In a statement that surprised the football world, Mohamed Aboutrika, a living legend of Egyptian football, declared that veteran goalkeeper Essam El Hadary was superior to the young and talented Italian Gianluigi Donnarumma. Asked during a show broadcast on beIN Sports, Aboutrika responded with a confident smile, emphasizing El Hadary’s longevity and experience, an iconic player for Egypt and the African continent.
Essam El Hadary’s career is remarkable, notably for his exceptional longevity and numerous successes with Al Ahly, where he won several continental and domestic titles. At 45, El Hadary even played in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, setting the record as the oldest player to participate in the competition. This experience often underpins Aboutrika’s argument defending the Egyptian goalkeeper’s superiority.
On the other hand, Gianluigi Donnarumma is considered one of the best goalkeepers of the new generation, playing at the highest European level with AC Milan and the Italy national team. His youth and undeniable talent make him a rising global football figure, but Aboutrika highlights the wisdom and mastery that experience brings, notably gained in African and world competitions where El Hadary shone.
Mohamed Aboutrika is not only a football icon but also a committed personality who has marked Egypt’s sporting and sociopolitical history. His loyalty to Al Ahly and off-field engagement reinforce the credibility of his opinions on African and world football. This statement has sparked passionate debate on the legacy of African goalkeepers compared to their European counterparts, reviving interest in El Hadary’s exploits while acknowledging Donnarumma’s undeniable talent.