Latif started his professional career in Zamalek in 1926, he was the main Zamalek's forward for nine seasons. After a brief spell in Rangers in 1935, he returned to Zamalek in the 1936–37 and played until his retirement in 1945.
Latif (first standing from left) with Zamalek in 1930
Latif won with Zamalek six titles of the Egypt Cup (1931–32, 1934–35, 1937–38, 1940–41, 1942–43, 1943–44). He also won with his team the Cairo League for eight seasons (1928–29, 1929–30, 1931–32, 1933–34, 1939–40, 1940–41, 1943–44, 1944–45), and two titles of the King Fouad Cup (1933–34, 1940–41). Latif scored six goals in the Cairo derby, he was Zamalek's captain in the early 1940s.
Latif (first sitting from left) with Zamalek's squad which dominated all football competitions in Egypt; Egypt Cup, Cairo League and King's Cup, 1941
After the World Cup, Latif went to Glasgow, as did goalkeeper Mustafa Mansour, possibly at the suggestion of Egypt's national coach, Scotsman James McRea.[4][5] He played his only Scottish League match for Rangers in the 1935–36 season, against Hibs.[6][7]
Latif (Lower row, first from left) with Egypt at the 1934 FIFA World Cup in Italy
In 1936, he was part of the Egyptian team that played in the Olympic tournament in Berlin.[9] He played for Egypt for 10 years. Due to the outbreak of World War II, he was unlucky as all sports activities were cancelled.[10]
Post retirement career
After retirement from football, he worked as a referee in the 1940s until he earned the international badge and officiated many international matches. Latif also held several managerial roles in the Egyptian Football Association during the 1950s. He also worked as Zamalek's coach in the early 1960s. He won the 1962 Egypt Cup title with Zamalek as the head coach. [11]
He was the first to introduce football commentary on television and was the General Head of sports programs in the Egyptian Television for 16 years. He has broadcast World Cup matches since 1962.
His fame increased when, in 1948, he moved into the field of commentating on matches in radio, and he remained with the microphone until he passed away on March 17, 1990. He was called the Sheikh of Commentators. Mohamed Latif was distinguished by his own distinctive style in commenting on football matches, and his commentary was of great importance, especially in the Cairo derby matches.[12]
Latif (middle) with Pelé and Saleh Selim in Cairo, February 1973