Tarek Morad: Champion emerging from the shadow

CAIRO – 25 November 2017: The Premier League has Mohamed Salah, La Liga has Messi and Ronaldo, and American soccer has Omar Gaber (Los Angeles FC), Ali Ghazal (Vancouver Whitecaps). Soon, a new champion might join the Major League Soccer (MLS): Tarek Morad.

Tarek was born in the United States to Egyptian parents. He currently plays for Louisville City FC in Kentucky, USA. Since early childhood, he dreamed of representing the Egyptian national team.


Tarek Morad during his time at University of California, Photo Coursey of Tarek Morad Official Facebook page

In the USA, football is overshadowed by other sports; however, his father, like all Egyptians, loved the game and passed his passion to his sons.

Tarek told Egypt Today, “I have two older brothers who grew up playing, so naturally I did too. Football has been the only thing I've known since I could walk, and I guess it's just in my blood.”

Tarek recalled his first steps as a professional footballer with pride. He said, “I played football for four years in college before signing with my first professional team in Oklahoma City. Then I signed for Louisville City and just ended my third season with them.”


Tarek started playing football when he was very young, dreaming of a future career as a professional footballer. He has finally realized his dream and is now playing in the United Soccer League.


Tarek Morad in the opening play-offs game, Photo courtesy Em-Dash Photography, Louisville City FC

His first major success on the American soccer stage took place this year, when he led his team to victory. Louisville City FC won the United Soccer League (USL) for the first time in their history. Tarek participated in all the play-off games and scored twice against Bethlehem Steel FC.

Tarek celebrated the victory with his teammates, but unfortunately they will not be able to play in MLS next season. He explained to Egypt Today, “Unfortunately, even though we won the title this year, that does not mean we get promoted to the MLS. The MLS is a closed-system that doesn't reward teams from lower divisions to win promotion into the league.”


Tarek Morad celebrates scoring a goal in the play-offs, Photo courtesy Em-Dash Photography, Louisville City FC

Asked about the offers he received to play in MLS, Tarek said, “I have no offers from MLS clubs right now, but I have some interest, so God willing I'll get my chance.”

The long distance between Cairo and Los Angeles never prevented him to follow Egyptian football. He said, “My father is a die-hard Al-Ahly fan, and I've watched Al-Ahly and Zamalek derbies when my father watches at home, but only a few times.”

When all Egyptians were stuck to their TV sets watching Egypt’s game against Congo that qualified Egypt to the World Cup, Tarek and his family were doing the same. Tarek said, “I watched Egypt’s game against Congo and it was very emotional. I was so happy Mo Salah scored the winner to send the country to the World Cup finally, after so many years.”

Tarek will watch the Egyptian national team in Russia with pride, and he hopes to see them achieve big things in the tournament. He stated, “I have hope they will do well in Russia in 2018. They will have a lot of excitement and pride knowing the whole country of Egypt will be behind them.”