World Cup Record-Breaker El-Hadary Joins Ismaily

Egypt international goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary has sealed a return to Egyptian Premier League side Ismaily SC.

El-Hadary, 45, joins the Brazilians of Egyptian football on a free transfer from Saudi Arabian side Al-Taawoun FC in what would be his third spell at the club.

He played for Ismaily before joining fellow Egyptian side Zamalek in 2010.

Essam El-Hadary then returned to Ismaily for the first time after a stint with Al-Merreikh of Sudan in 2013.

He recently featured for Egypt at the ongoing FIFA World Cup tournament in Russia where he made history by becoming the oldest player to participate in a World Cup game at the age of 45.

He was in goal for the final Group A game against Saudi Arabia and even saved a penalty to also become the oldest goalkeeper to achieve feat.

The game ended in a 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia thus making it three defeats from three group games.

The Egyptians finished bottom of Group A as the wait for a first ever World Cup win goes on.

Essam El-Hadary is undoubtedly one of the most decorated players in the history of the African football.

He has won eight Egyptian Premier League titles, four CAF Champions League titles and four African Cup of Nations (AFCON) competitions.

The veteran goalkeeper has also played for the Egyptian national team for over two decades as well as Africa’s most decorated club, Al Ahly for 12 years.