The 45-year-old keeper who could become the oldest player to feature at a World Cup

El-Hadary, who plays for Saudi Arabian side Al-Taawoun FC, made his first appearance for his country all the way back in 1999. 

Since then, he has made 156 appearances for Egypt, and is dreaming of setting a record when his side travel to Russia this summer for the World Cup. 

"I'm very happy to play at the World Cup," El-Hadary said, speaking to 'BBC Sport'. "And that is a message to all footballers and others around the world, that you should believe in your dreams and fight to make them come true,'

"My age is 45 years old, but for me, this is just a number on paper."

The current holder of the record for oldest World Cup appearance is held by Faryd Mondragon, who featured for Colombia against Japan in 2014.

"I train hard every day, I don't know what the word 'impossible' means," the keeper continued. "I will keep fighting until the World Cup to have the chance to play and defend my homeland colours."

Egypt made it to the tournament after a late goal from Mo Salah against Congo in the qualifying rounds clinched their place in Russia. They are in Group A, alongside the hosts, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.