Mostafa Ziko

Early career

Ziko began his career at Gomhoriat Shebin. In 2022, his former coach there, Samir Kamouna, told FilGoal: "He is an exceptional player; during my time managing Gomhoreyat Shebin, he performed brilliantly and caught the eye of several clubs ... Zico received numerous offers during my tenure – with ENPPI and Ismaily being the most interested – but financial disagreements scuppered a move to either club, so he remained with the team." Ziko then joined Haras El Hodoud in 2019; the deal included a 25% sell-on clause. He played his debut season in the Egyptian Premier League in the 2022–23 campaign, and opened his goalscoring account for that season in a 2–1 loss to Cleopatra FC on 12 December 2022. On 3 January 2023, he scored a penalty in a 2–2 draw to Al Mokawloon. On 8 January, in his next match, Ziko scored a brace against Ismaily; the match ended 2–0. On 5 February, he scored and assisted in a 1–2 win over Ghazl El Mahalla. On 5 March, Ziko earned the man of the match award for his performance in a goalless draw to Cleopatra FC. After the club set his release clause at 40 million Egyptian pounds, Ziko said on 22 March 2023: "I was surprised by Haras El Hodoud's demand for 40 million pounds for my departure; I believe no player in Egypt is worth that amount." He also said: "We are currently focused on pulling the club out of its slump, as Haras El Hodoud is a club with a history of winning titles, and its current position does not befit it." On 4 May, he…

Ziko was first called up to the Egypt national team in late 2022 under coach Rui Vitória. Commenting on his inclusion, his Haras el Hodoud manager Ahmed Ayoub said: "When I first saw him, I knew he would become a shining star in the league and eventually be selected for the Egypt national team. He possesses all the attributes; he just needs to improve his finishing in front of goal." Ziko himself said: "I am overjoyed to have joined the Egyptian national team; it is a feeling I cannot describe. I thank all the coaches and teammates who supported me; every coach I worked with told me I would reach great heights." However, he did not make an appearance. In 2026, he received another call-up under coach Hossam Hassan for the final training camp before the World Cup. On 28 May, he made his debut for the national team against the Russia national team, and scored the only goal of the match. He then scored his second goal in a 2–1 friendly defeat to Brazil on 6 June 2026, capitalising on a mistake by Marquinhos. This earned him praise from his namesake, Zico.

Ziko was selected in the 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. On 21 June, he netted his first World Cup goal and provided an assist in a 3–1 victory over New Zealand. Hence, he became the first Egyptian to both score and provide an assist in the same World Cup match. After the game, he revealed that he had not expected to play at the World Cup, saying: "I was getting ready to spend my summer holidays on the north coast…

Club

As of matches played 20 May 2026

International

As of match played 7 July 2026

Scores and results list Egypt's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Ziko goal.

After losing his father at 14, Ziko had to work in the family clothing shop in Shibin El Kom, Monufia. His elder brother, who originally had the nickname 'Ziko', gave up football to prioritise his career.