Fan Makeup in Egypt
Fan Makeup
Fan makeup is a phenomenon that transcends the simple traditions of supporting favorite teams. It has become a truly lucrative business, part of a global industry worth billions of dollars. This enthusiasm for colors, patterns, and spectacular effects reflects not only the passion of supporters but also a unique business opportunity for entrepreneurs and brands.
An Ancient Tradition Modernized
This is tribal makeup that dates back centuries, where ancient peoples painted their faces for war rites or celebrations. Today, this tradition has evolved to become an act of support and solidarity for a sports team. On match days, stadiums turn into real palettes of colors, each fan proudly displaying the colors of their favorite team.
A product has revolutionized fan makeup since 2006, Fanbrush®, the world's first multiline makeup pencil.
A Social and Cultural Phenomenon
More than just a fashion or a simple commercial aspect, sports fan makeup is a major social and cultural phenomenon worldwide. It allows supporters to identify and show their belonging to a sports community or support for a cause. The preparation ritual before the match reinforces the sense of belonging and collective fervor. Fans display their colors with passion during moments of emotion, joy, and sharing.
In Egypt: Colors, Fans, and Passion for Sports
The Colors of Egypt
Egypt is a country located in the northeast of Africa, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Red Sea to the east. Known for its millennia-old history, Egypt is the cradle of one of the world's oldest civilizations. This is where the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the pharaonic temples along the Nile were born. Today, Egypt is a republic, with Cairo as its capital, a dynamic and cultural metropolis.
The Egyptian flag consists of three horizontal stripes: red, white, and black. Red symbolizes the struggle for independence and the blood of martyrs, white represents peace, and black refers to the end of oppression under colonialism. In the center of the white stripe is the golden Eagle of Saladin, a symbol of strength and sovereignty.
Sports in Egypt
In Egypt, sports play an important role in culture and society.
Football is by far the most popular sport in Egypt. The passion for this sport crosses all social classes. The most famous clubs are Al Ahly and Zamalek, based in Cairo. These two clubs have a long history of rivalry and rank among the best in Africa. The national team, nicknamed the "Pharaohs," has won the Africa Cup of Nations several times, making it one of the most titled teams on the continent.
Handball is also very popular in Egypt, with the men's national team regularly standing out on the international stage. Egypt has won several continental titles and has been a serious contender in the Handball World Championships. The country also hosted the Handball World Championship in 2021.
Egypt is a global powerhouse in squash. Egyptian players have dominated world rankings for years, with champions like Ramy Ashour, Mohamed El Shorbagy, and Nour El Sherbini. Success in this sport is a great source of national pride.
Wrestling and weightlifting have a long tradition in Egypt. The country has won several Olympic medals in weightlifting and wrestling, notably thanks to athletes such as Karam Gaber, who won gold in Greco-Roman wrestling at the 2004 Olympics.
Although less popular than football, basketball is growing in Egypt, especially among young people. The men's national team has participated in several editions of the African Basketball Championship (AfroBasket) and has been a champion several times.
With access to the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea, Egypt is also a prime location for water sports such as scuba diving, windsurfing, and kitesurfing, particularly in tourist regions like Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh.
Passionate Fans, Colors, and Pride
Supporters in Egypt play a crucial role in the country's sports culture, especially in football, the nation's most popular sport.
Egyptian fans are among the most passionate in the world. Their love for their teams, especially football clubs like Al Ahly and Zamalek, runs deep and is often hereditary. This passion is not only expressed in stadiums but also in everyday life, where football debates are frequent and lively.
A key element of fan support in Egypt is the "Ultras" movement, organized groups of fans who support their team intensely and structurally. Ultras Ahlawy (Al Ahly) and Ultras White Knights (Zamalek) are among the most famous. These groups are known for their spectacular choreographies, chants, and ability to create an electrifying atmosphere in the stadiums.
Egyptian supporters, especially the Ultras, have played a role beyond sports. Their mobilization and organization were visible during the 2011 revolution, where they actively participated in protests against the Hosni Mubarak regime. Their influence thus goes beyond football, touching on social and political issues.
Stadiums in Egypt, especially during major matches, transform into true echoes of fan passion. Chants, flags, flares, and tifos are integral parts of the match experience. Fans prepare days in advance for these events, creating specific slogans and chants to galvanize their team.
However, this fervor has not been without issues. There have been tragic incidents in the past, notably the 2012 Port Said disaster, where stadium violence resulted in 74 deaths. These events led to restrictions on fan attendance at stadiums for several years, although things are slowly returning to normal.
For players, fan support is a major motivating factor. The loud and visual presence of Egyptian fans is often cited as a reason why local teams have a strong home advantage.
Major Events
Egypt hosts numerous major international sporting events each year. Here is a list of the most important sports competitions and events held in Egypt:
Egypt Cup (Football): The Egypt Cup is the country's oldest football tournament, pitting clubs from different divisions against each other. The winner qualifies for the CAF Confederation Cup. (Egyptian Football Association)
Egyptian Premier League (Football): The national football championship that brings together the best clubs in the country is the most-followed competition in Egypt. Al Ahly and Zamalek usually dominate this league. (Egyptian Football Association)
Al-Ahram Squash International Tournament (Squash): This prestigious tournament, held at the foot of the Pyramids of Giza, attracts the best squash players from around the world. (PSA Squash Tour)
Egypt Handball Championships (Handball): The national handball championship is one of the most competitive in Africa, with teams vying for the national title and a spot in continental competitions. (IHF)
Pyramids Marathon (Athletics): This running event attracts athletes of all levels for a race that includes the Pyramids of Giza, one of the world's most iconic sites. (Pyramids Half Marathon)
Egyptian Open (Tennis): A professional tennis tournament that is part of the international circuit, attracting regional and international players. (Egypt Tennis Federation)
Pharaohs Rally (Motor Sports): A rally-raid race in the Egyptian desert, famous for its extreme conditions and spectacular landscapes. It is a stage of the World Rally-Raid Championship.
Basketball Africa League (BAL): Egypt regularly participates in this continental competition, with high-level matches organized in the country when local teams qualify. (The BAL)
Passionate Fans
Al Ahly SC (Football): Founded in 1907, Al Ahly is Egypt and Africa's most titled club, holding records for national championships and CAF Champions League victories. Nicknamed "The Club of Nations" due to its immense popularity across the country. Al Ahly supporters are known as "Ultras Ahlawy," a highly organized and passionate group famous for their impressive chants and tifos. (Official Website of Al Ahly SC)
Zamalek SC (Football): Founded in 1911, Zamalek is one of Al Ahly's biggest rivals. The club has won numerous national and continental titles. Nicknamed "The White Knights" for their colors and elegant style of play. Zamalek supporters, known as "Ultras White Knights," are known for their fervor and unwavering support, with an intense rivalry with Al Ahly fans. (Official Website of Zamalek SC)
Al Ittihad Alexandria Club (Football): Founded in 1914, Al Ittihad is one of Egypt's oldest clubs, based in Alexandria. Nicknamed "The King of the City" for its popularity in the Alexandria region. Al Ittihad supporters are passionate and highly present at home matches, with fervent support for their team.
Smouha SC (Football & Basketball): Founded in 1949, Smouha is a versatile club based in Alexandria, with competitive teams in both football and basketball. It is nicknamed "The Blue Club" for its colors. Smouha has a loyal fan base, mainly concentrated in Alexandria, known for their balanced and respectful support. (Official Website of Smouha SC)
El Gouna FC (Football): Founded in 2003, El Gouna is a relatively young but ambitious club based in the Red Sea resort town. The club is nicknamed "The Reds" for its colors. El Gouna supporters, although fewer in number compared to the big Cairo clubs, are dedicated and proud of their team, with notable attendance at home matches. (El Gouna FC)
Gezira Sporting Club (Basketball & Tennis): Founded in 1882, Gezira Sporting Club is one of Cairo's most prestigious multi-sport clubs. The club is particularly known for its basketball team, which has won several national titles. The club has an elite fan base, often consisting of members of the social club, with a more exclusive atmosphere than football clubs.
Tala'ea El Gaish SC (Football & Handball): Founded in 1997, Tala'ea El Gaish (The Army) is a club supported by the Egyptian armed forces. The club is active in football and handball, with good results in national competitions. The club has a solid fan base, often linked to the military institution, and is respected for its seriousness and commitment on the field.
Fan Merchandise
Sports Makeup: Exponential Growth
With the rising popularity of sports events and international competitions, the fan makeup market has experienced exponential growth. The market offer has adapted to this global market, with a range of individual makeup pencils for artistic makeup, Fanbrush® making last-minute makeup easy, sticker makeup kits, and even personalized makeup operations on match days.
The numbers speak for themselves. According to a recent market study, the sports makeup sector has seen a 15% annual sales increase over the past five years. This growth is fueled by the popularity of social media, where fans proudly share their looks and thus encourage the trend's virality.
The Role of Social Media and Influencers
Influencers play a crucial role in popularizing fan makeup. On platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, thousands of tutorials and transformation videos are shared, generating millions of views. These content creators inspire their followers to express their passion for sports through creative and bold looks.
Brands often collaborate with these influencers to promote their products, reaching a broader and more diverse audience. Dedicated hashtags like #FanFacePaint, #FanMakeup, or #GameDayFace have become viral trends, boosting engagement and product visibility.
Innovations and Product Offerings
Innovations in this field are numerous. Notably, Fanbrush®, the reference in fan makeup innovation. It is the world's first multiline makeup pencil, launched in 2006 in Europe. The product is now available for all clubs worldwide.
In terms of makeup, the products are also formulated to resist sweat, weather conditions, and even offer sun protection. Companies diversify by offering varied ranges suitable for all skin types and preferences, from classics to glitter and fluorescent effects.
Collaborations with sports teams and famous athletes also create limited editions and special collections that sell out quickly. For example, some football teams collaborate with brands to create makeup kits in official colors, often sold in club shops.
The fan sports makeup merchandising business is much more than a niche. It is a dynamic, expanding sector that combines passion, creativity, and innovation. As sports events continue to attract millions of spectators worldwide, fan makeup is only gaining popularity, promising a bright future for this unique industry.
Fanbrush® in Egypt
Fanbrush® has revolutionized fan makeup since 2006. It is the world's first multiline makeup pencil.
This innovation was designed for easy and quick fan makeup at the last minute in a stadium, in a group, or at home.
The range includes +1000 references from 2 to 6 colors for flags in lines, crosses, checkerboards, etc.
Fanbrush® is fully customizable for all clubs or sponsors of national or local teams. For example, Fanbrush is present at European sports competitions with major sponsors such as Coca-Cola, Lidl, adidas, Heineken, etc.
Whatever type of supporter you are, we have your Fanbrush®.
Learn more: www.fanbrush.com
Fanbrush® alongside fans since 2006
Whether in the form of supporter makeup, powder thrown in fun runs, or body paint in Rainbow parades, color is now an integral part of sports, festive, or protest events worldwide. Our success story began with the launch of Fanbrush® in Europe in 2006.
Fanbrush® is the world's first multiline makeup pencil. A product made in France, protected by trademarks and patents.
Our product is now distributed in over 21 countries: Europe, USA, India, Australia, Japan. We can export to any other country. With +1000 references and limitless combination possibilities, we can create any new reference on demand.
To discover our products or contact us