I rejected an offer to play for Canada – Egypt star Omar Marmoush reveals

Omar Marmoush has revealed he once attracted serious interest from Canada’s national setup before ultimately committing his international future to Egypt, as the forward continues to reflect on a career that has taken him from Germany’s lower leagues to the elite level of English football.

The 26-year-old’s rise has been shaped by a steady climb through German football, featuring loan spells at FC St. Pauli and VfB Stuttgart, where he gained valuable experience before breaking through at Eintracht Frankfurt.

His performances in the Bundesliga ultimately earned him a major €70 million (around $80 million) move to Manchester City, marking a significant step in his development.

Marmoush’s international eligibility briefly placed him at the centre of a tug-of-war.

His parents, who had obtained Canadian citizenship after working in the country prior to his birth, made him eligible to represent Canada. The interest was concrete, with the forward confirming that he was personally contacted by the national team setup.

“The Canadian national team contacted me… the head coach called me personally,” he said during an appearance on Egyptian talk show Sahibat Al Saada. “But when I received the call, my decision was already made: my national team is Egypt; I put Egypt above everything else.”

The approach from the Canadian side, represented by the Canadian Soccer Association, ultimately did not alter his path, as Marmoush reaffirmed his commitment to the country of his birth and football upbringing.

Now firmly established at club level and on the international stage, Marmoush is expected to feature for the Egypt when they face New Zealand in their second group match of the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The fixture offers Egypt another opportunity to strengthen their campaign, with Marmoush’s form and experience seen as key to their ambitions.

As Egypt continue their tournament journey, the forward’s story stands as a reminder of a career defined by persistence, high-stakes decisions, and a steady ascent to football’s biggest stage.