Hossam Mido questions quality of Egyptian football after watching El Clasico

Former Egypt international Ahmed Hossam Mido has sparked debate over the standard of football in Egypt after comparing the Egyptian Premier League with the technical and tactical quality displayed during the El Clasico clash between Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Mido expressed his frustration with the gap between European football and domestic competitions after watching Real Madrid secure a 2-1 victory over Barcelona in the Spanish La Liga encounter at Camp Nou.

The former Zamalek striker highlighted several differences that caught his attention, including the intensity of the game, passing accuracy, players’ ability to make decisions under pressure and the tactical understanding demonstrated by both teams.

In a post on his official X account, Mido questioned whether the standard of Egyptian football justified the level of attention, passion and emotional investment it receives from supporters.

“A serious question for all of us… Is the Egyptian league and the level of players and coaches we have worth following and getting worked up over? Do the players we have play the same game?” he wrote.

His comments reflect his concerns about the quality of the domestic game compared with the standards displayed by two of Europe’s biggest clubs, whose encounter offered a showcase of technical ability, tactical organisation and high-intensity football.

Mido also drew attention to the role of coaches, pointing to the tactical ideas they implement and the way they communicate their football philosophies during press conferences.

Beyond what happens on the pitch, the former Egyptian international highlighted differences in players’ media awareness after matches, television coverage and the way supporters engage with the game.

His criticism has reignited questions about the development of Egyptian football, particularly the quality of coaching, player development, tactical education and the overall matchday experience in the domestic league.

Mido reflects on his relationship with Egyptian football

In a separate post, Mido revealed that his attitude towards following Egyptian football has changed, explaining that he no longer allows domestic matches to generate the same level of anger and anxiety he previously experienced.

“Thank God that many things have changed in my life, the most important of which is that I have begun to realize that following football in Egypt with such anger and anxiety was a psychological illness I had, and thank God, God enlightened my insight and healed me from it.. Thank God,” he wrote.

The remarks suggest a personal shift in how Mido approaches football in Egypt, with the former striker expressing gratitude for the change in his outlook.

Mido enjoyed a distinguished playing career, representing clubs in Europe and featuring for the Egyptian national team before moving into coaching and football analysis.

His latest comments have placed the spotlight back on the standard of Egyptian football and whether domestic competitions are doing enough to meet supporters’ expectations when compared with the quality of Europe’s elite leagues.