Ayman Ashraf's retirement: The end of the career of the Al Ahly and Egyptian national team defender

In a poignant moment that concludes an important chapter in Egyptian football over the last decade, Ayman Ashraf , the former defender of the Egyptian national team and Al-Ahly club, announced his final retirement from football, bringing to a close a career full of achievements, accomplishments, and championships that adorned the history of the Red Castle.

Details of the retirement decision and its reasons

The veteran defender confirmed in a televised interview that making this decision was not easy, describing it as the "most difficult decision" of his life. This step came after deep reflection, as the player preferred to preserve his untarnished image in the eyes of Egyptian fans in general, and Al Ahly fans in particular, choosing to leave on good terms rather than continue in circumstances unworthy of his legacy.

The 34-year-old said emotionally, "My heart loves football and wants to continue playing, but my mind believes that retirement is the best decision so as not to tarnish my image in front of the fans, especially after receiving offers that are not suitable for my name and history." He added, emphasizing his pride in what he had accomplished, "Football is my life and I will miss it. My journey began at Al Ahly, where I played with the first team, and I am proud to have made a distinguished mark.".

The journey of "The Joker"... from juniors to the podium

Ayman Ashraf's journey was far from easy; it was a testament to struggle and perseverance. He began his career in Al Ahly's youth academy, then had a loan spell at Telephonat Beni Suef, before moving to Smouha SC in Alexandria. There, he delivered exceptional performances as a left-back and center-back, establishing himself as one of the most prominent defenders in the Egyptian Premier League. This prompted Al Ahly to bring him back, making him a key pillar of their recent golden generation.

Ayman Ashraf was distinguished by the nickname “The Joker” because of his ability to play in more than one position with the same efficiency, whether as a left-back or a center-back, and he was a crucial element in the lineup of successive coaches at the Red Castle, especially in major matches and difficult African encounters.

A record full of international championships and achievements

The numbers speak volumes about Ayman Ashraf's career; the player has won 13 titles, all with Al Ahly. His trophy cabinet includes:

• 6 Egyptian Premier League titles.
• 3 African Champions League titles, contributing to restoring the African prestige of the Red Giant.
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• One title for the Egyptian Cup and another for the Egyptian Super Cup.
• Participating in achieving the bronze medal in the Club World Cup with Al-Ahly.

Internationally, Ayman Ashraf was a regular in the Egyptian national team, making 32 appearances. He was part of the squad that represented Egypt at the 2018 World Cup in Russia and also helped the team reach the final of the Africa Cup of Nations, making him one of the few players to have achieved domestic and continental success with a World Cup appearance.

Ayman Ashraf concluded his football career after a final stint with Al Ahly Bank Club, after which he decided to hang up his boots, leaving behind a legacy of commitment and fighting spirit that will remain engraved in the memory of football fans.