Zakaria is regarded as one of Egypt’s finest talents, who lifted local Premier League titles on three occasions for giants Zamalek and Al Ahly as well as appearing 12 times for the national team.
In 2020, however, after almost two years of inactivity, the player was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a neurodegenerative disease which affects the brain’s motor neurons.
There is no known cure for ALS, and the diagnosis brought Zakaria’s career to an end.
Salah is close to his compatriot from their national team days and paid him tribute following the news, imitating Zakaria’s trademark celebration in a Premier League clash against Leeds United.
