AFCON Shockwave: Will Egypt Naturalize Bezera for the Pharaohs؟

Background

Egypt's national team is enjoying a remarkable spell after their return to the World Cup and securing a fourth-ever appearance, under head coach Hossam Hassan, while official qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco later this year fuels high hopes of reclaiming a title last won 15 years ago.

In this moment of happiness for the Pharaohs, talk has emerged about the Brazilian winger Bezera from Zamalek donning the national jersey in the near future, following a bright start to his first season in the Egyptian Premier League with the White Knights, catching the eye with his touches, speed and dribbling.

The big question bouncing around social media and among Egyptian fans is whether Bezera could surprise Egypt at AFCON by wearing the national-team shirt.

Bezera and Egypt AFCON prospects

Koora takes a closer look at the chances of Bezera appearing for Egypt under the current landscape.

Bezera's welcome

According to close sources, Bezera would not oppose starting the process of obtaining Egyptian citizenship to represent the Pharaohs.

He joined the Egyptian league in August from Oleksandriya in Ukraine to strengthen Zamalek's attack, and Bezera's early touches highlighted his skills, speed, and ability to beat defenders.

Koora spoke to a close source who noted that the matter is not on the staff's official agenda at the moment, but Bezera would welcome such a step, given that his chances with Brazil appear slim amid fierce competition with world-class players in the same position.

The source added that several Brazilian players have taken similar steps with other national teams; Bezera himself would not object to the move if official contact comes and would begin the process immediately.

Official stance and context

Contact with official sources within the Egypt national team confirmed to Koora that the idea was never even placed on the table for the team led by Hassan.

Multiple sources said there has been no discussion of this point, unlike talk about calling up other players of Egyptian origin, notably Heitham Hassan, the star at Real Oviedo in Spain.

Bezera's distance from the coaches reduces the likelihood of his wearing the Pharaohs' jersey in reality, contrary to some media chatter.

That said, this does not mean it is impossible; the matter would simply not be easy, according to a source close to the coaching staff.

A missing step

Employing a foreign-born player for the Egypt national team is a rare occurrence in modern Egyptian football history; the Pharaohs have never naturalized a player to boost their continental or international campaigns.

The lone notable example is Greek-born goalkeeper Braskos Tirmiritis who defended the Pharaohs in AFCON 1957 after acquiring Egyptian citizenship.

Over nearly eight decades, the Pharaohs have largely relied on native talent or players with deep roots in Egypt, even as foreign talents shone in the domestic league.

What Bezera has delivered

Bezera has turned heads in the Egyptian league since wearing the Zamalek shirt last August.

He scored a goal against Modern Sport and created two more for teammates in matches against Modern Sport and Al-Masry Port Said.

Bezera has won over Zamalek supporters with his pace, dribbling and clever touches that cut through defenses and won hearts quickly.

Discussing the hypothetical scenario of Bezera joining Egypt, his path would not be easy, especially since he plays in the same right-wing slot as captain Mohamed Salah, the Liverpool star who seeks to become Egypt’s all-time top scorer and now sits just six goals adrift of that record.

No player has managed to start ahead of Salah on the right in Egypt’s lineup, given Salah’s global status and influence; yet his leadership offered a unique dynamic that the team has learned to lean on during crucial matches.

Egypt does have alternatives to Salah, including Ahmed Mustafa "Zizo" of Al Ahly and Mostafa Fathi of Pyramids on the wing, in addition to ongoing discussions about Heitham Hassan, who holds French citizenship and is shining for Real Oviedo in La Liga.

All these options keep the Bezera idea in the conversation, but the path to naturalization and a first-call for AFCON remains uncertain.

Punchline time

Punchline 1: If Bezera actually dons the national jersey, the passport office might need a bigger stamp and a bigger trophy case.

Punchline 2: And if he plays, Salah might have to share the spotlight—just until Bezera learns how to tell a defender, “Nice try, mate.”