Youssef Belammari ruled out for the season after suffering cruciate ligament injury

Al Ahly left-back Youssef Belammari will miss the rest of the season after suffering a torn cruciate ligament during a friendly against Spanish side Badalona.

Belammari confirmed the severity of the injury in a message posted on Instagram, saying he was facing one of the most difficult moments of his career but remained determined to return to action.

“Praise be to God in all circumstances. God has decreed, and whatever He wills, happens. Today, I am going through one of the most difficult moments of my career, but I believe in God’s decree and destiny. I also believe that every hardship carries a lesson and a new beginning,” he wrote.

The left-back added that injuries were an unavoidable part of football and acknowledged that the rehabilitation process could be both difficult and lengthy.

“Injury is part of football, and this period may be difficult and long, but I will deal with it with patience and determination. I will do everything I can to return in the best condition possible,” said Belammari.

The Morocco international also thanked those who had contacted him since the injury and offered their support.

“I sincerely thank everyone who asked about me, everyone who contacted me and supported me with a kind word or a prayer. Your support during this period means a great deal to me, and I will never forget it,” he said.

Belammari, who joined Al Ahly on a three-and-a-half-year contract in January 2026, has made 19 appearances for the club in all competitions since his arrival.

He promised to use the rehabilitation period to come back stronger.

“I promise you that I will fight every day and work with all my strength during the rehabilitation period so that I can return to the pitch stronger and more determined, God willing,” he wrote.

The defender ended his message by thanking supporters in both Morocco and Egypt.

“Thank you to the Moroccan fans and the Al Ahly fans for your love and constant support. Please keep me in your prayers, and God willing, the future will be brighter,” Belammari said.

The injury comes while Al Ahly continue their pre-season training camp, which is scheduled to run until 20 August. The camp includes intensive daily sessions and a series of friendly matches.

Al Ahly are due to face Barcelona in the Joan Gamper Trophy on 19 August, two days before the start of the Egyptian Premier League season.

The club will begin their league campaign against Eastern Company Enppi and will finish the first phase with a match against Wadi Degla. Al Ahly are scheduled to play 13 of their 19 matches in the opening phase at Cairo International Stadium.

The Egyptian Premier League is set to begin on 21 August, with the first phase scheduled to conclude on 20 February. The second phase is due to start on 8 March, with the league final currently planned for 28 May.

That closing date could change depending on the May calendar and the timing of the finals of continental competitions, as explained by Taha Ezzat, chairman of the competitions committee.