Despite Early Exit, Al Ahly Fans Shine in New Jersey, Turn MetLife Stadium into a Red Fortress
Walid Abbas
Despite exiting the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup from the group stage with just two points and four goals scored, Egypt's Al Ahly SC captured global attention in their final appearance in the tournament, delivering one of the most thrilling matches in a 4-4 draw against Portugal's FC Porto at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey early Tuesday morning.
Palestinian striker Wissam Abu Ali netted a brilliant hat-trick, while Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane added a stunning goal. However, defensive errors and more than 15 missed scoring opportunities cost the Red Devils a win that was within reach, leaving them with just two points from three matches.
Nevertheless, it was the fans who truly stole the spotlight. Thousands of Al Ahly supporters from across the United States packed the stadium stands, waving flags and chanting, transforming MetLife into a true "Red Fortress" — a scene that astonished even head coach José Ribeiro, who said:"I've never seen anything like this before. Al Ahly fans are truly incredible."
The passionate support wasn't limited to Egyptian expatriates in the U.S. Fans traveled from Egypt itself, as well as from countries like Canada and across Europe, to back the club in this global tournament — demonstrating Al Ahly's enormous worldwide popularity.
Though eliminated, Al Ahly secured a generous financial reward from FIFA, earning $11.55 million (around EGP 585 million), including $9.55 million for participation and an additional $1 million for each draw against Inter Miami and Porto.
Following their exit, the team's coaching staff granted the players an 18-day rest before resuming training ahead of the new season, with strong indications that a pre-season camp in Spain is likely.
El-Shenawy Sends Emotional Message to Fans: 'This Is Not the End... It's a New Beginning'
In a heartfelt gesture, team captain and goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy apologized to Al Ahly fans after the team's exit from the tournament. On his Instagram account, he wrote: 'We're sorry. We truly wanted to bring you joy today with a win. From the bottom of our hearts, we say: you deserve better. To Al Ahly fans who are always behind us, every moment, every match… thank you.'
He added:'The bond between us has never been just about football. It's one soul, one heart, and one goal.'
'Our promise to you: this is not the end. This is the start of a new era. God willing, the best is yet to come. We will fight to bring you joy, to keep the Al Ahly eagle flying high — for you.'
In the end, despite missing out on the Round of 16, Al Ahly left the tournament with significant technical, emotional, and fan-driven gains. The unwavering support — whether from Egypt or the diaspora — reaffirmed that 'Al Ahly is who shows up' isn't just a slogan. It's a living truth that continues to be proven on the world stage.
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