The career of Momen Zakaria is not a common one. Donning the colors of Al Masry, Zamalek, and Al Ahly is rare enough, but to then be diagnosed with ALS while still in the apex of his career adds another chapter to his story.
Momen Zakaria began his playing career plying his trade at Entag El-Harby before moving to Port Said’s Al Masry in 2011. Two years later, he returned to the nation’s capital to sign for ENPPI. It is here where we first began to hear of Momen, and we had the first bidding war between Cairo giants, Al Ahly and Zamalek.
Bidding War
Zakaria, who matriculated through the Al Ahly youth system, was rumoured to be finalizing a loan deal from ENPPI in September of 2013, according to sporting director Hady Khashaba. However, just one week later, Zamalek swooped in and finalized a move for the talisman, securing his signature on a 1 and a half year loan deal to play for the Al Ahly’s bitter rivals.
Return to Al Ahly
At the conclusion of his 18-month loan deal, it was announced that he had signed with both Cairo giants, with both Zamalek and Al Ahly announcing a permanent deal within hours of each other. Momen was banned by the Egyptian FA until an investigation could take place. Ultimately, the case was settled, and Zakaria was clear to play for his boyhood club, Al Ahly.
At Al Ahly, the creative midfielder propelled his career into its highest gear, and he began to receive call ups to the Egyptian senior national team. He was even named to the 2017 CAF Champions League team of the tournament.
Stint in Saudi
In 2018, he signed for Saudi Arabian giants Al Ahli on loan and as he seemed to always do, he took the league by storm. In his first match in Jeddah, Momen came off the bench to score a brace in a 6-0 win. He continued to perform for the Saudi club, leading them to second place in the Saudi League and to the round of 16 of the Champions League.
Momen returned to Cairo to sign a contract extension with Al Ahly, but he was quickly loaned out again to Saudi Arabia, this time to minnows Ohod. However, only a month later in a shock move, Ohod released Momen from his contract, citing injury issues, and he returned to Egypt.
Diagnosis
In 2019, it was announced that Zakaria was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), which is a rare neurological disease with an unknown aetiology. He was appointed as an ambassador for the Champions League Final by CAF as recognition of his contribution to the game of football in Africa. In Al Ahly’s 2020 CAF Champions League triumph he was invited to lift the trophy alongside Al Ahly captain Mohamed El-Shennawy.
While his playing career is over, his effect on Egyptian football is here to stay. From sparking a trademark celebration to wearing the colors of both Cairo giants, his legacy is a unique one. We are all better having had the pleasure of witnessing Momen Zakaria’s talent and charisma.
