Saturday Jun 06, 2026. 11:00
Al Ahly will start the 2026-27 season with a new man at the helm after Jess Thorup’s contract was terminated by mutual consent this week.
Thorup oversaw a largely unsuccessful spell at the Cairo International Stadium after taking over the reins from caretaker coach Emad El Nahhas on October 8.
Jose Riveiro began the 2025-26 campaign at the helm, but he lasted just three months before the Red Eagles decided to pull the trigger and gave the job to El Nahhas on a temporary basis.
Thorup won just 18 of his 36 matches across all competitions as the Cairo giants finished third in the Egyptian Premier League, exited the Egypt Cup in the round of 32 and failed to go further than the CAF Champions League quarter-finals.
The Dane became the club’s first permanent coach to finish the season without any major silverware since Fathi Mabrouk in 2014-15, with his sole trophy coming in the form of the Egyptian Super Cup.
Following Al Ahly’s failure to qualify for Africa’s elite club competition for the first time in 27 years, the hierarchy decided to take decisive action which included making several changes to their football structure.
“Al Ahly SC have officially ended their contractual relationship with Danish head coach Jess Thorup and his coaching staff by mutual consent,” a club statement read.
“Thorup signed a settlement agreement after receiving all his dues in accordance with the terms of his contract, which was due to expire on 30 June, 2026.
“Al Ahly extend their sincere appreciation to Thorup and his coaching staff for their dedication and professionalism throughout their tenure with the club.”