Ramy Ashour: The Fearless Squash Genius Who Redefined the Game Despite Pain and Pressure

The Inspiring Journey of a Retired Squash Player Who Changed Modern Squash Forever

Fixedy May 21, 2026

0 2 7 minutes read

Ramy Ashour is widely regarded as one of the most naturally gifted athletes in squash history. Known for his magical shot-making, creative movement, and fearless attacking style, he transformed the sport into a form of art. Fans across the world admired his ability to entertain audiences while competing at the highest level of professional squash.

At the same time, his journey was not free from struggles. Injuries repeatedly interrupted his career and prevented him from reaching even greater heights. Despite those setbacks, the retired squash player still built a legendary legacy that continues to inspire young athletes globally. His story is a powerful mix of success, sacrifice, brilliance, and determination.

Table of Contents

Quick Bio

Full Name	Ramy Mohamed Ashour
Known As	Ramy Ashour
Date of Birth	September 30, 1987
Age	38 Years Old (as of 2026)
Birthplace	Cairo, Egypt
Nationality	Egyptian
Profession	Former Professional Squash Player
Nickname	The Artist
Highest Ranking	World No. 1
World Titles	3
Retirement Year	2019
Sport	Squash
Playing Style	Creative and Attacking
Estimated Net Worth	$2–3 Million

Early Life and Childhood of Ramy Ashour

Growing Up in Cairo

Ramy Ashour was born in Cairo, Egypt, a country that later became the dominant force in world squash. From an early age, he displayed unusual athletic ability and impressive hand-eye coordination. His family recognized his talent quickly and encouraged him to pursue sports seriously.

As a child, Ramy loved movement, creativity, and competition. He often watched squash matches and became fascinated with the speed and intelligence of the game. Unlike many young athletes, he did not simply copy other players. Instead, he naturally developed his own style, which later made him famous around the world.

Family Support and Early Training

Ramy’s older brother, Hisham Ashour, also became a professional squash player and played a major role in his development. The brothers trained together regularly, helping each other improve technically and mentally. Their strong bond became one of the important foundations behind Ramy’s success.

Although training was demanding, Ramy remained deeply passionate about squash. His dedication during childhood helped him become one of the greatest junior players the sport had ever seen. Coaches and fans quickly realized they were watching a future superstar in the making.

The Beginning of an Extraordinary Career

Dominating Junior Squash

Ramy Ashour shocked the squash world when he won the World Junior Squash Championship at just sixteen years old. This remarkable achievement made him the youngest player ever to win the prestigious title. His victory announced the arrival of a special talent.

Two years later, he achieved another historic milestone by winning the World Junior Championship again. No player before him had managed to win the title twice. This success proved that his first victory was not luck but the beginning of something extraordinary.

Turning Professional

After dominating junior squash, Ramy officially entered the professional circuit. His rise through the rankings was incredibly fast because of his fearless and entertaining style. Fans immediately connected with his personality and creativity on the court.

Unlike many defensive players of that era, Ramy attacked constantly. He played risky shots with confidence and often produced unbelievable winners from impossible positions. His style made every match exciting to watch and helped attract new fans to squash.

Ramy Ashour’s Rise to World Number One

Achieving Global Recognition

Ramy Ashour became World No. 1 in 2010, confirming his place among the sport’s elite athletes. Reaching the top ranking was a major achievement because professional squash during that period was highly competitive. Every tournament featured world-class opponents.

His rise to the top was built on consistency, confidence, and creativity. He defeated many legendary players and established himself as one of the most dangerous competitors on the PSA World Tour. His performances were admired not only for victories but also for their beauty and imagination.

The Golden Years of His Career

Between 2010 and 2014, Ramy Ashour played some of the greatest squash ever seen. During this period, he won multiple major tournaments and dominated several of the sport’s biggest stars. His movement on the court looked effortless and smooth.

One of his greatest achievements came when he won the British Open in 2013. The title was especially important because it ended a long wait for an Egyptian champion in that tournament. His success inspired a new generation of Egyptian squash players who later dominated the sport internationally.

World Championship Success and Career Highlights

Winning Three World Titles

Ramy Ashour won the PSA World Championship three times during his career. These victories established him as one of the greatest champions in modern squash history. Winning even one world title is difficult, but winning three demonstrated his elite level of skill and mental strength.

His 2014 World Championship victory is often remembered as one of the greatest moments in squash history. The final match against Mohamed ElShorbagy showcased incredible athleticism, determination, and shot-making brilliance from both players.

Famous Playing Style

Ramy became famous for playing squash like an artist. He used deception, creativity, soft touches, and lightning-fast reactions to surprise opponents constantly. Fans often described his matches as entertaining performances rather than ordinary sporting contests.

His unique style changed how many young players approached the game. Instead of focusing only on physical endurance, future generations began emphasizing creativity and attacking play. This influence remains one of his biggest contributions to squash.

Injuries and Difficult Moments

Constant Physical Challenges

Although Ramy Ashour achieved enormous success, his career was heavily affected by injuries. Hamstring problems repeatedly forced him to miss tournaments and spend long periods away from competition. These setbacks created frustration for both him and his supporters.

Injuries became one of the biggest negative aspects of his professional journey. Many experts believe he could have dominated squash even longer if his body had remained healthy. Despite these struggles, he continued fighting and repeatedly returned to top-level competition.

Emotional and Mental Pressure

The physical pain of injuries also created emotional challenges. Missing important tournaments and recovering repeatedly tested his mental strength. However, Ramy handled these difficult moments with maturity and positivity.

Even during setbacks, he remained respected throughout the squash community. Fans admired not only his talent but also his sportsmanship, humility, and determination. His ability to stay positive during hard times became another inspiring part of his story.

Retirement from Professional Squash

Announcing Retirement

In 2019, Ramy Ashour officially retired from professional squash. His decision came after years of recurring injuries that made it increasingly difficult to compete consistently at the highest level.

The announcement was emotional for squash fans worldwide. Many people believed the sport was losing one of its greatest entertainers and most creative minds. His retirement marked the end of a unique era in professional squash.

Life After Retirement

After retirement, Ramy remained involved in squash through exhibitions, mentoring, and promotional activities. He continues inspiring younger players and helping grow the sport globally.

As a retired squash player, he also became more focused on innovation and creative ideas related to the game. His passion for squash clearly remains strong even after leaving professional competition.

Business Ventures and Other Activities

Innovation in Squash

Ramy Ashour introduced the “RAM Scoring System” alongside fellow player Osama Khalifa. The goal was to create a faster and more exciting version of squash that could attract modern audiences.

This project demonstrated that Ramy’s creativity extended beyond playing. He wanted to improve the sport and make it more entertaining for future generations. His willingness to experiment showed his deep love for squash innovation.

Coaching and Mentorship

Ramy has also participated in coaching programs and squash academies. Young athletes regularly study his matches to learn movement, deception, and attacking techniques.

Because of his experience and legendary status, many players see him as a role model. His guidance continues shaping the future of squash even after retirement.

Net Worth and Sources of Income

Estimated Wealth

Ramy Ashour’s estimated net worth is believed to be between $2 million and $3 million. Most of his wealth came from his successful squash career and related activities.

Although squash does not generate the same money as football or tennis, top players can still earn significant income through tournaments and sponsorships.

Main Sources of Income

His income sources included:

PSA tournament prize money
Sponsorship deals
Exhibition appearances
Coaching activities
Promotional partnerships

These opportunities helped him build financial stability while representing Egypt internationally.

The Legacy of Ramy Ashour

Changing Modern Squash

Ramy Ashour’s influence on squash remains enormous. He inspired countless young players to become more creative and fearless on the court. Many experts consider him one of the most entertaining athletes the sport has ever produced.

His success also helped strengthen Egypt’s dominance in international squash. Today, Egyptian players continue leading world rankings, and many credit Ramy for inspiring that generation.

Why Fans Still Admire Him

Fans still watch his old matches because of their excitement and creativity. Even years after retirement, his highlights continue spreading across social media and squash communities worldwide.

His legacy is not based only on trophies. It is also built on joy, imagination, and the ability to make squash beautiful to watch. That combination makes him unforgettable.

Conclusion

Ramy Ashour remains one of the greatest and most beloved players in squash history. His journey included incredible victories, painful injuries, emotional setbacks, and unforgettable moments of brilliance. Through determination and creativity, he transformed professional squash and inspired millions of fans around the world.

Although his career ended earlier than many expected, his influence continues growing. The retired squash player changed how the sport is played and appreciated. His story proves that true greatness is not measured only by trophies but also by inspiration, passion, and lasting impact.