People can get inspired by many things, it could be as random as can be. It’s the same for artists however, sometimes inspiration strikes or comes from the simplest of people, turning them into unsung heroes of the artwork, which is the case with the late Saeed Al-Hafi. Who was the real-life inspiration of one of the biggest movies in Egyptian cinema back in the 80s.
The Player
On Saturday, March 5, the news broke out that Saeed Al-Hafi died due to health complications at the age of 74. The guy might be unknown to many, especially the young generation, but in the sports field, he is the underdog, a face that is assimilated with talent and humbleness.
Al-Hafi was a famous figure in the streets of the local neighborhoods of Egypt, like Shoubra and El-Abasiah and many others, he was the top at playing street football, barefoot, also known as “sock ball” since the ball used to play the game is handmade from different materials. This made him nicknamed “The Barefoot” obviously!
His pure talent back in the 80s made him of high demand for scouts and coaches alike, to the point where Abdo El-Ba’al, the biggest scout for Al-Ahli club at the time, brought him in for trails to join the team, he unfortunately flunked due to playing while wearing shoes, or so goes the word around.
He played “sock ball” for three decades, and traveled all over Egypt spreading the joy of the game.
The Play
Director Mohamed Khan and screenplay writer Bishier El-Deek got truly inspired by the story of “the barefoot” player and managed to present to the audiences in 1983 the blockbuster movie “El Hareef” or “The Professional” in English. The movie was completely a telling of the late Al-Hafi’s story in the street, chasing his dreams no matter what adversity he came from. His character was played by non-other than Adel Imam, excelling in the role and getting critically acclaimed as a versatile, seasoned actor.
In 1986, Al-Hafi had a farewell match in Embaba, joined by some of the biggest football players at the time, like Ismail Youssef, Ibrahim Youssef, Zakria Nasif, Ahmed Showebar, and others.
Saeed Al-Hafi will live forever in the old generation’s hearts, and hopefully, the young generation keeps his memory alive by knowing one of Egypt’s unsung heroes, a simple, humble man chasing his dreams, even barefoot!