Born in Cairo, Mido started his career with Egyptian Premier League club Zamalek in 1999.[3] He made his league debut on 22 May 2000 in a 0–0 draw against El Qanah.[4] The next week, Mido scored his first two goals against Aluminium Nag Hammâdi, which Zamalek won 3–2.[5] His African debut came on 28 May 2000, in a 2–1 win against Ethiopian Coffee, making the aggregate score 3–3, which led to the game being decided on penalties. Zamalek won 4–2.[6][7] Zamalek eventually reached the 2000 African Cup Winners' Cup final, beating Cameroonian side Canon Yaoundé 4–3 on aggregate.[8][9] Mido's performances eventually attracted interest from Belgian club Gent.[3]