Ibrahim Shika

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]

Ibrahim Shika

Personal information
Date of birth	(1997-02-27)27 February 1997
Place of birth	Giza Governorate, Egypt
Date of death	12 April 2025(2025-04-12) (aged 28)
Place of death	Cairo, Egypt
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
	Zamalek
* Club domestic league appearances and goals

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.

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]