Ibrahim El Nagawy: Slavia Prague move fulfils lifelong dream as Egyptian defender targets Real Madrid

Ibrahim El Nagawy says his move from Ismaily to Slavia Prague has fulfilled a childhood ambition, but admits adapting to European football has brought greater responsibility and its toughest challenges yet.

The Egyptian right-back joined Slavia Prague’s youth team in August 2026 from Ismaily on a contract running until the summer of 2030. He has made two official appearances for the Czech club, playing 34 minutes in his first match and 29 in his second.

The 15-year-old international has also played 15 matches for Egypt’s youth national team, providing three assists.

El Nagawy told FilGoal.com that his opportunity arose during the Africa Cup of Nations youth tournament, where a scout was impressed by his performances and contacted an Egyptian agent. The agent then informed him that Slavia Prague wanted to sign him.

“I had expected the day would come when I would play abroad because it has been my dream since I was young and my main goal,” he said. “I managed to prove myself with Ismaily, played in the Egyptian Premier League and performed well enough to make a name for myself in Ismailia.”

He said he had received offers from clubs in Egypt and abroad. One overseas club was ready to complete the move, while others wanted him to spend time on trial. Slavia Prague, along with several other clubs, had been monitoring him, but he said the Czech side showed the strongest interest and followed him consistently.

“It was a good step for me because I felt that one of my dreams was beginning to come true,” he said.

El Nagawy had already developed a strong sense of responsibility at Ismaily, particularly because of the difficult circumstances the club faced. However, he believes life in Prague has increased the demands on him.

“The experience here is much harder and the responsibility is greater, but, God willing, I will be up to it,” he said.

One early cultural difference he noticed was that players are expected to greet every member of the squad when they arrive at training and again when they leave a custom he said is not usual in Egypt.

He credited Ismaily with teaching him patience during frequent managerial changes, club problems and difficult periods involving supporters. He named youth coaches Islam Kazem, Ayman Kamal and Fathy Roshdy as three people who consistently advised him, supported his ambitions and believed he could reach the first team.

At Slavia Prague, El Nagawy says improving his Czech is crucial to understanding tactical instructions and integrating with teammates. He also wants to develop physically, with the level of strength and speed higher than in Egypt.

He believes Egyptian players need time to adjust abroad because they must learn new teammates’ movements and a different style of play. Once the player understands the coach’s thinking and the coach understands his abilities performances can improve.

El Nagawy’s biggest ambition is to play for Real Madrid, while his message to young Egyptian players is to trust themselves, believe in their dreams and never allow setbacks to discourage them.