From Obscurity to Continental Glory: The Remarkable Rise of Pyramids FC
In less than two decades, Pyramids FC have gone from an obscure lower-division side to champions of Africa, completing one of the most extraordinary transformations in modern African football history.
Humble Beginnings
The club was founded in 2008 as Al Assiouty Sport, a modest team with limited resources and little following, based in the city of Beni Suef in Upper Egypt. For years, they quietly competed in the lower leagues, far from the spotlight that surrounded Cairo’s traditional giants—Al Ahly and Zamalek.
A Billionaire’s Intervention
Everything changed in 2018 when Saudi billionaire Turki Al-Sheikh purchased the club. What followed was a revolution. The club was relocated to Cairo, rebranded as Pyramids FC, and injected with massive financial backing.
That summer, the club made headlines by spending over €33 million to sign 23 players, including four Brazilians. Off the pitch, big names arrived too—former Al Ahly coach Hossam El-Badry was named chairman, and Argentine legend Ricardo La Volpe became sporting director.
The ambition was loud and clear: disrupt the status quo and challenge Egypt’s footballing elite.
Building Hype and Buying Fans
With no historical roots in Cairo, Pyramids had no established fanbase. Reports suggested the club even offered $566 monthly stipends to individuals who joined their fan association to create an artificial support base.
The marketing was grandiose. A club TV channel was launched, with John Terry and Jermaine Jenas appearing as pundits for their debut match. Football legends like Ronaldinho, Robbie Keane, Roberto Carlos, and Mido were brought in as celebrity guests to add glamour.
But the fairytale start quickly hit turbulence. Fierce backlash from rival fans—especially Al Ahly’s—sparked controversy. Al-Sheikh’s tenure soured amid broken promises and intense criticism, and by mid-2019, he stepped away from the project.
A New Era Under Emirati Ownership
In July 2019, Al-Sheikh sold Pyramids to Emirati businessman Salem Al Shamsi. Shamsi, known for his low profile, brought much-needed stability. Under his leadership, the club began to focus on footballing development rather than media spectacle.
That season, Pyramids finished third in the Egyptian Premier League and reached the Egypt Cup final, narrowly missing out on silverware.
The breakthrough on the continental stage came in 2020, when they reached the CAF Confederation Cup final. Though they lost, the message was clear—Pyramids FC were serious contenders in African football.
Glory at Last
In August 2024, Pyramids captured their first major domestic trophy, winning the Egypt Cup with a 1–0 victory over ZED FC.
Less than a year later, they achieved the pinnacle of African club football. On June 1, 2025, under Croatian head coach Krunoslav Jurčić, Pyramids FC defeated South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 in the second leg of the CAF Champions League final, sealing a 3-2 aggregate victory and lifting their maiden continental crown.
A New Force in African Football
From a nondescript club in Upper Egypt to CAF Champions League winners, Pyramids FC have redefined what is possible in African football. They have joined Al Ahly, Zamalek, and Ismaily as the only Egyptian sides to conquer the continent—and have done so in record time.
With solid backing, strategic recruitment, and newfound stability, Pyramids FC now stand as a symbol of modern football ambition—and their journey is only just beginning.
