Moataz Elgammal

News editor

Working as a football journalist was my first childhood dream. I became a journalist and a member of the Egyptian Journalists Syndicate, but covering topics far from the world of sports until the opportunity came in early 2020 when I joined Kooora, and then GOAL.

My memories with football began with Zinedine Zidane's historic triumph in the 1998 World Cup and France's unforgettable win over Brazil in the final, along with the Egyptian league matches and the rivalry between Al Ahly, Zamalek, and Ismaily during that era.

I don't support a specific team in Europe, but I enjoyed watching Milan with "Maldini, Gattuso, Kaka, Pirlo" and was amazed by Barcelona with "Busquets, Iniesta, Xavi, Neymar, Villa, Messi, Suarez", before following Mohamed Salah in his exceptional career with Fiorentina, Roma, and Liverpool.

My unforgettable sports moment was Mohamed Aboutrika's goal in Al Ahly's victory over Sfaxien in the 2006 CAF Champions League final.

My ideal lineup: Buffon; Cafu - Van Dijk - Maldini - Roberto Carlos; Pirlo - Zidane - Iniesta - Kaka; Cristiano Ronaldo - Messi

Articles by Moataz Elgammal
  1. Saka tipped to challenge Kane and Rice for Ballon d'Or

    Bukayo Saka has been tipped as a surprise candidate to win the Ballon d'Or this year, with Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink naming the Arsenal star as a potential threat to Harry Kane and Declan Rice for the accolade. The former Chelsea striker believes the winger international is "very close" to his compatriots when it comes to succeeding Michael Owen as the next Englishman to take the crown.

  2. Camavinga to miss Getafe clash with dental issue

    Real Madrid face a last-minute setback ahead of their La Liga clash against Getafe, as midfielder Eduardo Camavinga is ruled out due to an emergency dental issue. Manager Alvaro Arbeloa must now adjust his lineup, opening the door for Brahim Diaz or young prospect Cestero to step up. This unexpected absence adds pressure as Los Blancos aim to keep pace with league leaders Barcelona.

  3. Real Madrid expect UEFA ban for Barca

    The long-standing tension between Spanish football's biggest rivals has reached a critical point. Real Madrid are confident that UEFA will soon hand down severe sanctions to Barcelona regarding the "Negreira Case." While Spanish courts move slowly, Madrid believe European football's governing body is ready to take decisive disciplinary action against the Catalan club in the near future.

  4. Antony confronts furious fans after derby collapse

    The Seville derby exploded into chaos as Antony was filmed in a heated exchange with Real Betis fans. Following a devastating collapse where Betis surrendered a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 against Sevilla in La Liga, footage showed the former Manchester United winger reaching a breaking point with the very fans who had chanted his name after he'd scored a stunning first-half opener at the Villamarín.

  5. Glasner suggests ref gave Man Utd 'Old Trafford bonus' with penalty call

    Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner heavily criticised the officiating following his side's 2-1 defeat to Manchester United. He claimed the pivotal penalty decision that saw Bruno Fernandes level the scoreline at 1-1 was incorrect, arguing the foul occurred outside the box, and suggested referee Chris Kavanagh gave the hosts an "Old Trafford bonus" as they went on to secure the three points.

  1. Amorim needed more time at Man Utd, claims his assistant

    The fallout from Ruben Amorim’s early departure from Manchester United continues to generate intense debate. Sacked in January after a highly challenging 14-month spell at Old Trafford, the Portuguese manager left behind a divided fanbase and a struggling squad. Now, his close assistant Adelio Candido has broken his silence, shedding light on the internal struggles and tactical roadblocks they faced. Candido argues that the management team was not given the necessary runway to fully execute their long-term vision in the demanding environment of the Premier League.

  2. Benfica face 'moral crisis' as legend blasts reaction to Vini Jr racism row

    Benfica legend Luisao has launched a second scathing public attack on the club's hierarchy following their controversial handling of the recent racism allegations involving Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior and Argentine midfielder Gianluca Prestianni. The former Eagles captain expressed profound disappointment with the institutional response, explicitly accusing Prestianni of lying about the incident. Luisao warned that the Portuguese giants are currently navigating a severe "moral crisis" that threatens to permanently tarnish their historical legacy, demanding that the leadership face the uncomfortable truth rather than simply sweeping a serious societal issue under the rug.

  3. Asencio out as Real defensive crisis deepens

    Real Madrid have suffered a massive blow to their defensive line ahead of their crucial La Liga matchup against Getafe. Breakout centre-back Raul Asencio has been officially ruled out following a terrifying head-on collision with teammate Eduardo Camavinga during their recent Champions League clash against Benfica. This unexpected setback leaves manager Alvaro Arbeloa scrambling for reliable options, as an escalating injury crisis threatens to derail the team's momentum at a pivotal moment in the season.

  4. Atleti director dismisses Griezmann to MLS rumours

    The future of Atletico Madrid's star forward Antoine Griezmann has been a hot topic of debate, with recent speculation heavily linking him to a mid-season departure to Major League Soccer. Reports suggested an immediate move to Orlando City was on the cards, casting doubt on his continuation in the Spanish capital. However, the club's hierarchy has addressed these swirling rumours, suggesting that the move will not go through just yet.

  5. Kompany hints at shock Neuer return for BVB clash

    Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany has delivered an optimistic update regarding Manuel Neuer's fitness ahead of the highly anticipated Der Klassiker. The 39-year-old veteran goalkeeper has made a surprisingly rapid recovery from a calf injury and could make a dramatic return to the starting lineup against Borussia Dortmund at the Signal Iduna Park this Saturday, providing a massive boost for the league leaders.

  6. 'No dubious penalties!' - Villarreal boss aims referee dig at Barca

    Villarreal manager Marcelino has added a touch of spice to the build-up of his side's daunting trip to face Barcelona in La Liga, hinting at lingering frustrations over officiating and controversial calls. As they aim to solidify their position in the top three, Marcelino is focusing on the fine margins, tactical discipline, and past precedents that could help his team shock the league leaders in their own formidable fortress.

  7. 'I was a beanpole!' - Bayern star credits Ronaldo for physical transformation

    Rising Bayern Munich star Aleksandar Pavlovic has undergone a radical physical transformation, evolving from a slender academy prospect into a dominant midfield force. The 21-year-old German international recently opened up about his journey, revealing how football legend Cristiano Ronaldo inspired him to build muscle and enhance his professional conduct. As he prepares for the high-stakes Der Klassiker against Borussia Dortmund, Pavlovic also discussed his deep loyalty to his boyhood club and his unwavering confidence on the biggest stages in European football.

  8. Dortmund rejected 'a lot of money' for Guirassy in January, agent reveals

    Borussia Dortmund sent a definitive message to Europe's elite during the winter transfer window, outright rejecting a massive financial package for their star striker, Serhou Guirassy. The German giants chose to fully prioritise their ongoing sporting project and competitive ambitions for the season, declaring their Guinean forward an irreplaceable "guaranteed goalscorer" whose value to the team far exceeds any lucrative mid-season offer.

  9. Sweden boss Potter gives update on Isak and Kulusevski

    Sweden national team manager Graham Potter has provided a fitness update on star duo Dejan Kulusevski and Alexander Isak as the national team prepare for a high-stakes World Cup play-off semi-final against Ukraine in late March. Both players have been dealing with long-term injury lay-offs, leaving Potter sweating on the availability of his most potent attacking weapons.