Meet Egypt's World Cup Stars Named after Football Icons

Egypt's national football team is set to feature players bearing nicknames of legendary international stars at the 2026 World Cup, a tradition rooted in the country's deep appreciation for football history. Names like Trezeguet, Zico, and Dunga, once synonymous with World Cup glory, will now grace the backs of Egyptian players.

Mahmoud Hassan, widely known as "Trezeguet," is a prominent example. The Al Ahly winger, who previously played for Aston Villa, earned his nickname from his youth coach, Badr Ragab. Ragab saw a resemblance in Hassan's playing style and aerial ability to the French striker David Trezeguet, who was instrumental in France's 1998 World Cup victory. "From his first days... I noticed (Hassan's) resemblance to Trezeguet, both in appearance and playing style," Ragab told AFP. "He was strong in the air and scored goals in a similar way, so I gave him the name. I never imagined it would stay with him for so long."

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From his first days... I noticed (Hassan's) resemblance to Trezeguet, both in appearance and playing style. He was strong in the air and scored goals in a similar way, so I gave him the name. I never imagined it would stay with him for so long.

Egypt's "Trezeguet" is nearing a century of international caps, a milestone he could achieve if the team advances in the tournament, where they are grouped with Belgium, Iran, and New Zealand. The tradition extends to other Brazilian legends as well. Mostafa Abdel-Raouf, a midfielder for Pyramids FC, is known as "Little Zico." His nickname originated from his older brother, who was nicknamed Zico due to his full name containing "Zaki." "When Mostafa started playing, coaches called him 'little Zico' because he was my younger brother," Abdel-Raouf explained.

Another player, Nabil Emad, is called "Dunga," after the Brazilian midfielder who captained the 1994 World Cup-winning team. Emad, a defensive midfielder for Saudi Pro League club Al-Najma, is participating in his second major international tournament. These nicknames, passed down through generations and solidified in youth academies and local leagues, underscore a vibrant football culture in Egypt that not only celebrates its own talent but also deeply honors the game's global icons.

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When Mostafa started playing, coaches called him 'little Zico' because he was my younger brother.