Egyptian handball player Yahia El-Derei expressed his joy after Veszprem's victory in the World Cup of Clubs. The team won the championship by defeating Barcelona 42-33. El-Derei stated that he had not seen the Egyptian fans in a long time but was impressed by their support during the match against Barcelona. He added that playing in Egypt is an extraordinary experience and that he was eager to win the World Cup of Clubs.
El-Derei mentioned that he told his non-Egyptian teammates that the arena would not be empty and that the fans would be there to support them, which turned out to be true. He emphasized that the team has been working towards their dream of winning a medal in the World Cup with Egypt for 5-6 years. The player's comments reflect his pride in being part of a team that has overcome challenges and achieved success.
The Egyptian team Veszprem, which includes four Egyptian players: Yahia El-Derei, Ahmed Hisham "Dodo", Ali Zain, and Ahmed Adel "Dola", was led by Spanish coach Javier Pascual. Pascual also coaches the Egyptian national team. The team's victory marks the second time Veszprem has won the championship, with the first time being in 2024 when El-Derei was also part of the team.
The final match against Barcelona saw Hungarian player Hugo Descat score 10 goals, making him the top scorer of the game. Danish goalkeeper Emil Nielsen was awarded the Man of the Match. Nielsen previously played for Barcelona before joining Veszprem. The team's victory completes the golden square of the tournament, with Veszprem as the champion, Barcelona with a silver medal, Al Ahly with a bronze medal, and Zamalek in fourth place.
El-Derei's brother, Seif El-Derei, plays for Barcelona and was part of the team that won the championship in 2025. In 2025, Seif El-Derei lifted the championship title despite not being the captain at the time. The Egyptian players' presence in the team has contributed significantly to their success, with El-Derei stating that they have overcome the "complex of the foreigner" and gained confidence.
The team's success can be attributed to their hard work and determination. El-Derei emphasized that they have the spirit and courage to compete with and defeat their opponents. The team's achievement is a testament to their skills and teamwork, and they look forward to continuing their success in future tournaments.
The World Cup of Clubs victory is a significant achievement for Veszprem and Egyptian handball. The team's performance has demonstrated their capabilities and potential for future success. With their skills and teamwork, they are expected to continue competing at a high level and achieving positive results.
Key points
- Veszprem's victory in the World Cup of Clubs marks the second time the team has won the championship.
