Ismail Ahmed has entered the Guinness World Records as the oldest basketball player to record a triple-double in a single match, achieving the feat at the age of 49 years and 243 days.
The Egyptian star, who plays for Al Riyadi, announced the honour on his official Facebook page on Monday. He shared a photograph of himself receiving the Guinness World Records certificate during the interval of the decisive Lebanese Basketball League final between Al Riyadi and Hikma.
The presentation took place on a memorable night for Ahmed and his club, as Al Riyadi secured the Lebanese title with a 100-79 victory over Hikma in the seventh and deciding game of the final series.
The championship is decided through a best-of-seven format, meaning Al Riyadi’s success completed a long final contest with victory in the final match. Ahmed’s record recognition therefore arrived alongside another major achievement for the club.
Ahmed set the Guinness mark on 24 May, when Al Riyadi faced Homenetmen Beirut in the Lebanese Basketball League. At 49 years and 243 days, he became the oldest player to reach a triple-double during one game.
A triple-double is achieved when a player reaches double figures in three statistical categories in the same match. Ahmed’s performance against Homenetmen Beirut placed him in the record books and added another milestone to a career that has lasted for decades.
He is regarded as one of the most prominent living legends in Arab basketball. Much of his career has been associated with Al Riyadi in Lebanon and Al Ittihad Alexandria in Egypt, where he has continued to collect domestic and continental honours.
Ahmed has won the Lebanese Basketball League title 17 times. Sixteen of those championships came with Al Riyadi, while the other was secured with Homenetmen Beirut. He has also claimed the Egyptian league title three times with Al Ittihad Alexandria.
His achievements extend beyond domestic competition. With Al Riyadi, Ahmed won the Asian Club Championship, the leading club competition in Asia, twice, in 2011 and 2024.
He has also represented Egypt internationally, winning two bronze medals at the African Basketball Championship. Those medals form part of an exceptional career that has combined longevity with sustained success for club and country.
The latest record highlights Ahmed’s continued influence in the sport. His recognition by Guinness World Records, delivered as Al Riyadi celebrated another Lebanese league title, adds a distinctive achievement to a list of honours built across Egyptian, Lebanese, Asian and African basketball.
