Famous Libyan Sportspersons

Suleiman Ali Nashnush was a prominent figure in both sports and entertainment. As a professional basketball player, he was known for his exceptional height, making him one of the tallest individuals in medical history. Despite his towering stature, he excelled in the sport and was recognized as the tallest basketball player ever. Additionally, Nashnush showcased his versatility by taking on a small acting role in Federico Fellini's film Fellini Satyricon. His professional life was marked by achievements in both sports and entertainment before his passing in 1991.

Claudio Gentile is an Italian football manager and former player known for his defensive skills. He represented Italy in two World Cup tournaments and was part of the winning team in 1982. Gentile played for Juventus for a significant part of his career, making nearly 300 league appearances. During his time at Juventus, he won six national titles and two major European trophies, establishing himself as a key player in the team's success.

Javier Clemente Lázaro is a Spanish football manager and former player known for his coaching career spanning over four decades. Forced to retire early due to injury, he transitioned to coaching in 1975. He managed various club and national teams, including Athletic Bilbao, Espanyol, and the Spain national team. Clemente achieved success by winning the La Liga championship in 1983 and 1984 with Athletic Bilbao. Nicknamed El rubio de Barakaldo, he led Spain in two World Cups and Euro 1996.

Kamal El-Gargni is a highly accomplished Libyan professional bodybuilder based in Tampa. He began his training in 1993 and quickly gained recognition by winning various championships in Libya and other countries. Over the years, he has accumulated an impressive list of achievements, including victories at the NABBA Britain and IFBB World Amateur class shows. El-Gargni has also represented Qatar and secured numerous wins at prestigious competitions such as the Asian Gold Cup and African Championships. In 2019, he achieved a significant milestone by winning the 212 Mr. Olympia title.

Alpha Bangura had a successful professional basketball career, representing the Libya national basketball team at the FIBA Africa Championship in 2009. As a skilled player, he competed at a high level and contributed to his team's performance on the court. His dedication and talent allowed him to make a significant impact in the sport, showcasing his abilities on both a national and international stage. Throughout his career, Bangura demonstrated a strong work ethic and a passion for the game, leaving a lasting impression on fans and fellow athletes alike.

Mohamed Fuad "Mo" Hrezi is a Libyan-American marathon runner known for his impressive athletic achievements. He represented Libya at the 2016 Summer Olympics, finishing in 77th place. Hrezi excelled in distance running at Iowa State University before joining the Hansons Brooks racing team to focus on marathon training. He achieved the Olympic standard at the 2016 Ottawa Race Weekend and continued to improve his performance, winning the Twin Cities Marathon in 2021 with a personal best time of 2:15:22.

Hiram Fuller, also known as Hesham Ali Salem, is a former professional basketball player who primarily played as a power forward. He had stints with NBA teams such as the Atlanta Hawks and the Utah Jazz, showcasing his skills during the 2003-04 and 2006-07 seasons respectively. Additionally, he represented the Libya national basketball team during the 2009 FIBA Africa Championship for Men. Standing at 6'9" and weighing 268 lbs, Fuller's basketball career included playing at Fresno State University and junior colleges before transitioning to professional basketball.

Asmahan Farhat is a Libyan-American swimmer who represented Libya at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. She competed in the women's 100 metre breaststroke event, setting a new personal best time. After the Olympics, she pursued higher education, studying at the University of Florida and later completing the Doctor of Pharmacy Program at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. She graduated as a Doctor of Pharmacy in 2016 and began her professional career at Walgreens.

Mohamed Ben Saleh is a retired Libyan judoka who gained recognition for his exceptional skills and achievements in the sport. Throughout his career, he participated in numerous prestigious judo competitions at both national and international levels. Known for his strategic prowess and technical expertise, Mohamed Ben Saleh garnered a reputation as a formidable judoka. His dedication to the sport and consistent performance on the judo mat earned him respect and admiration from peers and fans alike.

Mohamed Youssef is a prominent Libyan professional basketball player known for his skills on the court. He played for the El Jaish SC club in the Qatari Basketball League from 2013 to 2015, showcasing his talent and dedication to the sport. Youssef's standout performance was during the 2009 FIBA Africa Championship, where he represented Libya's national basketball team and achieved the highest number of steals for his country. His impressive contributions have solidified his reputation as a skilled and valuable player in the basketball community.

Ali El Ghrari is a prominent male Libyan recurve archer who made history by becoming the first Libyan to compete in the archery competition at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. His professional life is defined by his dedication to the sport and his achievements on the international stage. Through his participation in such prestigious events, Ali has showcased his talent, skill, and determination as an elite archer, inspiring others in Libya and beyond to pursue excellence in the sport.

Daniah Hagul is a Libyan swimmer who has overcome various challenges in her professional career. She began swimming at a young age and started serious training at 12. Despite obstacles due to the political climate in Libya, she qualified for the FINA World Swimming Championships in 2015 and competed in the 100m and 50m breaststroke events. To fund her participation in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Hagul successfully utilized a crowdfunding campaign. She was the only woman representing Libya at the Olympics.

Ali Mabrouk El Zaidi is a prominent Libyan long-distance runner with an impressive professional career. He has represented his country at four Olympic Games, showcasing his talent and dedication on the international stage. In the 2007 World Championships, he finished eighteenth in the marathon, demonstrating his endurance and skill in competitive running. El Zaidi's achievements highlight his commitment to the sport and his ability to compete at the highest level of athletic competition.

Adel Adili is a Libyan long-distance runner known for his participation in the men's marathon at the 1996 and 2000 Summer Olympics. Throughout his professional career, Adili has demonstrated remarkable endurance and dedication to the sport of long-distance running. His achievements in representing Libya at prestigious international events like the Olympics showcase his commitment to excellence and determination to compete at the highest level of competition. Adili's performances in these competitions have solidified his reputation as a talented and accomplished long-distance runner.

Ahmed Youssef Belgasem is a Libyan road racing cyclist who represented Libya at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. Despite not finishing the men's road race, he continued to pursue his passion for cycling. In 2010, Belgasem achieved a significant milestone in his career by winning his first career title at the third annual Tour of Libya. Through dedication and perseverance, he has showcased his talent and commitment to the sport of cycling on both national and international platforms.

Yousef Mohammed Ibrahim is a prominent Libyan futsal player known for his skills and contributions to the sport. He represented the Libya national futsal team at the prestigious 2008 FIFA Futsal World Cup, showcasing his talent on an international stage. Through his dedication and hard work, Yousef has made a significant impact in the futsal community, earning recognition for his performance and commitment to the sport. His presence on the field has inspired and motivated many aspiring futsal players around the world.

Ali Hamid El-Aila is a retired Libyan cyclist known for his participation in the individual road race and team time trial events at the 1980 Summer Olympics. Throughout his career, he demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication to the sport of cycling, representing his country on the international stage. His achievements at the Olympics showcase his talent and commitment to excellence in cycling. El-Aila's professional life was characterized by a strong work ethic and a passion for competitive cycling, leaving a lasting impact on the sport in Libya.

Abdul-Wahed Mohammed is a prominent Libyan futsal player who has represented his country at the highest levels of the sport. He gained recognition for his skills and talent while playing for the Libya national futsal team at the 2008 FIFA Futsal World Cup. Mohammed's participation in such prestigious tournaments showcases his dedication and commitment to the sport, as well as his ability to compete at an international level. His contributions to the team have undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the futsal community.

Mohamed Issa Mrsal is a talented Libyan basketball player known for his skills and consistency on the court. He has competed as a member of the Libya national basketball team since the 2000s, showcasing his prowess in various championships. One of his notable performances was during the 2009 FIBA Africa Championship where he played a crucial role in helping Libya secure victory over Morocco in the 11th place game. Mrsal's scoring ability, rebounding skills, and playmaking contributions have solidified his reputation as a key player for his team.

Mohammed Rahoma is a professional futsal player from Libya who has dedicated his career to representing his country on the international stage. He has been a key member of the Libya national futsal team, contributing to their success in various competitions. Rahoma's skills and passion for the sport have helped him achieve a respectable position in the Futsal World Rankings. His commitment to the game and his team has made him a valuable asset to Libyan futsal and a respected player in the global futsal community.

Amira Edrahi is a Libyan swimmer specializing in sprint freestyle events. She qualified for the women's 50m freestyle at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens through a Universality place from FINA. At the Olympics, she posted a lifetime best time of 34.67 seconds, finishing last in her heat. Despite not advancing to the semifinals, her participation marked the first Olympic appearance for a Libyan woman swimmer since the 1980 Summer Olympics. Edrahi's dedication to swimming and representing her country on the international stage is commendable.

Mohamed Khouaja is a Libyan sprinter known for his specialization in the 400 meters event. He has achieved significant success in various competitions, including finishing seventh in his semi-final heat at the 2009 World Championships. Khouaja also clinched the gold medal in the 2009 Mediterranean Games and set a national record for Libya in the 400 meters event during the 2010 African Championships. His professional career showcases his talent and dedication to excelling in sprinting on the international stage.

Abdullah Ali Ahmed is a notable Libyan sprinter known for his participation in the men's 200 metres event at the 1988 Summer Olympics. His professional career highlights his dedication to the sport of sprinting, showcasing his talent and commitment to athletic excellence on an international stage. As an Olympian, Abdullah Ali Ahmed has represented Libya with pride and sportsmanship, leaving a lasting impact on the athletic community through his achievements and contributions to the world of sprinting.

Nadia Fezzani is a pioneering Libyan swimmer who made history as the first woman to represent Libya at the Olympics. In the 1980 Summer Olympics, she competed in two events, showcasing her talent and dedication to the sport. Fezzani's participation in the Olympics not only highlighted her own achievements but also served as an inspiration for other female athletes in Libya and beyond. Her presence on the international stage contributed to the growth and recognition of women's sports in her home country.

Sofyan El Gadi is a renowned Libyan swimmer known for his participation in the 100m butterfly event at the 2012 Summer Olympics. His impressive skills and dedication to the sport have earned him recognition as a talented athlete in the swimming community. El Gadi's role as the flag bearer for Libya at the opening ceremony further highlights his leadership qualities and commitment to representing his country on an international stage. His achievements in swimming serve as a testament to his hard work and passion for the sport.

Ahmad Attellesey is a prominent Libyan swimmer known for his exceptional performances in the 50-meter freestyle and butterfly events. He represented his country at the 2016 Summer Olympics, showcasing his talent on an international stage. Attellesey holds the national record in both the 50-meter freestyle and butterfly, demonstrating his skill and dedication to the sport. His achievements in competitive swimming have solidified his reputation as a top athlete in Libya and a role model for aspiring swimmers.

Mohamed Eshtiwi is a successful weightlifter from Libya, known for his achievements in the Men's Middleweight (– 77 kg) division. He clinched the gold medal at the 2005 Mediterranean Games, showcasing his exceptional skills and dedication to the sport. Additionally, he had the honor of representing Libya at the prestigious 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece, where he proudly carried the national flag. Eshtiwi's professional career highlights his talent, hard work, and commitment to excelling in competitive weightlifting at an international level.

Khalid Shebani, a Libyan former cyclist, made his mark in the sporting world by competing in the team time trial and the 1000m time trial events at the 1980 Summer Olympics. Through his dedication and skill, Shebani showcased his talent on an international stage, representing his country with pride and determination. His professional career as a cyclist was defined by his commitment to excellence and his ability to perform under pressure, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of competitive cycling.

Mohamed El-Kawisah is a prominent Libyan judoka who represented his country at the 2016 Summer Olympics in the men's 60 kg event. During the competition, he received a bye in the first round but unfortunately was eliminated in the second round by Yeldos Smetov. El-Kawisah's participation in such a prestigious event showcases his dedication and skill in the sport of judo. His professional career highlights his commitment to representing Libya on the international stage and competing against top athletes from around the world.

Fatah Masoud is a well-known Libyan futsal goalkeeper who has represented his country at the international level. He gained recognition for his skills and talent while playing for the Libya national futsal team at the prestigious 2008 FIFA Futsal World Cup. Masoud's performance on the field showcased his expertise and dedication to the sport, earning him a reputation as a reliable and skilled goalkeeper. His contributions to the national team have solidified his position as a key player in Libyan futsal.

Mohammed Ali Al-Sharif is a prominent figure in the world of futsal, particularly known for his skills as a goalkeeper. He represented the Libya national futsal team at the 2008 FIFA Futsal World Cup, showcasing his talent on an international stage. Al-Sharif's achievements and contributions to the sport have earned him recognition and respect among fans and fellow athletes alike. His dedication and proficiency in goalkeeping have solidified his reputation as a key player in the futsal community.

Soad Fezzani is a distinguished Libyan swimmer known for her participation in the 1980 Summer Olympics, where she competed in three events. Throughout her professional career, Fezzani has demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication to the sport of swimming. Her achievements on the Olympic stage have solidified her reputation as a talented athlete, inspiring others in the realm of competitive swimming. Fezzani's commitment to excellence and perseverance serve as a testament to her remarkable career in the world of sports.

Mustafa Ahshad is a Libyan weightlifter who competed in the 1992 Summer Olympics, showcasing his strength and skill on an international platform. As an athlete, he dedicated himself to the rigorous training and discipline required to excel in the sport of weightlifting. Ahshad's participation in the Olympics demonstrates his commitment to representing his country at a prestigious event, where he had the opportunity to compete against top athletes from around the world and inspire others with his dedication and hard work.

Ghada Ali is a Libyan sprinter known for specializing in the 400 meters event. She represented Libya at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, competing in the women's 400 meters. Despite facing tough competition, including eventual Olympic champion Christine Ohuruogu, Ali finished last in her heat. Her time of 1:06.19 was the slowest in the event, resulting in her failure to advance to the semi-finals. Despite this outcome, Ghada Ali's career highlights her dedication to the sport of sprinting.

Fathi Al-Khoga is a prominent Libyan futsal player known for his contributions to the sport. He represented the Libya national futsal team at the prestigious 2008 FIFA Futsal World Cup, showcasing his skills and talent on an international platform. Al-Khoga's performance in the tournament demonstrated his dedication and proficiency in futsal, earning him recognition among fans and peers alike. His presence on the field was instrumental in driving his team towards success, establishing him as a valuable asset in the world of futsal.

Almabruk Mahmud Mahmud is a Libyan weightlifter who competed in the men's flyweight event at the 1980 Summer Olympics. Throughout his professional career, he dedicated himself to the sport of weightlifting, showcasing his strength and skill on the Olympic stage. As an athlete, Mahmud trained rigorously to compete at the highest level of competition, representing his country with pride and determination. His participation in the Olympic Games highlights his commitment to his sport and the hard work he put into achieving his athletic goals.

Enemri Najem Al-Marghani is a Libyan long-distance runner known for his participation in the marathon event at the 1980 Summer Olympics. Throughout his career, he displayed exceptional endurance and skill in long-distance running, representing his country on an international platform. His dedication to the sport and commitment to training allowed him to compete at the highest level of athletic competition. Al-Marghani's participation in the Olympics showcased his talent and determination as a long-distance runner, leaving a lasting impact on the running community.

Mohamed Khamis Taher is a Libyan long-distance runner known for his participation in the men's marathon at the 1992 Summer Olympics. He has showcased his athletic prowess on the international stage, representing Libya with dedication and skill. Taher's commitment to long-distance running has earned him recognition among the sporting community. His appearance at the prestigious Olympic Games demonstrates his passion for the sport and his desire to compete at the highest level of competition.

Hamza Abu-Ghalia is a renowned Libyan weightlifter who made his mark in the sporting world by competing in the 2004 Summer Olympics. With a focus on weightlifting, he has demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication in his athletic pursuits. His participation in the Olympics showcases his commitment to the sport and his ability to compete at the highest level of international competition. Abu-Ghalia's professional career is characterized by his passion for weightlifting and his desire to achieve excellence in the field.