Former National Bank of Egypt and ZED player Ibrahim al-Baghdadi stabbed to death before trip to Japan

Former Egyptian footballer Ibrahim al-Baghdadi was stabbed to death in al-Qassasin al-Gadida, Ismailia Governorate, two days before he was due to travel to Japan to pursue a professional career, according to the source. Al-Baghdadi, who was no older than 26, had previously played for National Bank of Egypt and ZED.

According to the security source, the dispute began when al-Baghdadi sprinkled water outside his home to settle the dust, and droplets splashed onto the clothes of a neighbor’s young daughter. The incident escalated from an argument into a fight. The source said one of the neighbors stabbed him with a bladed weapon. He was taken to hospital and underwent an operation lasting about six hours, but died from his injuries.

The security source said two people had been arrested, while efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects and recover the weapon used were continuing. The prosecution took charge of the investigation and heard from witnesses and members of al-Baghdadi’s family. It is also awaiting the forensic report to establish the circumstances of the incident and criminal responsibility. The prosecution authorized the burial of the body in the family’s cemetery in Ismailia.

The player’s cousin said al-Baghdadi had recently returned from a trip and that an opportunity to pursue a professional career in Japan was the reason he was preparing to travel again within days. He said the dispute began after droplets of water fell on the girl, and that her father stabbed al-Baghdadi, according to his account.