Egyptian giants Al Ahly appoint Danish tactician Jess Thorup as new head coach

Egyptian football heavyweights, Al Ahly have announced experienced Danish tactician Jess Thorup as their new head coach with immediate effect.

The 55-year-old gaffer joins the African giants as a replacement for Jose Riveiro, signing a two-and-a-half-year deal worth round $8.5 million.

Riveiro, who joined Al Ahly in the summer after departing Orlando Pirates was shown the exit door, just four months after his appointment following a string of unimpressive results.

After weeks of search, the Egyptian giants have settled on Jess Thorup to take over the coaching job at the club. The experienced trainer will earn around USD 3.2 million annually, a record deal for a coach in Danish football history.

Thorup has had spells with several top clubs in Europe, including KAA Gent, KRC Genk, FC Midtjylland, FC Copenhagen and FC Augsburg.

His last spell was in Germany, where his managed Augsburg between 2023 and 2025. He was shown the exit door as part of a wider restricting of their sporting project.

With his wealth of experience, Al Ahly will be counting on him to make a meaningful impact in the current campaign.

Al Ahly have regained their form following a sloppy start to the 2025 Egyptian League campaign. Currently, the record Champions League holders find themselves in third position, but are tied on 18 points each with log leaders Al Masry and second placed Zamalek.