Ibrahim Shika
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 27 February 1997 | ||
| Place of birth | Giza Governorate, Egypt | ||
| Date of death | 12 April 2025 (aged 28) | ||
| Place of death | Cairo, Egypt | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| Zamalek SC | |||
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
Ibrahim El-Gamal (Arabic: إبراهيم الجمال); 27 February 1997 – 12 April 2025), known as Ibrahim Shika (Arabic: براهيم شيكا),[1] was an Egyptian footballer, best known for his career with Egypt's Zamalek SC, where he played as a left-back. Shika began his football journey in Zamalek's youth academy, excelling in the junior ranks before facing health challenges that forced him to retire early due to a diagnosis of rectal cancer.[2]
Early life
Ibrahim Shika was born in Giza Governorate, Egypt, on 27 February 1997. Raised in a sports-oriented environment, he developed a passion for football at a young age. He joined Zamalek's youth academy during childhood, where he showcased promising talent as a left-back, earning the nickname "Shika" due to comparisons with the playing style of Mahmoud Abdel Razek "Shikabala," Zamalek's captain.
Football career
Shika started his professional career with Zamalek, shining in the youth teams alongside players like Mostafa Mohamed and Akram Tawfik. His performances made him a candidate for the senior team, but he left the club at the age of 19 following a dispute with a club official. After leaving Zamalek, Shika joined Al Mokawloon Al Arab, and later played for Tala'ea El Gaish. He was also called up to Egypt's U-20 national team (born 1997) under coach Moatamed Gamal. He temporarily stepped away from football after his mother's death but later returned to compete with second- and third-division clubs before being forced to retire permanently due to his illness.
Illness and death
Ibrahim Shika died after a prolonged battle with rectal cancer in Cairo, on the morning of 12 April 2025, at the age of 28.[3][4]
References
- ^ "MSN". www.msn.com. Retrieved 12 April 2025.
- ^ "Ibrahim Shika Passes Away After Battling Illness". Yalla Shoot. Retrieved 12 April 2025.
- ^ Rana Atef (12 April 2025). "Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer". Sada Elbalad English. Retrieved 13 April 2025.
- ^ "وفاة لاعب الزمالك السابق إبراهيم شيكا عن عمر يناهز 28 عامًا". CNN Arabic (in Arabic). 12 April 2025. Retrieved 13 April 2025.