Hussein Hegazi

Hegazi started his footballing career with National Sporting Club in Cairo where he forged a reputation as a goal scorer. Leaving Egypt to study engineering at University College, London in 1911 he began to play for Dulwich Hamlet, one of London’s top amateur clubs. After three months his performances began to attract attention and he was offered a chance to play in the English League for Fulham. The first Egyptian to play in England, his debut against Stockport County was spectacular, he scored within fifteen minutes and the “Athletic News” paid him the following compliment in verse.

“Fulham was proud of her player from Cairo

Fulham was just like a dog with two tails -

Dulwich, you'll find in a terrible ire-o,

If for high amateur honour she fails.

But at such prospect all Dulwichites smile,

Backing the luck of this lad from the Nile.”

Despite such praise this was to be Hegazi’s only match for Fulham as he returned to play for Dulwich Hamlet the next week and continued there until 1914. Returning home to Egypt he played for the Sekka club and then, between 1915 and 1923, for Al-Ahly. Hegazi moved to Zamalek until 1930 when he rejoined Al-Ahly. He retired in 1931.

He was a member of the Egyptian squad in three Olympics although he did not take the field in 1928. Also a talented athlete he is reputed to have won four successive national championships at both 440y and 880y.