In 1929, Helmi's career began by playing for his school, Al-Mohammadiya Primary. In 1934, he became a star, when he replaced Zamalek's First Team left-winger Gamal al-Zubeir, who had sustained an injury.

In 1936, Helmi was a member of the National Team, which represented Egypt in the Berlin Olympics in the same year.

After retiring, he turned to refereeing and in 1957, he received the international FIFA referee badge.

In 1948, he was in Zamalek's Football Committee and was chosen four years later as the Club's Secretary-General then in 1966 as its chairman. He was the first Zamalek football player to attain such status and he maintained it until August 1984.

He also held numerous positions within the Egyptian Football Federation, including that of chairman of the board of directors.

Helmi died on November 5, 1986.