Birthday Sparks a Media Clash: Ahmed Shobeir Takes On Al Ahly’s TV Power Play
29 septembre 2025
The Birthday Controversy Explained
Ahmed Shobeir, the former longtime captain and goalkeeper of Al Ahly, used his live show on the club channel to address what he described as a birthday omission on the club’s official pages. He framed this as more than a slip of the mind, calling it a negative point in the club's communication approach.
During his appearance, he spoke with Gamal Jaber, the club’s media director, asserting that the official pages did not greet him on his birthday. He noted that last year a greeting appeared only after the intervention of a member, at nine in the evening, implying inconsistent handling of such matters.
Shobeir emphasized that the club’s social pages are not the personal property of any single editor, as he is a staffer within the organization. He urged that this be discussed openly to ensure the club’s media does not overlook important moments in the future.
Timing, Derby and Repercussions
The timing of Shobeir’s statements is notable: they surfaced on his birthday and on the night of a highly anticipated Cairo derby between Al Ahly and Zamalek, provoking a wide range of reactions from supporters and critics alike.
His remarks sparked a wave of responses, with some fans speculating about the authenticity of the broadcast, while others debated the role of media governance at the club. In a light touch, some comments from rivals were shared publicly, including remarks from figures associated with the wider Egyptian football landscape.
A notable moment in the aftermath was the social media response from peers tied to the sport, including a humorous counterpoint from a former goalkeeper coach who posted a cake image, signaling good-natured ribbing despite the controversy.
Will this mark the end of Shobeir’s chapter with the channel?
Shobeir has been part of the media world since the 1990s and joined Al Ahly’s channel in October 2024 after direct negotiations led by club president Mahmoud Al Khateeb and the channel’s leadership. He had been granted broad authority to shape a strong media package, but outcomes in reality did not match the ambitions outlined during negotiations. His contract with the channel is reportedly ending by the close of September 2025, with reports of a renewal offer on the table but not yet finalized.
Observers note that this incident may reflect broader tensions within Al Ahly’s media strategy as the club approaches key fixtures and recent results continue to underwhelm some supporters. While the club’s top executives have yet to publicly address the matter in detail, the narrative around Shobeir’s position raises questions about the future balance between on-air personality, club control, and fan expectations.
The episode closes with a reminder that in football, the headlines can move faster than the ball. The club is likely to navigate this moment while preparing for upcoming matches and seeking to restore a sense of media cohesion around its brand.
Punchline 1: If birthdays are a battlefield, that cake better come with a ceasefire clause. Punchline 2: In football, even a birthday shoutout can get more drama than a last-minute equalizer, and that is saying something.
