Emam Ashour: The Egyptian who outscored Salah at the World Cup and turned down the 'fridge'

Egypt's top scorer at the 2026 World Cup isn't Mohamed Salah, nor Omar Marmoush. It's midfielder Emam Ashour, who went from zero goals in 33 caps to two in four matches – against Belgium in the group stage and Australia in the knockout rounds. He was named man of the match in the Belgium game. Ashour admitted that the long drought without a goal had bruised his pride. He celebrates his strikes with Conor McGregor's strut, explaining that it shows Egypt no longer fears opponents, lifts the team's spirit, and puts pressure on the other side. The 28-year-old from El Senbelawayn came through the Ghazl El Mahalla academy and rose to become a key figure at Al Ahly. His European stint fell apart: Danish side FC Midtjylland signed him from Zamalek, but the manager who approved the move was sacked. Ashour picked up a knock in a cup tie, was allowed to return to Egypt for rehab, and then simply refused to come back. The reason? He struggled to adapt to life in Denmark. He managed only five appearances for the Danish club, scoring once. Midtjylland sold him to Al Ahly for an initial $2 million, with another $1.2 million in add-ons. Notably, he moved from Zamalek to Al Ahly – the fiercest derby in Africa. During this World Cup, Ashour hinted at a possible return to Europe, saying demand for him will rise after the tournament. That's likely true, but northern European clubs, still remembering his failed Danish adventure, will think twice before offering him a contract.