Five things to know about Jess Thorup, Al-Ahly's new head coach

Africa 09 October 2025 at 06:36

Imed Ben Amara

News Editor

Al-Ahly has secured its new manager. The Danish tactician Jess Thorup takes over from Jose Riveiro on the Red Devils' bench.

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Here are five things you should know about Al-Ahly’s new head coach:

- Born on February 21, 1970, he was a professional player at OB Odense, KFC Uerdingen, Wacker Innsbruck, Esbjerg fB, and Hamarkameratene.

- He transitioned to coaching in 2011 with Danish side Esbjerg fB, where he lifted the Danish Cup.

- Between 2013 and 2015, he was promoted to coach Denmark's U20 and U21 national teams, leading them to qualification for the Euros and the Olympic Games.

- He managed FC Midtjylland from 2015 to 2018, winning a league title and reaching the Europa League.

- Alongside spells in Belgium with Gent and Genk, and in Germany with Augsburg, he also managed FC Copenhagen (2020-2022), winning the league and qualifying for the UEFA Champions League.

The 55-year-old coach’s mission is to restore the shine to the record CAF Champions League winners CAF Champions League.