Ramadan Sobhi: A Promising Talent in Egyptian Football

 With his exceptional skills, versatility, and dedication, Sobhi has emerged as a rising star in the world of football, captivating fans and establishing himself as a prominent figure in both domestic and international competitions.

From Street Skills to Stardom: Ramadan Sobhi's Rise from the Neighborhood to the World Stage

Ramadan Sobhi Ahmed was born on January 23, 1997, in Cairo, Egypt. Sobhi grew up in the neighborhood of Al-Darb Al-Ahmar in a modest family. From a young age, he displayed a passion for football and possessed natural talent, catching the attention of local coaches and scouts. Sobhi's journey from the streets of Cairo to the international football stage is a testament to his determination and dedication. He is married to Habiba Ekramy, the daughter of the famous former Al-Ahly Club goalkeeper Ekramy, and the sister of Ramadan’s former colleague in Al-Ahly Club, goalkeeper Sherif Ekramy.

Turning Obstacles into Opportunities

Sobhi faced numerous challenges such as he faced limited resources, with a lack of proper training facilities and coaching. Financial constraints added another hurdle, making it difficult to afford equipment and participate in tournaments. Sobhi also encountered injury setbacks, testing his mental strength and resilience. Despite these challenges, Sobhi's unwavering commitment and belief in his abilities propelled him forward, using each obstacle as an opportunity for growth, but remained focused on his dream of becoming a professional footballer.

 A Star is Born: Al Ahly's Discovery of Sobhi's Untapped Potential

He started playing football at the Wadi Degla Sporting Club's youth academy, where his skills quickly flourished. Sobhi's impressive performances at the youth level earned him a call-up to the Egyptian national U-20 team, representing his country in various international tournaments. Ramadan Sobhi's career trajectory includes significant spells at Al Ahly, Stoke City, and Huddersfield Town. He made a name for himself at Al Ahly in 2014, debuting at a young age and becoming a key player with his impressive skills.

 Conquering New Frontiers: Sobhi in the Premier League

His move to Stoke City in the English Premier League showcased his adaptability and talent as a winger in 2016. Despite Stoke City's relegation, Sobhi gained valuable experience.  A loan spell at Huddersfield Town allowed him to further develop despite injury setbacks in 2018.

Homecoming: Sobhi Return to Egyptian Football's Mecca

 Sobhi returned to Al Ahly in 2019 and quickly became a crucial player, contributing t their success in domestic and continental competitions. Then, in 2020, Pyramids FC officials announced the engagement of Ramadan Sobhi, the team’s new winger, with a 5-year contract.

Captain Reda Abdel-Al said, “I do not think that any player will continue to become a professional abroad like Salah and still achieve achievements.”

He added, “Ramadan should have continued his career abroad, away from the many problems that happen here, and only come to the national team’s matches. I see that the mistake of his life is that he returned to the Egyptian League, and his return led to a lot of riots and public anger when he went to Pyramids.”

Sobhi's Triumphs: Collection of Honors

He won the Egyptian Premier League three times with Al-Ahly, won the Egyptian Super Cup four times with Al-Ahly, and won the African Confederation Cup once with Al-Ahly. He won the U-23 African Cup of Nations with the Olympic team. He won the Best Rising Player Award in Egypt 2015, the Best Rising Player Award in Egypt 2016, and the Best Player in the 2019 U-23 African Cup of Nations.

Doping Test and Positive Result

On March 31, 2024, Ramadan Sobhi underwent a doping test after a continental match. The test result came back positive for banned substances.

Gamel Allam, the President of the Egyptian Football Association (EFA), claimed to have received a letter informing him of Sobhi’s positive doping test. He mentioned that the sample from Sobhi was flagged as positive by the World Anti-Doping Organization (WADA). The EFA president stated that another sample would be selected before a final decision was made on Sobhi.

Quoted by On Time Sports channel, “Al-Hadaf” program, Mohamed Fadl, the former Al-Ahly player, said that Gamal Allam made a mistake in announcing the positivity of Ramadan Sobhi’s sample.

Reda Abdel-Al explained, “Before we hold any player accountable for this act, the results of these samples are supposed to come in secret answers to the Football Association, which is the only one who has the right to address the club and then the club to address the player, but there are spies in the Football Association and certainly, there are those who leaked this information. "

 Reda added, "This is great naivety on the part of the president of the federation. How can he say that when there is an official spokesman for the federation or there is correspondence between the federation and the clubs, so he has no involvement in the matter to announce this way, whether he or any other person."

Reda said, "Ramadan played many matches in Africa, so how could he take steroids because all players undergo a steroid test before these matches? So why did this propaganda take place at this time? Is it because of the spread of word that he is going to a specific club?"

Reda added, "Everyone must learn from that story, and every person knows his role and what he should or should not say, and I hope that Ramadan will emerge from this situation safely."

During an interview on the "Al-Hadaf" program also, Sherif Ekramy expressed his disagreement with Gamal Allam's comments. Ekramy stated that only the player and civil society organizations have the right to comment on such matters, emphasizing that Allam should not have spoken or shared potentially damaging information. Ekramy highlighted the consequences of defaming a player and damaging their market value, urging Allam to be mindful of his words as a representative of the Egyptian Federation. He advised Allam to consider the impact of his statements and suggested involving an official spokesman for media interactions.

Pyramids FC refuted the accuracy of this information. Both the player and the club were outraged by the president’s irresponsible statement. The club’s sporting director, Hani Saeed, criticized Allam’s actions, considering them part of a systematic campaign against Sobhi. Saeed accused Allam of violating confidentiality and defaming the player without proper evidence.

Dr. Ahmed Youssef, a doctor at Helwan University and club governance consultant, said, “What Gamal Allam did is considered a violation of the confidentiality of information, and he is prohibited from disclosing that information in anything other than official statements or when all procedures are completed and the punishment is determined for the player.”

Youssef added, "Another sample must be taken and analyzed. If it appears that he is taking these stimulants for a medical condition, the penalty will be a suspension for a shorter period than if he is taking them for a non-medical reason, then the penalty will reach four years."

During the doping test, an argument broke out between Sobhi and the doctor taking the sample. The first sample was reportedly destroyed, while the second sample remained sealed. Pyramids FC was asked to explain the reason for the damage to the first sample within 14 days.

Pharmacist Mustafa Muhammad explained that there are no types of medicines or their active ingredients that show positive results in the samples. They must be explicit stimulant medicines, and these stimulants can be taken in specific medical cases.

Sobhi decided to take legal action against Gamal Allam. The player expressed his desire to pursue all necessary legal steps.

This crisis involves conflicting statements, sample mishandling, and potential legal repercussions. Sobhi’s reputation and career are at stake, and the situation remains tense as it unfolds.