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Sam Morsy
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Sam Morsy
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Samy Sayed Mekkawy Saied Morsy (Arabic: سَامِي سَيِّد مَكَّاوِيّ سَعِيد مُرْسِيّ; born 10 September 1991) is a professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder. Born in England, he won nine caps for the Egypt national team.

Key Information

Born and raised in England, Morsy joined the Port Vale youth team set-up in 2008, having been released from the Wolverhampton Wanderers Academy. Winning his debut in February 2010, he turned professional at the club in the summer. He established himself in the first-team picture in 2010–11, after which he was given a two-year contract. He helped the club to secure promotion out of League Two in 2012–13. He joined Chesterfield in July 2013 and played for the club in the 2014 final of the Football League Trophy, helping them to win the League Two title in 2013–14.

He was sold to Wigan Athletic in January 2016 and helped the club to win the League One title in 2015–16. He joined Barnsley on loan in August 2016, and Wigan were relegated from the Championship upon his return to the club. However, he became a key first-team player as they secured an immediate return by winning the League One title again in 2017–18. He was named as Wigan's Player of the Year for the 2019–20 campaign and joined Middlesbrough in September 2020 following administration and relegation at Wigan. He was sold to Ipswich Town in August 2021, helping the club secure promotion out of League One at the end of the 2022–23 campaign and captaining the team into the Premier League the following year. He left England to join Kuwait SC for a brief spell in July 2025.

Early and personal life

[edit]

Samy Sayed Mekkay Saied Morsy was born on 10 September 1991 in Wolverhampton. His father, Mekawy, came from Egypt and met his mother, Karen, in England. They met while working in a pizza shop and went on to build a property portfolio together.[4] Morsy is a Muslim who observes Ramadan.[5]

Club career

[edit]

Port Vale

[edit]

Morsy was born in Wolverhampton, West Midlands.[6] He was at the Wolverhampton Wanderers Academy for nine years until 2008, when coach Tony Lacey deemed a 16-year-old Morsy to be unworthy of a youth team contract.[7] Morsy later acknowledged his focus and attitude was not correct at that age, which prevented him from playing to his potential.[4] Spotted by Port Vale Youth Development Officer Bill Chetwyn, he was taken to Vale Park for a trial, and was handed a place in the Vale youth team after impressing both Mark Grew and Andy Porter.[8]

"He is going to be a good midfield player, there is no question about that. After scoring two against Tranmere, I thought he showed what a good player he is in this game. Maybe he has too many touches at times and gives the ball away, but he keeps wanting it and he wants to learn."

— Mark Grew speaking of Morsy in September 2008.[8]

Morsy warming up for Port Vale in 2013

By the start of the 2009–10 season, he was being included in the senior squad, being placed on the bench for the League Cup clash with Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.[9] He made his debut on 23 February, replacing Tommy Fraser 83 minutes into a 4–0 home league win over Lincoln City.[10] He was offered his first (one year) professional contract at the end of the season,[11] and was also given the Youth Player of the Year award.[12]

In the 2010–11 pre-season, manager Micky Adams was pleased with Morsy's development, having witnessed the youngster score in two successive friendlies.[13] Morsy promised he would not settle for a cameo role in the season, having just a year to prove his worth at the professional level.[14] On 8 January, new manager Jim Gannon gave Morsy an appearance in Vale's 4–2 FA Cup defeat to Championship side Burnley at Turf Moor.[15] He scored his first senior goal on 22 February, in a 3–1 home defeat to Stevenage.[16] Gannon believed Morsy to be "a really talented footballer" with "all the skills you want in a midfielder".[17] One of the few positives of Gannon's short reign,[18] his rise to prominence put him in line to sign an extended contract.[19] A two-year contract was signed on 1 April.[20] He was also awarded the club's Young Player of the Year award.[21]

Finding himself on the bench at the start of the 2011–12 campaign under returning manager Micky Adams, on 3 September he scored his second senior goal just 13 minutes after making his first appearance of the season, in what turned out to be a 3–2 defeat to AFC Wimbledon.[22] After falling out of favour in November, he had to wait another two months until the return fixture with Wimbledon before he started another game, when an injury crisis at the Vale allowed Morsy the chance to deliver "an eye-catching attacking display".[23]

Following the departure of Anthony Griffith, Morsy stepped into the role of 'midfield enforcer' for the 2012–13 campaign.[24] On 25 August, he opened the scoring after just 14 seconds in a 3–1 win over Morecambe at the Globe Arena, earning himself a place on the League Two team of the week.[25][26] He stated that his aim for the season was "to get more goals",[27] as he formed a "formidable and unshakeable central midfield double act" with Chris Shuker.[28] However, after picking up a suspension in October for receiving five yellow cards, he admitted that "I definitely have to cut down on yellow cards in future".[29] However, a "stupid" high two-footed tackle on Rochdale's Jason Kennedy resulted in a straight red for Morsy on 6 November, and was the turning point that left a 2–0 lead for the Vale becoming a 2–2 draw, meaning two points were dropped at home.[30] An angry Micky Adams fined him two weeks' wages (the maximum fine possible) in punishment, and called him a "coward... [who] went to hurt their lad [Kennedy]".[31] Morsy issued an official apology, but insisted that "there was no malice in the challenge".[32] Adams kept him out of the first-team picture for six weeks after the incident, and Morsy stated that "I missed some important matches and that makes you re-evaluate your game."[33] He was more of a bit-part player in the second half of the campaign, as Vale secured promotion with a third-place finish. He rejected the offer of a new two-year contract and left the club.[34]

Chesterfield

[edit]
Morsy playing for Chesterfield in October 2014

Morsy agreed to sign a two-year deal with League Two club Chesterfield in July 2013, after a fee had been settled with Port Vale, due to Morsy being under the age of 24.[35] Manager Paul Cook said that "When we found out that he may be available, we moved heaven and earth to get him here."[36] On 30 March 2014, he played at Wembley Stadium in Chesterfield's 3–1 defeat to Peterborough United in the final of the Football League Trophy; he provided the assist for Eoin Doyle's goal after "a powerful run into the Posh box".[37] He played a total of 39 games as Chesterfield won promotion as divisional champions in 2013–14, and at the end of the campaign he was voted the club's Player of the Year.[38]

He captained Chesterfield to the League One play-offs in 2014–15. He was reported to be a target for Cardiff City manager Russell Slade in the summer.[39] Milton Keynes Dons also had a bid of £400,000 turned down by Chesterfield.[40]

Wigan Athletic

[edit]

On 28 January 2016, Morsy agreed a two-and-a-half-year deal with Wigan Athletic after being sold for an undisclosed fee (later reported to be £200,000 plus a 10% sell-on clause for any profit Wigan may make on his future transfer).[41][42] He was named on the Football League team of the week after he "pulled all the strings" in a 2–1 victory at Walsall on 20 February.[43] He scored his first goal for Wigan in a 4–1 win against Swindon Town on 25 March.[44] Wigan went on to win promotion as champions of League One in the 2015–16 season.

On 31 August 2016, he joined Barnsley on loan for the rest of the 2016–17 season.[45] New Wigan manager Warren Joyce activated the release clause of the loan contract in January 2017, but Joyce was pessimistic over his chances of keeping Morsy at the DW Stadium because previous manager Gary Caldwell had agreed a clause that meant Barnsley could purchase Morsy for a set fee upon expiry of the loan.[46] Morsy returned to Wigan and signed a one-year contract extension on 16 January.[47]

He was named team captain in August 2017, with Dan Burn also named "club captain", though it was confirmed Morsy would wear the armband and Burns would deputise in Morsy's absence.[48] Paul Cook led Wigan to a highly successful 2017–18 campaign, with Morsy scoring three goals in 47 appearances as Wigan won promotion as champions of League One for the second time in three seasons.[49] Wigan also made a big impression in the FA Cup, knocking out top-flight sides A.F.C. Bournemouth, West Ham United and Manchester City to reach the quarter-final.[50][51][52] Morsy scored in the win over Bournemouth but missed the victory over eventual Premier League champions Manchester City due to suspension.[53]

On 15 September 2018, Morsy was sent off in a 2–0 defeat at Brentford after clashing with Yoann Barbet.[54] However, the red card was rescinded on appeal, and three days later he scored in a 2–1 victory over Hull City.[55] He signed a new two-and-a-half-year deal with Wigan in December.[56] He picked up 14 yellow cards in 40 appearances as Wigan posted an 18th-place finish during the 2018–19 season, and he was also ranked sixth for most completed tackles (112) in the Championship.[57][58] Despite this, he said it was "the unluckiest season I've ever been involved in... and it's credit to us we've been able to overcome all that and stay in the division."[59] He was linked with moves to both Sheffield Wednesday and Brentford in the summer.[60]

He was nominated for the EFL Championship Player of the Month award for February 2020 after scoring two goals, including the only goal of the game at league leaders West Bromwich Albion, which took Wigan out of the relegation zone.[61] He scored three goals in 44 games during the 2019–20 season, which ended in relegation after Wigan were controversially deducted 12 points after being placed into administration.[62] Morsy was voted as the club's Player of the Year with 42% of the overall vote.[63]

Middlesbrough

[edit]

On 11 September 2020, Morsy joined Championship side Middlesbrough on a three-year contract, becoming manager Neil Warnock's third signing of the summer.[64] He made his debut at the Riverside Stadium four days later in a 2–0 defeat to Barnsley in the EFL Cup; after the game first-team coach Ronnie Jepson was encouraged by Morsy's performance and said that "he will give us extra edge".[65] On 16 December, he was sent off for handling the ball during a 1–0 home win over Luton Town. However, Warnock said he would appeal the red card.[66] He scored his first goal for Middlesbrough in a 2–1 loss at Swansea City on 6 March.[67] Injuries limited him to 32 appearances in the 2020–21 season. However, his consistent performances still earned him a 7-out-of-10 rating in the TeessideLive season review.[68][69] He was sent off in his final appearance at Middlesbrough, during a 1–1 draw with Blackburn Rovers on 28 August 2021.[70]

Ipswich Town

[edit]
Sam Morsy became Ipswich Town's captain after joining them in August 2021

On 31 August 2021, Morsy joined League One club Ipswich Town on a three-year deal after being signed for an undisclosed fee; arriving as the "Tractor Boys" 19th signing of the summer transfer window, it marked the third time he would play under manager Paul Cook.[71] He was named club captain in October 2021.[72] He scored his first goal for Ipswich on 5 March, netting the opening goal in a 2–0 away win against Fleetwood Town.[73] Speaking later that month, new manager Kieran McKenna said that Morsy was forming a good bond with him.[74] McKenna instructed Morsy to get further forward and score more goals.[75] He was a linked to a move back to the Championship in the summer, though he remained with the club.[76] He scored four goals in 49 games in the 2022–23 campaign as Ipswich secured promotion as runners-up to Plymouth Argyle, with the club reaching 98 points and 100 goals.[77] He described the achievement as "absolutely incredible".[78] He was named in the League One PFA Team of the Year, alongside teammates Leif Davis and Conor Chaplin, and was linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League.[79][80]

Morsy was voted the club's Player of the Month for August 2023 and nominated for the Championship Player of the Month award.[81][82] He missed just four league games of the 2023–24 season, all due to suspension, as Ipswich secured back-to-back promotions with another second-place finish.[83] He dedicated the promotion to the people of Palestine and credited manager Kieran McKenna for transforming the club's fortunes.[84][85] He was named as the club's Men's Player of the Year and as PFA Fans' Championship Player of the Year.[86][87] McKenna praised Morsy for his leadership, performance and fitness level.[88] In July, Morsy signed a new two-year deal with the Tractor Boys, keeping him at Portman Road until 2026.[89]

He scored his first Premier League goal on 21 September, when his added-time equaliser secured a 1–1 draw at Southampton.[90] Morsy was the only Premier League captain not to wear a rainbow-coloured armband during the Stonewall's Rainbow Laces Campaign, citing religious grounds.[91] Though accepted by fans, his decision did cause disappointment with the LGBTQ+ supporters' group Rainbow Tractors, even raising some thoughts of hypocrisy when taking into account that he has previously worn wearing a shirt containing a sponsorship logo related to gambling, which is forbidden by Islam.[92] Speaking after relegation was confirmed in April, Morsy committed his future to the club.[93]

Kuwait SC

[edit]

On 24 July 2025, Morsy joined Kuwait Premier League champions Kuwait SC on a free transfer.[94][95] After three league games and a red card against Al-Arabi, he was released two months into his contract.[96]

International career

[edit]

Morsy, who was born in England, qualified to represent Egypt as his father is Egyptian.[97] He made his international debut on 30 August 2016 after coming on as a substitute for Mostafa Fathi at half-time in a 1–1 draw with Guinea in a friendly match at Borg El Arab Stadium.[98] He was on the bench as Egypt secured qualification to the 2018 FIFA World Cup with a 2–1 victory over the Congo.[99] In June 2018 he was named in Héctor Cúper's 23-man squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.[100][101] He made his FIFA World Cup debut in the opening game of the group stage on 15 June, coming on for the injured Tarek Hamed 50 minutes into a 1–0 defeat to Uruguay.[102]

He was recalled to the international set up in September 2021 for World Cup qualifiers against Libya in Cairo and Benghazi.[103] Although he was ultimately left out of the final squad.[104] He was listed in a preliminary squad in May 2022, but was again not named in the final squad.[105] He called up by manager Rui Vitória in August 2023, though missed out two months later.[106][107] He was reported to have declared himself unavailable for Africa Cup of Nations selection in 2024 after initially being named in the 55-man provisional squad.[108][109] This was denied by Egyptian Football Association board member Hazem Emam, who said that the decision was down to Vitória.[110] Morsy said in November 2024 that he believed he would not get a call up under manager Hossam Hassan.[111]

Style of play

[edit]

Morsy is an "enforcer" who "relies on his ability to time tackles and break-up play".[112] After leaving Port Vale in June 2013, assistant manager Mark Grew warned Morsy to improve his disciplinary record and temper his aggression in the future, pointing out that he received nine yellow cards and one red card in the 2012–13 campaign.[34]

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
As of match played 25 May 2025
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National Cup Secondary Cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Port Vale 2009–10[113] League Two 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
2010–11[114] League Two 16 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 17 1
2011–12[115] League Two 26 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 28 1
2012–13[116] League Two 28 2 1 0 1 0 2[a] 0 32 2
Total 71 4 4 0 1 0 2 0 78 4
Chesterfield 2013–14[117] League Two 34 1 0 0 1 0 4[a] 1 39 2
2014–15[118] League One 39 2 6 0 1 0 2[b] 0 48 2
2015–16[119] League One 26 4 3 1 1 0 0 0 30 5
Total 99 7 9 1 3 0 6 1 117 9
Wigan Athletic 2015–16[119] League One 16 1 — — — 16 1
2016–17[120] Championship 15 1 2 0 0 0 — 17 1
2017–18[121] League One 41 2 6 1 0 0 0 0 47 3
2018–19[122] Championship 40 1 0 0 0 0 — 40 1
2019–20[123] Championship 43 3 1 0 0 0 — 44 3
Total 155 8 9 1 0 0 0 0 164 9
Barnsley (loan) 2016–17[120] Championship 14 0 — — — 14 0
Middlesbrough 2020–21[68] Championship 31 1 0 0 1 0 — 32 1
2021–22[124] Championship 3 0 0 0 1 0 — 4 0
Total 34 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 36 1
Ipswich Town 2021–22[124] League One 34 3 3 0 0 0 1[c] 0 38 3
2022–23[77] League One 44 4 4 0 0 0 1[c] 0 49 4
2023–24[125] Championship 42 3 2 0 0 0 — 44 3
2024–25[126] Premier League 33 1 1 0 0 0 — 34 1
Total 153 11 10 0 0 0 2 0 165 11
Kuwait SC 2025–26 Kuwait Premier League 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0
Career total 526 31 32 2 6 0 10 1 577 34
  1. ^ a b Appearances in Football League Trophy
  2. ^ Appearances in League One play-offs
  3. ^ a b Appearance in EFL Trophy

International

[edit]
As of match played 12 September 2023[127]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team Year Apps Goals
Egypt 2016 1 0
2017 2 0
2018 4 0
2023 2 0
Total 9 0

Honours

[edit]

Port Vale

Chesterfield

Wigan Athletic

Ipswich Town

Individual

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Sam Morsy

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia

Samy Sayed Mekkawy Saied Morsy (born 10 September 1991), commonly known as Sam Morsy, is an Egyptian professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder. Born in Wolverhampton, England, to Egyptian parents, he holds Egyptian citizenship and has represented the Egypt national team, earning nine caps including participation in the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Morsy's club career began in the youth systems of Wolverhampton Wanderers and Port Vale, making his professional debut with the latter in 2010 before moving to Chesterfield and Wigan Athletic, where he won the EFL League One title twice in 2016 and 2018. In 2021, he joined Ipswich Town as captain, leading the club to successive promotions from EFL League One to the Championship in 2023 and to the Premier League in 2024 through playoff victory. After departing Ipswich in July 2025 to join Kuwait SC, he became a free agent in September 2025 following a brief stint abroad. Known for his combative style, ball-winning ability, and leadership, Morsy has received multiple club player of the year awards, including at Chesterfield and Wigan.

Early life

Family background and upbringing

Samy Sayed Morsy was born on 6 October 1991 in Wolverhampton, England, to Mekawy Morsy, an Egyptian immigrant born in Cairo, and Karen Morsy, an English woman. His father arrived in England as a refugee at age 21, reflecting the family's roots in Egyptian migration amid broader regional challenges. The parents met while employed at a local pizza shop, establishing a mixed-heritage household that emphasized resilience and familial bonds. Morsy was raised in Wolverhampton, where his parents continue to reside, attending Christ Church and Woodthorne primary schools before moving to Thomas Telford School for secondary education. He grew up with siblings, including brothers, in an environment shaped by his father's Egyptian heritage and large extended family—comprising 15 or 16 uncles and aunts primarily living in Egypt—which fostered his cultural dual identity and later eligibility for the Egypt national team. This upbringing instilled a strong work ethic, drawn from observing his parents' achievements in building a stable life despite immigrant origins.

Youth football development

Samy Morsy began his organized youth football involvement at age seven, when Wolverhampton Wanderers academy director Chris Evans scouted him during a casual street game in Wolverhampton and signed him immediately after a trial. He joined the Wolves academy around 1998, progressing through its ranks over approximately eight to nine years, training at facilities like Aldersley and competing in youth fixtures against teams such as Liverpool. During his time at Wolves, Morsy developed under coaches including Steve Burrell and recruitment head Tony Lacey, while forming key relationships with peers like Nathan Rooney; he also represented Wolverhampton Schools at youth level. However, his progress stalled due to immaturity and divided focus between football and social activities, leading to warnings from the club that culminated in his release at age 16 in 2008 without a scholarship offer. Lacey recommended Morsy to Port Vale, where he trialed successfully and joined the under-18 setup in 2008, marking a pivotal "second chance" after his Wolves exit. His initial under-18 debut against Morecambe proved challenging, as he was substituted early and outperformed by lesser opposition, prompting a reassessment of his commitment. Morsy rebounded by impressing in subsequent trials, including against Tranmere Rovers under coach Mark Grew, earning Youth Team Player of the Year honors and his first professional contract in the 2010 close season.

Club career

Port Vale and Chesterfield

Morsy joined Port Vale's youth academy in 2008 following his release from Wolverhampton Wanderers. He made his senior debut on 23 February 2010, entering as a late substitute in a 4–0 League Two victory over Lincoln City. Signing professional terms that summer, he became a first-team regular during the 2010–11 season and developed into a tenacious defensive midfielder. In the 2012–13 campaign, following Anthony Griffith's departure, Morsy filled the enforcer role in midfield, though his involvement diminished to a bit-part capacity as Port Vale secured promotion to League One via the playoffs. Across his Port Vale tenure, he recorded 78 league appearances and 4 goals. On 30 June 2013, after rejecting a new contract offer, Morsy transferred to Chesterfield for an undisclosed fee, agreeing to a two-year deal. He featured prominently in midfield during the 2013–14 season, making 34 league appearances and scoring once, contributing to Chesterfield's League Two title win and automatic promotion. For his performances, Morsy earned the club's Player of the Year award. In June 2014, he extended his contract until the end of the 2015–16 season. Over three years at Chesterfield, spanning League Two and League One, he amassed 117 league appearances and 9 goals.

Wigan Athletic

Morsy signed for Wigan Athletic from Chesterfield on 28 January 2016 on a two-and-a-half-year contract for an undisclosed fee. He made 15 appearances and scored 3 goals in the second half of the 2015–16 League One season, contributing to Wigan's promotion as champions with 94 points from 46 matches. In August 2016, he joined Championship side Barnsley on a season-long loan, where he played 34 league games, before returning to Wigan in January 2017. Under manager Paul Cook, Morsy established himself as a first-team regular and was appointed club captain in August 2017. He led Wigan to another League One title in the 2017–18 season, accumulating 100 points from 46 matches and scoring 2 goals in 43 appearances. Morsy extended his contract until 2021 in December 2018, having featured in 40 Championship matches the previous season as Wigan secured survival with 53 points. In the 2019–20 Championship campaign, Morsy captained 43 of 46 matches despite Wigan receiving a 12-point deduction for entering administration, making 40 appearances and scoring 1 goal before the club's relegation. He was voted Wigan's Player of the Year for that season, having played over 150 games for the club across all competitions and contributed to two promotions from League One. Morsy departed permanently to Middlesbrough on 11 September 2020 after 164 total appearances and 9 goals for Wigan.

Middlesbrough

Morsy signed for Middlesbrough from Wigan Athletic on 11 September 2020 for an undisclosed fee, agreeing a three-year contract as manager Neil Warnock's third addition of the transfer window. The 29-year-old central midfielder brought experience as Wigan's former captain, having made over 150 appearances for the club amid their financial troubles and relegation from the Championship the previous season. Deployed primarily as a defensive midfielder, Morsy featured regularly in the 2020–21 Championship campaign, starting 29 of his 31 league appearances and logging 2,336 minutes. Across all competitions, he recorded 36 appearances, 1 goal, and 5 assists, while receiving 10 yellow cards reflective of his combative style. Injuries restricted his overall involvement to around 32 matches that season, limiting his consistency despite initial promise in bolstering the midfield. Morsy scored his sole goal for Middlesbrough in a 1–1 draw against Swansea City, a late equalizer that highlighted his tenacity in midfield battles. His tenure under Warnock and subsequent manager Neil Warnock's successor emphasized physicality and leadership, though the team finished 10th in the Championship without playoff contention. On 31 August 2021, Morsy transferred to Ipswich Town for an undisclosed fee, signing a three-year deal just before the transfer deadline and concluding his brief spell at Middlesbrough after one full season. The move allowed him to seek greater playing time, as Middlesbrough's squad depth and his injury history had curtailed deeper integration.

Ipswich Town

Sam Morsy joined Ipswich Town from Middlesbrough on 31 August 2021, signing a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee as the club's 19th signing of the transfer window. He quickly established himself in the League One squad under manager Paul Cook, with whom he had previously worked at Chesterfield and Portsmouth. Morsy featured regularly in the 2021–22 season, contributing to midfield stability despite the team finishing 11th in the league. In October 2021, Morsy was appointed club captain, a role he described as the biggest honour of his career. His leadership was evident as he scored his first goal for Ipswich on 5 March 2022 in a 2–0 victory over Fleetwood Town. Under new manager Kieran McKenna from December 2021, Morsy played a pivotal role in the 2022–23 League One campaign, helping secure automatic promotion with 98 points and the second tier title, finishing as runners-up to champions Plymouth Argyle. Morsy continued as captain in the Championship during 2023–24, captaining the side to second place and promotion to the Premier League via automatic promotion with 96 points. His consistent performances earned individual recognition, including selection in the EFL Team of the Season. In July 2024, he extended his contract until summer 2026. Over his tenure, Morsy made 165 appearances and scored 11 goals, central to the club's back-to-back promotions before departing in July 2025.

Kuwait SC and subsequent free agency

On 24 July 2025, Morsy signed with Kuwait SC, the reigning Kuwait Premier League champions, on a free transfer from Ipswich Town despite having one year remaining on his contract with the English club. The deal was for a reported two-year term, motivated by Morsy's desire for a new challenge in the Middle East following his tenure as Ipswich's captain. Kuwait SC officially confirmed the signing the following day, highlighting Morsy's experience as an Egyptian international midfielder. During his brief stint, Morsy appeared in three league matches for Kuwait SC. His time was marked by a red card received in a fixture against Al-Arabi, after which he featured less prominently. By 22 September 2025, Morsy and Kuwait SC mutually agreed to terminate the contract, less than two months after his arrival. The club sought a replacement foreign player, leaving Morsy without a club. Under FIFA regulations, as the termination occurred after the summer transfer window closed in major leagues, Morsy could not register with a new team until the January 2026 window, rendering him effectively in limbo despite free-agent status.

International career

Egypt national team debut and caps

Morsy, eligible for Egypt through his Egyptian father, made his international debut on 30 August 2016, substituting for Mostafa Fathi at half-time during a 1–1 friendly draw against Guinea at Borg El Arab Stadium. He earned his first competitive cap on 29 March 2021 in a 4–0 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying win over Comoros. Over his international tenure, Morsy accumulated nine caps without scoring, including one appearance at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where Egypt exited the group stage following a goalless draw against Uruguay in which he featured. His selections were sporadic, reflecting competition in midfield from established players amid Egypt's consistent qualification for major tournaments. In December 2023, Morsy withdrew his availability for Egypt's Africa Cup of Nations squad to prioritize club commitments with Ipswich Town during their promotion push, limiting his recent involvement. By November 2024, he publicly stated doubts about continuing under head coach Hossam Hassan, citing a perceived lack of future opportunities, and has not featured since. As of mid-2025, his total remains at nine caps, with no further call-ups reported.

Playing style

Strengths and tactical role

Sam Morsy functions primarily as a central defensive midfielder, where his key strengths lie in tackling and possession recovery, enabling him to disrupt opposition build-up play effectively. His combative approach, characterized by aggressive challenges and a high commitment to physical duels, positions him as a tough-tackling enforcer in midfield, often regaining the ball in contested areas to transition defense into attack. This tenacity has been instrumental in dictating match tempo, as evidenced by his role in shielding the backline while contributing to Ipswich Town's promotion campaigns through consistent drive and control. In addition to defensive prowess, Morsy exhibits strong passing attributes, allowing him to distribute the ball accurately off the ground after winning possession, thereby supporting structured progression from midfield. Tactically, he operates as a holding anchor, linking defensive and attacking phases by setting the team's rhythm and translating strategic instructions from management to players on the pitch. His leadership qualities amplify this role, serving as the "heartbeat" of the team by instilling discipline and motivation, which earned him Ipswich's Player of the Season award in the 2023-24 Championship campaign for his overarching influence. Morsy's style also incorporates occasional forward surges, including long-range shooting attempts, adding a progressive dimension to his otherwise anchoring duties, though his core value remains in midfield dominance and foul-committing tenacity to halt threats. This blend of physicality, distribution, and on-field authority has made him a pivotal figure in high-stakes matches, underpinning team resilience during ascents from League One to the Premier League.

Criticisms and limitations

Morsy's combative midfield style, characterized by frequent tackling, has been marked by a high propensity for fouls, which can compromise team discipline and numerical advantage. Analyses describe him as prone to committing fouls often during matches. This aggression contributed to 10 yellow cards in 33 Premier League appearances during the 2024–25 season, with an average of 1.63 fouls per 90 minutes. Such disciplinary lapses have historically led to suspensions at critical junctures. In April 2014, while at Chesterfield, Morsy received a straight red card for a heavy challenge in a 1–1 draw against Exeter City, sidelining him for the League Two promotion run-in and potentially hindering the team's playoff aspirations. In higher divisions like the Premier League, this reliance on physical intervention over restraint has occasionally exposed limitations in adapting to stricter refereeing standards, resulting in avoidable bookings that disrupt midfield control. Over his Premier League career to date, Morsy has committed 48 fouls, underscoring a persistent pattern that demands careful management to avoid escalating to red cards or bans.

Career statistics

Club statistics

Morsy's club career encompasses over 470 appearances and 28 goals across various English leagues and a recent stint abroad. Early in his professional tenure, he featured prominently at Port Vale on loan from Bolton Wanderers between 2011 and 2013, logging 78 appearances. At Chesterfield from 2013 to 2016, he recorded 117 appearances and 9 goals across all competitions.
ClubAppearancesGoalsAssists
Wigan Athletic (2016–2020)16498
Middlesbrough (loan, 2019)341N/A
Ipswich Town (2021–2025)1651019
In August 2025, Morsy transferred to Kuwait SC, where he has since featured in the Kuwait Premier League; specific appearance and goal tallies remain limited as of October 2025 due to the ongoing season.

International statistics

Sam Morsy has represented the Egypt national team on nine occasions between 2016 and 2023, without scoring any goals. He debuted on 30 August 2016 in a 1–1 friendly draw against Guinea, appearing for 45 minutes. His final appearance came on 12 September 2023, substituting for four minutes in a 1–3 friendly loss to Tunisia. The following table summarizes his appearances by competition:
CompetitionAppearancesGoals
Friendlies50
Africa Cup of Nations qualification20
FIFA World Cup qualification10
FIFA Arab Cup10
Total90

Achievements and honours

Club achievements

Morsy contributed to Chesterfield's League Two title win in the 2013–14 season, which secured promotion to League One after finishing first with 94 points from 46 matches. At Wigan Athletic, he featured in the League One championship-winning campaigns of 2015–16 and 2017–18, both resulting in promotion to the Championship; in 2015–16, Wigan topped the table with 90 points, while in 2017–18 they clinched the title on the final day with 87 points. As captain of Ipswich Town, Morsy led the team to second place in League One during the 2022–23 season, earning automatic promotion to the Championship with 98 points from 46 games. The following year, in 2023–24, Ipswich finished as Championship runners-up with 96 points, achieving back-to-back promotions and returning to the Premier League after a 22-year absence; Morsy played 42 league matches across these two seasons.

Individual recognitions

Morsy earned the PFA EFL Championship Fans' Player of the Year award for the 2023–24 season, determined by a public supporter vote following Ipswich Town's promotion to the Premier League. In the same campaign, supporters selected him as Ipswich Town's Men's Player of the Year, recognizing his leadership as captain and consistent midfield performances that included 43 league appearances. Earlier in his career, during the 2013–14 season with Chesterfield, Morsy received the club's Player of the Year award at the end-of-season ceremony, highlighting his contributions in 45 league matches as a holding midfielder.

Personal life and controversies

Religious beliefs and family

Sam Morsy is a practising Muslim, a faith that informs aspects of his personal conduct. Morsy is married to Chanel Morsy, with whom he has one daughter, Sienna, born on December 13, 2017. The family relocated to Suffolk following Morsy's permanent transfer to Ipswich Town in 2021, where Sienna has been involved in pre-match rituals, such as walking onto the pitch with her father.

Rainbow armband refusal

In November 2024, during the Premier League's Rainbow Laces campaign aimed at promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion, Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy was the only one of 20 club captains who did not wear a rainbow-colored armband during his team's match against Nottingham Forest on November 30. On December 2, 2024, Ipswich Town issued a statement confirming that Morsy, a practicing Muslim, opted out of wearing the armband due to a conflict with his religious beliefs, emphasizing respect for his personal convictions while supporting the league's initiative. The club noted that Morsy has consistently participated in other diversity efforts but drew a line at this particular symbol, which they described as performative rather than substantive in addressing broader inclusion issues. The decision drew mixed reactions; Egyptian media outlets praised Morsy for upholding his faith amid Western cultural pressures, while some UK commentators criticized it as inconsistent with the league's inclusivity goals, though others defended individual religious freedoms in a secular context. No disciplinary action was taken by the Premier League, which has historically allowed captains to opt out of similar campaigns on religious grounds, as seen in prior seasons with captains citing Islamic tenets against endorsing homosexuality.

Public statements on geopolitics

Sam Morsy has made several public statements expressing solidarity with Palestinians amid the Israel-Hamas war that began on October 7, 2023, often highlighting contrasts between his professional privileges and the situation in Gaza. Shortly after the conflict's onset, he posted on X (formerly Twitter), "Never be silent... Free Palestine." In a Sky Sports interview following Ipswich Town's 1-1 draw with Leicester City on December 28, 2023, Morsy stated, "We've got the privilege to be here. Thirty thousand [fans in attendance] and an amazing team, while the plight continues in Palestine." He reiterated a similar sentiment in another Sky Sports interview after a 2-0 victory over Huddersfield Town on May 4, 2024, saying, "We’ve got the privilege to be here - 30,000 and an amazing team, while the plight continues in Palestine. We’re the lucky ones, we get to play football for a living." In June 2024, Morsy participated in a charity match at The Hive Stadium in London to raise funds for Palestinian aid. In November 2024, Morsy described the "bravery and courage of the Palestinian people" as inspiring him "beyond belief," adding, "I wish one day all athletes can thrive in Gaza and live a happy life," in an interview with The Electronic Intifada, a publication advocating for Palestinian rights. He further remarked, "It’s very sad that the world stays silent while the atrocities continue. What is happening to the players in particular and people in Palestine in general is beyond belief. My heart and prayers are with them all," and called the killings of athletes in Gaza, including 341 soccer players as of early November, "heartbreaking." On January 1, 2025, Morsy posted on X, "Happy New Year, a dream for some a nightmare for others. 2025 stop the genocide," renewing his call to end the violence in Gaza. These statements reflect Morsy's consistent emphasis on Palestinian suffering and perceived global inaction, though no public comments from him on other geopolitical issues, such as conflicts in Ukraine or tensions in the South China Sea, have been documented.

References

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  71. https://electronicintifada.net/content/palestinian-courage-inspires-me-beyond-belief/49956
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