The death of Mustafa Riad, the legend of Tersana and the Egyptian national team... Farewell to the Gazelle
In sad news that has swept through Egyptian sports circles, Captain Mustafa Riad , former star of Tersana Club and the Egyptian national team, passed away yesterday (Tuesday) at the age of 86 after a long battle with illness. "The Gazelle," as he was affectionately known by fans, leaves behind a monumental footballing legacy and a golden career that has cemented his name among the most prominent legends of Egyptian football in the 20th century.
The golden era of the sixties and breaking the monopoly of the two poles
Mustafa Riad is considered one of the pillars of Tersana's golden generation, a generation that succeeded in changing the landscape of Egyptian football during the 1960s. Riad was not just a prolific goalscorer; he was part of a unique football system that broke the monopoly of Egyptian football giants Al-Ahly and Zamalek on titles. His efforts culminated in leading "The Hammers" to the Egyptian Premier League in the 1962-1963 season (according to the generation's historical records) and the 1965-1966 season, in addition to winning the Egypt Cup in 1965 and 1967, creating unforgettable glory for the blue club.
A historic partnership and record-breaking numbers in the "100 Club"
The late Mustafa Riad formed a formidable attacking duo with his legendary teammate Hassan El-Shazly, a partnership considered the strongest in Egyptian football history, characterized by unparalleled goal-scoring prowess. Individually, Riad etched his name in the annals of football history by winning the Egyptian Premier League top scorer title in the 1961-1962 and 1963-1964 seasons. He is also a prominent member of the Egyptian Premier League's "100 Club," having scored 122 goals, placing him fifth on the all-time top scorers list of the prestigious domestic competition.
A global achievement in Tokyo 1964
Mustafa Riad's brilliance wasn't limited to the local level; his star shone brightly on the international stage, where he wore the Egyptian national team jersey in 66 international matches, scoring 26 goals. His participation in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics remains the highlight of his career, where he led the Pharaohs to an unprecedented fourth-place finish. During that tournament, Riad scored 8 goals, finishing second in the top scorers' list, a record that stood for many years as one of the best individual achievements of an Egyptian player on the world stage.
The final farewell and funeral details
After retiring from playing in 1976, Riad continued his contributions in coaching, remaining loyal to the beautiful game. The Egyptian Football Association, headed by Hani Abu Rida, mourned his passing, affirming that his contributions will remain immortal. For its part, Tersana Club announced a three-day mourning period in honor of its distinguished son's career. The funeral prayer is scheduled to take place at Mustafa Mahmoud Mosque in Mohandessin, before the body is taken to its final resting place in the family cemetery in 6th of October City. Condolences will be received at Tersana Club headquarters at the end of the week, a final farewell in the place that witnessed his remarkable achievements.
