Al Ahly SC: A Team Defined by the “Champion’s Personality”

Written by Dr. Hamada Alantably

You cannot bet on something all the time and be certain that this bet will always win, except for one: the bet on the champion’s personality. These personality traits are inherited and acquired by everyone who falls under the banner of being a “champion.” Experts have always debated whether champions are born or made, and the answer remains fluid. Some believe champions are born, possessing innate genes, while others—given that sports have evolved into an industry—assert that champions are made. The truth is that both are correct. You must possess the inherent traits and talent that qualify you to be a champion, which must then be invested in and directed correctly to reach the top of the podium.

Here, we see the enduring championship spirit of Al Ahly throughout its history, passed down from one generation to the next, regardless of the individual names of the players in that generation. What remains constant is Al Ahly, with its eagle soaring through time and space. This confirms that the traits of a champion are deeply rooted in the club’s DNA. They are crafted and cultivated by carefully bolstering those traits with exceptional sporting talent and technical and administrative staffs that carry competence and science as their slogan. Al Ahly is a comprehensive professional sports system; it contains all the elements of a professional club—administrative, technical, media, and economic. Everything in Al Ahly follows a pattern that fosters the spirit of championship, proving that institutional work and belief in one’s abilities are the true titles of success.

What is this club that passes on the “championship genes” generation after generation? What is this club that everyone sings about with love and passion? What is this club that is forever a source of pride and joy for its fans? It is simply “Al Ahly.” It is enough to say its name to trigger iconic slogans: “The Red Devils,” “The Spirit of the Red Jersey,” “The Plus-90,” “Al Ahly Above All,” “Al Ahly Wins with Whoever is Present.” All these slogans point to one thing: the “Champion’s Personality.” It is a spirit that, once placed in a body, makes it soar in the skies of victory, playing the melodies of triumph everywhere. It is Al Ahly, ladies and gentlemen, the master of every time and place, the “Merchant of Happiness” for all its fans.

Regarding this champion’s personality: who could have imagined that a team missing its core squad—either due to the clash between the Club World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations schedules, or due to injuries—would still stand tall on the podium? Even Chelsea, the European champions and winners of the Club World Cup, stood in a guard of honor for them. How great you are, Al Ahly! Everyone expected Al Ahly to achieve nothing in that tournament, and they would have had a thousand excuses. But with Al Ahly, players breathe a love for the team and a desire to be on the podium. Sometimes circumstances stand in the way of your goals, or the road seems difficult—the road of champions is always fraught with challenges and dangers. But what drives you to persist and succeed is the champion’s personality; a trait that champions recognize the value of. No matter the problems, obstacles, or moments of despair, the champion’s spirit makes you rise like a giant, declaring, “I am the champion!” The relentless work continues to reach the podium and return to the melody of victory—the melody that delights every lover of success. Since Al Ahly was founded in 1907, the spirit of championship has pulsed through its veins, keeping them on podiums forever.

It is Al Ahly, the knight of every time and place, the heroic champion that has traveled the globe in search of titles and glory. You will find no championship that does not have a place in Al Ahly’s trophy cabinet, and no podium that does not take pride in Al Ahly standing upon it. Al Ahly is the “Hunter of Championships.” It snatched African titles to become the continent’s master after completely dominating the local scene. The path to global recognition became its only way to express its dominance. It has appeared in seven Club World Cups, the second most in history behind Auckland City. During these tournaments, it won the bronze medal three times. Its coach and players expressed their sadness at not being able to secure a better medal, while promising to return next season to achieve better results under better conditions. This further reinforces the champion’s personality: the unquenchable hunger for victory. It is Al Ahly, and that is enough.

By Dr. Hamada Alantably