary figures in the region's football history.
Speaking in an interview broadcast on Sky News Arabia, El-Hadri dismissed other prominent keepers when discussing his rank [1]. He said, “no Bono nor Shobier… I am the best” [1]. The comments were aimed at asserting his own legacy and responding to ongoing comparisons with other top-tier Arab goalkeepers [2].
While El-Hadri positioned himself at the top of the historical list, his views on specific peers appear mixed. In a separate report, he said that he does not like Ahmed Shobier [2]. He also described Al Ahly as possessing something "divine" [2].
There is a contradiction in reports regarding his view of Yassine Bono. While El-Hadri's interview on Sky News Arabia suggested Bono was not the best [1], another report indicated that El-Hadri said Bono deserves to be considered the best in the world [3]. This discrepancy highlights the tension between El-Hadri's claim to historical supremacy and his acknowledgment of current global talent.
El-Hadri remains a polarizing figure in Egyptian sports. His assertion that he is the best in Arab history reflects a broader pattern of high-profile athletes defending their records as new generations of players emerge on the global stage [2, 3].
““no Bono nor Shobier… I am the best””
El-Hadri's claims reflect the perennial conflict between 'golden era' achievements and the modern era of globalized football. By positioning himself above both domestic rivals like Shobier and international stars like Bono, he is attempting to solidify a legacy based on historical dominance rather than current form or specific tournament trophies.
