Rami Shaaban

Rami Shaaban, (Swedish pronunciation), (born 30 June 1975 in Fisksätra, Stockholm) is a Sweden professional football (soccer) player. He currently plays as a goalkeeper for Hammarby IF. He is son of an Egyptian people father and a Finnish people mother. Prior to joining Arsenal F.C in 2002, he also worked as a mountains explosives specialist.

Football career

Shaaban started his senior career at local club Saltsjöbadens IF, before moving to Cairo to play for Zamalek and Ittihad Osman, while also studying at the university. After a couple of years, Shaaban returned to his hometown and joined Nacka FF, a club based very close to where he grow up. After a string of impressive performances, he joined Swedish Allsvenskan outfit Djurgårdens IF Fotboll and, in August 2002 earned a move to Arsenal F.C.. He was limited to five appearances over two years with the team and his time there was plagued by injuries (including a broken leg).

In January 2004 Shaaban was loaned to West Ham United F.C. for a month, but did not make any appearances for the Hammers' first team. In February 2004, he signed for Brighton and Hove Albion F.C. on non-contract terms, making his debut in a 2-1 victory over Sunderland A.F.C., and signed a short-term contract lasting until the end of the season just days later. After his contract expired at Brighton, he was released on a free transfer (soccer) and had a trial at Dundee United, playing his only match as United beat Sheffield Wednesday F.C to win the City of Discovery Cup; however, Shaaban could not agree terms and was snapped up by Fredrikstad F.K.

On 12 February 2008, Shaaban sined a five-year contract with Swedish team Hammarby IF.

International career

Shabaan was called up to the Sweden national football team squad for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, although he did not have an international cap (sport) to his name. He made his debut in the warm up game with Finland national football team as a substitute, coming on for 45 minutes and keeping a clean sheet in a 0-0 draw. On June 10 2006, he played in the 2006 World Cup contest against Trinidad and Tobago national football team. He also played four games in the UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying, in which he kept a vital clean sheet against Spain, and was also a member of the Euro 2008.