The Egyptian winger who carried a legendary nickname and a heavy transfer fee
In short: From the streets of Kafr El Sheikh to the Premier League, Mahmoud Ahmed Ibrahim Hassan’s career is a study in adaptation. Known as Trézéguet, he transformed from a clinical striker into a versatile midfielder, navigating language barriers in Belgium and high-stakes transfers across Europe.
Born in Kafr El Sheikh, the player known as Tré \'zeguet received his moniker at age nine. His youth coach, Badr Ragab, noticed that the young Mahmoud's shaved head and scoring instinct mirrored the French legend David Trezeguet. This nickname became a central part of his identity as he rose through the Al Ahly academy, where he eventually transitioned from a striker to a midfielder under the guidance of coach Ali Maher.
His professional trajectory has been marked by significant movement across Europe's top leagues. After winning the CAF Champions League with Al Ahly in 2012 and 2013, he moved to Anderlecht in 2015 for a €1 million loan. While he faced challenges in Belgium—including a language barrier that hindered his tactical understanding—he found immense success in Turkey. Playing for Kasımpaşa, he became the highest-scoring Egyptian in the Turkish top flight in a single season, reaching double figures in 2017–18 and surpassing Ahmed Hassan's scoring record.
Trézéguet's career also includes a high-profile stint in the Premier League with Aston Villa, joining for £8.75 million in 2019. Despite facing severe injuries, including a torn ACL in 2021 and facial injuries, he remained a vital figure for the Egyptian national team. Having earned over 100 caps and scored 24 goals, he has represented his country in multiple FIFA World Cups and Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, cementing his status as one of Egypt's most accomplished players.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Trézéguet (Egyptian footballer)
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