In a heartfelt twist that many didn’t expect, Ibrahim Said received a public show of support from former rival Mahmoud Abdel-Razek Shikabala.
The gesture came despite a rocky past between the two football stars.
Shikabala and Ibrahim Said, both well-known names in Egyptian football, have had their share of disagreements. Just two seasons ago, Ibrahim Said openly questioned Shikabala’s value to Zamalek and called for his retirement during a TV appearance. He also criticized Shikabala’s prospects after retirement.
Now, with Ibrahim Said facing personal challenges, including a recent court ruling that led to his imprisonment over unpaid tuition fees for his daughter, Shikabala has extended a surprising olive branch.
Posting on Facebook, Shikabala praised Ibrahim Said’s legacy and urged the public not to ridicule him during his current crisis.
“Ibrahim Said is one of the most prominent defenders of his generation, and no one can deny his history with Egyptian football.”
Shikabala called for compassion and unity, stating,” Ibrahim Said is going through a crisis, and it is unacceptable for some to gloat over him or exploit the situation to attack him. The basic principle is for us to stand by him because he needs psychological support, and not throw stones at him.
“We are all prone to mistakes and we all experience moments of weakness. I pray to God to relieve his distress and to emerge from the crisis stronger than before.”
