Zamalek wonderkid Mohamed Hamad shines for Egypt youth team amid first-team hopes

Zamalek youngster Mohamed Hamad is continuing to attract attention with his impressive performances for Egypt’s youth national team, strengthening calls for the highly rated youngster to be given a bigger role with the White Knights’ senior side.

The 2008-born attacking midfielder has been one of the standout players for Egypt’s youth team under coach Wael Riad “Shitos” during the North African qualifiers for the Africa Youth Cup of Nations.

Hamad started Egypt’s matches against Libya and Tunisia and played a decisive role in both encounters.

Against Libya, the Zamalek youngster produced a superb header to score Egypt’s second goal, showcasing his ability to make an impact inside the penalty area despite operating primarily in an attacking role.

He was equally influential against Tunisia, winning a penalty that led to Egypt’s opening goal before finding the net himself to complete another impressive individual display.

His performances have once again placed Hamad in the spotlight at Zamalek, with supporters hoping he can eventually become an attacking solution for head coach Moataz Gamal.

Hamad has already had a taste of senior football at Zamalek after being promoted to the first team in December last year alongside several other youth players during the tenure of former coach Ahmed Abdel Raouf.

He earned the trust of Abdel Raouf and was handed a starting role in Zamalek’s Egypt Cup match against Baladeyet El Mahalla. He also came off the bench during the Egyptian Premier League encounter against Kahrabaa Ismailia.

Despite changes in the technical staff, Zamalek have continued to view Hamad as an important prospect. The club previously extended his contract until 2029, underlining their belief in his long-term potential.

The youngster is capable of playing in several attacking positions, with attacking midfield and the right wing among his preferred roles. Although born in April 2008, his ability has seen him compete with Zamalek’s 2007 age group in the Republic League.

Hamad’s football journey is also an interesting one, having started his youth career at rivals Al Ahly before eventually moving to Zamalek.

According to the account of his development, his mother, who supports Zamalek, encouraged him to attend trials at the club. Coach Ahmed Rizk was impressed by the youngster and brought him into Zamalek’s youth setup in 2016.

His progress has since taken him closer to the senior team, including an appearance as a substitute against Al-Ittihad Alexandria in the opening round of the league.

Hamad also attracted international attention recently when he spent time on trial with Portuguese giants Benfica at the beginning of September.

His latest displays for Egypt’s youth national team have further underlined why Zamalek are keen to develop him into a first-team player.

With the White Knights facing a shortage of options on the right wing, Hamad’s ability to operate from that position could provide another attacking option for Gamal.

For now, his performances with Egypt’s youth team are giving Zamalek supporters another reason to watch his development closely, with the youngster continuing to make a strong case for more opportunities at senior level.