Former Egypt star Amr Zaki opens up on early marriages, career missteps and the reality behind his darkest period

Former Zamalek striker Amr Zaki has spoken candidly about the personal choices that derailed his football career, shedding light on his early marriages and addressing long-standing speculation surrounding his most difficult moments.

Speaking on the television programme I Confess hosted by Ahmed Shobeir, the former Zamalek star revealed that he married for the first time at just 18 years old. According to Zaki, the marriage lasted only two weeks before his father ended it without his knowledge. He added that four months later, he entered a second marriage, which also ended in divorce.

Reflecting on a highly publicised incident from years ago, Zaki dismissed claims linking it to alcohol or drug use, stressing that he had distanced himself from such habits for five to six years before it occurred. He disclosed that the aftermath was physically and emotionally draining, as he spent close to three years in hospitals and underwent eight surgeries, all at a significant financial cost.

Zaki admitted that support from within the football community was limited during that period, singling out Mohamed Zidan as one of the few who stood firmly by him.

Looking back, the former striker acknowledged that impulsiveness played a major role in the mistakes he made throughout his life. He accepted full responsibility for his decisions and the consequences that followed, insisting that he does not place blame on anyone else for how his career unfolded.

“What concerns me most now is to make up for what I missed, to make up for everything that caused my mother and children sadness, and to make up for myself as well, because I am very tired,” Zaki said.

He also spoke about the importance of surrounding himself with positive influences, recalling his time with Egypt’s national team. Zaki noted that he often spent time with Mohamed Aboutrika, Wael Gomaa and Sayed Moawad, while describing Mohamed Shawky as the teammate he was closest to.

Addressing rumours about suicidal thoughts, Zaki firmly denied ever considering ending his life. “I never thought about it for a moment. I wasn’t that negative. I believe that as long as there is breath, there is hope, and hope comes from God,” he explained.

The former forward also admitted that he failed to heed advice given to him during his peak years, particularly warnings about protecting himself and making the most of his stardom.

He confessed that he only understood those words after retirement, conceding that boredom and imitation led him into harmful behaviour, including drinking.

Zaki further revealed that he did not cry following the death of his father four years ago, nor after the passing of former Al Ahly player Mohamed Abdel Wahab, explaining that he has yet to fully process both losses.

His reflections paint the picture of a footballer seeking peace, accountability and redemption after years marked by regret and resilience.