Al Ahly and Egypt handball captain Islam Hassan announces retirement

Islam Hassan, the former Al Ahly and Egypt handball player, has announced his retirement from the sport at the age of 37.

Hassan thanked everyone who had influenced his career, beginning with his family and the Bakous Club, where he first started playing handball. He also expressed his appreciation to Al Ahly and the club’s supporters for the backing they had given him throughout his career.

The veteran returned to Al Ahly in the summer of 2016 after a short spell playing professionally abroad. He left the Cairo club in the summer of 2023 following an outstanding final season, before beginning a period of professional handball in the Gulf, most notably with Saudi club Al-Wehda.

In his final season with Al Ahly, Hassan captained the handball team as it won the Egyptian League, the Egypt Cup and the African Super Cup. Those successes also secured Al Ahly’s qualification for the IHF Men’s Super Globe, the world club championship.

Hassan also helped Al Ahly finish fourth in the Super Globe tournament held in October 2015.

During his career, Hassan won the Egyptian League six times. He also lifted the Egypt Cup on six occasions, giving him the same number of domestic league and cup titles.

His record in African competitions was similarly impressive. Hassan won the African Super Cup three times with Al Ahly and once with Club Africain of Tunisia, taking his total to four African Super Cup triumphs.

He also claimed the African Handball Champions League three times. Two of those titles came with Al Ahly, while the other was won during his time with Club Africain.

Hassan’s final major achievement in African club handball was winning the African Cup Winners’ Cup four times, all with Al Ahly.

His retirement brings to an end a career that included domestic success in Egypt, continental honours with two of Africa’s leading clubs and professional experience in the Gulf. At Al Ahly, Hassan became a leading figure in the handball team and played a central role in a season that delivered three trophies and a place at the world club championship.

The former Egypt international’s announcement marks the conclusion of a long association with Al Ahly, beginning with his return in 2016 and ending after a successful final campaign in the club’s colours.