Karim Hafez
An Egyptian left-back whose powerful runs and pinpoint crosses have made him a defensive anchor and offensive threat for club and country.
Born 1996 (age 30)·Egyptian footballer·Birthday: March 12·Millennials
Biography
Karim Hafez emerged from the youth ranks of Wadi Degla in Cairo, his talent quickly marking him as a modern full-back who relishes joining the attack. His professional journey took an early European turn with loans to Lens in France and Ottawa Fury in Canada, experiences that honed his game against diverse styles. Returning to Egypt, he became a stalwart for Pyramids FC, his consistency and delivery from wide areas turning him into a mainstay for the national team. Hafez's story is one of a player blending physicality with technical skill, embodying the evolving role of the defender in contemporary football.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Karim was born in 1996, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Karim Was Born
The biggest hits of 1996
#1 Movie
Independence Day
Best Picture
The English Patient
#1 TV Show
ER
Karim's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1996Born
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2001Started school
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2009Became a teenager
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Could drive
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2014Could vote
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2017Turned 21
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Turned 30
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Established himself as a first-choice left-back for the Egyptian national team, featuring in crucial World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
- Played a key role in Pyramids FC's rise as a consistent force in the Egyptian Premier League and domestic cups.
- Gained valuable European experience with a loan spell at French Ligue 1 side RC Lens during the 2017-18 season.
Did You Know?
He is the older brother of fellow professional footballer Ahmed Hafez, who is a goalkeeper.
Hafez spent part of the 2017 season on loan with Ottawa Fury in the North American second division.
He made his senior international debut for Egypt in a 2018 friendly against Kuwait.
“Playing in different countries taught me to adapt my game to any style of football.”
