Egypt international Mostafa Ziko has shared the emotional story of his difficult upbringing, revealing that he once slept on the streets and struggled to find food before achieving success in professional football.
The winger, who has been one of Egypt’s standout performers during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, opened up about his past in an interview.
Ziko said his family’s hardships began after the death of his father, leaving them without a stable source of income.
“When my father passed away, we were left with nothing,” he said.
“My brother had to quit football to work and support the family while I continued training.”
The 25-year-old recalled the severe poverty his family endured, saying they often went hungry and had to sell their belongings just to survive.
“We didn’t have money to buy food. We sold our clothes to get meals. We lived in debt and had to borrow money,” he revealed.
Ziko also shared one of the most painful moments of his life, explaining that he spent nights sleeping on the streets because he had nowhere else to stay.
“I used to sleep on the street. I would wake up, go to a mosque to wash, train, work, and at night I would return to sleep on the street.”
Despite the enormous challenges, he never gave up on his dream of becoming a professional footballer.
He credited his older brother for making a huge sacrifice by giving up his own football ambitions to provide for the family.
According to Ziko, life only began to improve when both brothers started earning salaries.
“Only when my brother and I started earning a salary were we able to move forward, pay our debts, and give our mother peace of mind,” he said.
Ziko’s journey has become an inspiration to many, especially young footballers facing difficult circumstances.
His story serves as a reminder that behind the success of many professional athletes are years of hardship, sacrifice, and determination.
