 Born in Cairo, Mido started his career with Egyptian Premier League club Zamalek in 1999. He made his league debut on 22 May 2000 in a 0 – 0 draw against El Qanah. The next week, Mido scored his first two goals against Aluminium Nag Hammâdi, which Zamalek won 3 – 2. His African debut came on 28 May 2000, in a 2 – 1 win against Ethiopian Coffee, making the aggregate score 3 – 3, which led to the game being decided on penalties. Zamalek won 4 – 2. Zamalek eventually reached the 2000 African Cup Winners'Cup final, beating Cameroonian side Canon Yaoundé 4 – 3 on aggregate. Mido's performances eventually attracted interest from Belgian club Gent.
