Danish Coach Jess Thorup Joins Al Ahly on Lucrative Deal

Al Ahly appoints Jess Thorup as new coach on 2.5-year deal

Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly has officially announced the appointment of Danish coach Jess Thorup as their new head coach on a two-and-a-half-year contract.

Al Ahly, the Egyptian football giant, has officially announced the appointment of Danish coach Jess Thorup as their new manager...

Thorup's Coaching Credentials

Danish Superliga Titles: Two-time winner with FC Midtjylland (2017/18) and FC Copenhagen (2021/22)

Danish Cup: Winner with Esbjerg fB (2012/13)

Experience: Former coach of FC Augsburg, FC Copenhagen, Genk, Gent, and Denmark's Under-21 team

Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly has announced the appointment of Danish coach Jess Thorup on a two-and-a-half-year deal, replacing Spanish coach Jose Riveiro, who was dismissed after a string of poor results. Thorup, 55, joins Al Ahly after leaving Bundesliga side FC Augsburg in May, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his stints with FC Copenhagen, Genk, Gent, and Denmark's Under-21 team.

🔴 الدنماركي «ياس سوروب» مديرًا فنيًا للأهلي لمدة عامين ونصف🦅 pic.twitter.com/jIfNcb2hc0

— ‏النادي الأهلي (@AlAhly) October 8, 2025

Al Ahly, the most successful club in Egyptian history with 45 national championships, has set a high bar for Thorup, who will be tasked with continuing the club's dominance. The team has recently regained its footing under interim coach Emad El Nahhas, securing four successive league wins and moving level on 18 points with Masry and Zamalek at the top of the table. Thorup's contract is reportedly one of the most lucrative coaching deals in African football, worth at least $8.5 million net.

Contract Details

• Contract Duration: 2.5 years

• Salary: Approximately $3.1 million per year, making it one of the biggest coaching deals in Danish history

• Total Contract Value: Around $8.5 million net

• Additional Staff: Thorup has been given the green light to bring his own coaching staff, potentially adding up to five new members to the team

Thorup's appointment is seen as a significant coup for Al Ahly, and he will be looking to make an immediate impact in the Egyptian Premier League and beyond. With his experience and credentials, fans have high hopes that he will lead the team to continued success.

Al Ahly, the Egyptian football giant, has officially announced the appointment of Danish coach Jess Thorup as their new manager. Thorup joins the club on a two-and-a-half-year deal, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his previous stints with top-tier teams.

Thorup's impressive resume includes winning the Danish Superliga twice, first with FC Midtjylland in 2017 and then with FC Copenhagen in the 2021-22 season. He also successfully guided Denmark's Under-21 national team to the UEFA European Championship semi-finals and secured qualification for the Olympic Games.

The appointment comes after Al Ahly parted ways with Spanish coach José Riveiro, who was sacked following a disappointing start to the season. Interim manager Emad El Nahas took over temporarily, but Al Ahly's board was keen on appointing a permanent coach to lead the team in the long term.

With Thorup at the helm, Al Ahly aims to restore their dominance in Egyptian and African football. The team currently sits third in the Premier League standings with 18 points from 9 matches. Thorup's task is to instill a high-pressing, cohesive playing style and lead the team to success in domestic and continental competitions.