Exclusive Interview with Egyptian Star Mohamed Arou: A Journey Across Egyptian and Global Football
In an exclusive sit-down, Egyptian football star Mohamed Arou , currently playing for Al-Wasl Club in the UAE, opened his heart about his long career, his experiences in Egyptian and international football, and the defining milestones that shaped his journey both on and off the pitch.
Born in Egypt, Arou’s passion for football emerged at an early age. His story began at just six years old under the guidance of coach Mohamed Morsi. Soon after, he joined the youth academy at **Ismaily SC**, where he was mentored by club icons such as Ali Abou Greisha, Mahmoud Hassan, and Sayed Bazooka. His talent quickly stood out, and he spent three years in the youth ranks under coaches Fikry El-Kebir and Yehia, before being promoted to the senior squad at just 18 as one of the club’s brightest prospects.
His breakthrough moment came when coach Ahmed Said, a former Canal SC player and manager, secured him a loan move to **Kahrabaa Ismailia**. After two successful seasons, he joined **Al-Masry Club of Port Said** under coach Mokhtar Mokhtar, where he shined as the team’s top scorer in his debut season.
Arou’s career then took him across several Egyptian Premier League clubs, including **Petrojet (Asyut Petroleum)**, before making a return to Ismaily under the leadership of Safaan El-Saghir. Later, he had a spell with **Al-Ittihad of Alexandria**, showcasing his versatility and resilience across Egyptian football.
His first international experience came with **Erbil SC in Iraq**, where he delivered a strong season. A brief return to Ismaily under coaches Sabry El-Minyawy and Ashraf Khadr proved challenging, leading him to pursue further opportunities abroad.
Arou’s journey in the UAE began with **Fujairah FC**, where he played a key role in the club’s promotion to the Arabian Gulf League. He then joined **Ras Al-Khaimah Club** for a season and a half, before making a defining move to **Al-Wasl Club**, one of the UAE’s most prestigious teams competing in the ADNOC Pro League.
Reflecting on his career, Arou highlights two milestones as his most defining: his promotion from Ismaily’s youth ranks to the senior squad, and his successful spell with Al-Wasl. “Those were the moments that crowned years of hard work and persistence,” he said.
When asked about his most memorable goal, Arou pointed to one scored in a friendly match between Al-Wasl and a Brazilian side, describing it as a moment full of passion and intensity.
On the players he wishes he could share the pitch with, Arou expressed admiration for Egyptian stars Mohamed Homos and Mahmoud Abdelrazek “Shikabala.” Internationally, he dreams of having lined up alongside legends such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and Zlatan Ibrahimović.
To the younger generation, Arou sends a clear message: *“Never give up. Ambition never ends, and every obstacle can be the start of a new path.”*
Looking ahead, Arou shared his future aspirations with a smile: “In football, everything is possible, but my greatest wish is to finish my career at my home club, Ismaily SC.”
Currently recovering from a knee ligament injury, Arou remains determined. “Thanks to God, I’m in the final stages of recovery from a torn medial ligament. My goal is to return to the pitch stronger than ever. I am grateful to Al-Wasl Club for standing by me during this difficult period and never giving up on me.”
### Gratitude Along the Journey
Arou made sure to thank those who stood beside him throughout his career. At the top of the list is the **Ismaily supporters’ association**, including figures such as Hassan El-Saghir, Ali Zidan, Mahmoud Ammar, Abdullah Sayed, Osama Ali El-Fahm, and Mahmoud Saleh. He also expressed deep gratitude to his personal coach **Captain Mostafa El-Husseiny**, who played a major role in his recovery, and to **Adel Abdel Karim**, whom he described as a father figure always at his side.
He further acknowledged his mentor Ashraf Mohamed Morsi, his mother **Hind Mostafa Amin Ahmed**, whom he considers his greatest source of strength, his uncle Adel Abdel Karim, and his wife **Eman Redy**, whom he described as his true life partner and greatest motivator.
Closing the interview, Arou said: *“Everything I have achieved is by the grace of God, the prayers of my beloved mother, and the constant support of my family, especially my son Zein and my daughter Mahra. I also thank my lifelong friend, agent, and legal advisor, Mr. Fadi Emad, who has always been by my side.
