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. Infantino: World Cup will be a ‘total party’

    FIFA President Gianni Infantino insists the 2026 World Cup will be a flawless global celebration, brushing aside mounting anxieties over escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Despite the USA and Israel conflict with Iran disrupting football calendars, causing widespread visa chaos, and forcing Iraq to request a delay, FIFA remains solely focused on record ticket sales.

  2. Ancelotti names Neymar in Brazil squad

    Neymar has been included in Brazil's expansive preliminary squad for the upcoming friendlies, giving the Santos star a lifeline ahead of the 2026 World Cup. However, with Carlo Ancelotti watching, the legendary forward faces immense pressure. Missing the next match for load control, he has just one game left to prove his fitness and secure his spot in the final selection.

  3. Flick responds to Xavi claims

    Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has carefully navigated the fallout from Xavi Hernandez's controversial remarks. Speaking ahead of this week's Champions League clash, the German coach refused to be drawn into a public dispute, opting instead to protect the privacy of their conversations while maintaining his team's focus amid the mounting political tension surrounding the club.

  4. Bayern chief addresses Neuer contract uncertainty

    Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl has confirmed the club is in no rush to extend Manuel Neuer’s contract. As the legendary 39-year-old goalkeeper approaches his 40th birthday, the hierarchy is waiting for him to evaluate his physical condition. With Jonas Urbig impressing in relief, the club remains calm about the future transition between the sticks.

  5. Tebas denies Barca 'green light' for Messi

    Javier Tebas has vehemently denied the explosive allegations that La Liga approved Lionel Messi's return to Barcelona in 2023. The league president's rebuttal comes amid a public feud that has erupted between Xavi Hernandez and Joan Laporta just days before the club's presidential elections, with the latter brutally dismissing the former coach's tenure while defending his own decisions.

  6. Xavi claims Laporta BLOCKED Messi's Barca homecoming

    Former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has dropped a massive bombshell, claiming that Joan Laporta deliberately vetoed Lionel Messi's return to the club in 2023. Despite securing La Liga approval to re-sign the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner that summer, Laporta allegedly blocked the transfer, shattering fans' dreams.

  1. Tudor called out for 'nonsense' approach at Spurs by Sherwood

    Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Tim Sherwood has launched a scathing attack on interim boss Igor Tudor, claiming the Croatian looks completely "lost" in the Premier League. As Spurs continue to slide towards the Premier League relegation zone, Sherwood has urged Tudor to abandon his perceived harsh methods and adopt a supportive approach to save the team from the drop.

  2. Celtic & Rangers fans separated by police in ugly pitch invasion

    The historic Old Firm rivalry erupted into chaos following a dramatic Scottish Cup quarter-final clash at Ibrox. What began as a joyous pitch invasion by Celtic supporters celebrating a penalty shootout victory quickly turned violent as Rangers fans breached barriers. Police and stewards were forced to form a human wall to separate the warring factions and restore order.

  3. Brighton boss hits Arsenal & Arteta with new time-wasting dig

    Tensions between Brighton and Arsenal exploded after the Gunners secured a gritty victory at the Amex Stadium to bolster their title charge on Wednesday evening. Seagulls boss Fabian Hurzeler launched a scathing attack on Mikel Arteta's side, accusing them of cynically manipulating the rules and using extreme time-wasting tactics in a match where he suggested only the hosts genuinely attempted to play football.

  4. Jesse Lingard

    Lingard not far from Corinthians debut after first training

    Former Manchester United star Jesse Lingard is on the verge of making his highly anticipated debut for Brazilian giants Corinthians. After leaving Seoul in December, the 33-year-old attacker has officially started a tailored training program in Sao Paulo. While awaiting his work visa clearance, Lingard is gearing up to reunite with Memphis Depay in South America.

  5. Kai Rooney inspires Man Utd U18s to cup final

    Manchester United's Under-18s secured a thrilling 3-1 comeback victory over West Ham in extra-time to reach the Premier League Cup final. Watched by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, 16-year-old Kai Rooney mirrored his father's big-game legacy, coming off the bench to seal the win alongside standout talent JJ Gabriel. The young Red Devils now prepare to face Crystal Palace.