Mohamed Elneny

Full Name: Mohamed Nasser El Sayed Elneny
Date of Birth: July 11, 1992
Place of Birth: El Mahalla El Kubra, Egypt
Nationality: Egyptian
Height: 180 cm
Position: Midfielder (Defensive / Attacking)
Jersey Number: 17 (Al-Jazira Club, UAE)

Football Career

Early Years with Al-Mokawloon Al-Arab (2010 - 2013):

Mohamed Elneny started his football journey at a young age in the youth academy of Al-Mokawloon Al-Arab, a well-established Egyptian club.

He was promoted to the first team in 2010, at the age of 18. Elneny quickly made a name for himself with his impressive abilities in midfield, showing great talent in both ball recovery and passing.

In Egyptian Premier League matches, Elneny was a regular starter and soon became one of the key figures in the team’s midfield. His performances caught the attention of both local and international clubs.

Move to Basel (2013 - 2016):

In January 2013, Elneny made a significant move to FC Basel in Switzerland. This move marked his first step into European football.

At Basel, he quickly adapted to the European style of play and became an integral part of the team's midfield. His tactical understanding, combined with his ability to distribute the ball and break up attacks, made him a key player in the Swiss team.

Achievements with Basel:

Swiss Super League: 3 titles (2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15).

Swiss Cup: 2 titles (2013-14, 2014-15).

He also played in the UEFA Champions League, competing against top European teams like Chelsea and Porto.

During his time at Basel, Elneny gained valuable experience in top-tier European competitions, which helped him develop as a player and eventually earned him a move to one of the biggest leagues in the world.

Move to Arsenal (2016 - 2023):

In January 2016, Mohamed Elneny joined Arsenal in the Premier League for a transfer fee of €5 million. This was a major step in his career, and he became the second Egyptian player to play for Arsenal after Ahmed Hegazi.

At Arsenal, Elneny had to adapt to the intensity of the Premier League, but he quickly became a key figure in the midfield. His ability to control the tempo of the game, coupled with his excellent passing range, earned him regular minutes under Arsène Wenger and later Unai Emery.

Key Moments with Arsenal:

FA Cup (2017): Elneny played an important role in Arsenal's victory over Chelsea in the final.

Community Shield (2017, 2020): He won this trophy twice with the team.

In the Premier League and UEFA Europa League, Elneny was a reliable squad member who provided defensive solidity and creativity in midfield.

Even though he was not always a starter, Elneny’s contributions in important matches, especially in domestic cups and European competitions, showcased his professionalism and reliability.

Move to Al-Jazira Club (2023 - Present):

In 2023, Elneny made a surprising move to Al-Jazira Club in the UAE Pro League after spending several years in top European leagues. This transition marked a new chapter in his career as he joined one of the leading clubs in the UAE.

Al-Jazira Club is one of the most successful football clubs in the United Arab Emirates, with a rich history in both domestic and continental competitions. Elneny’s experience is expected to significantly strengthen their midfield as they compete in the UAE Pro League and AFC Champions League.

International Career with Egypt

Early National Team Years:

Elneny made his debut for the Egyptian national team in 2011, after impressing with Al-Mokawloon Al-Arab. He quickly became a mainstay in Egypt’s midfield, known for his work ethic and technical ability.

Key Moments with Egypt:

2017 Africa Cup of Nations: Elneny played a significant role in Egypt's journey to the final, where they lost to Cameroon 2-1. His performances in the tournament showcased his ability to control the midfield and break up opposition attacks.

2018 FIFA World Cup: Elneny was part of Egypt's squad for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. This was Egypt's first World Cup appearance in 28 years, and Elneny played in matches against Uruguay, Russia, and Saudi Arabia.

2019 Africa Cup of Nations: Elneny featured in the AFCON 2019, which Egypt hosted. Unfortunately, the team was eliminated in the Round of 16 by South Africa, but Elneny remained one of the standout players.

2022 World Cup Qualifiers: Elneny also played a role in Egypt’s 2022 World Cup qualifiers. Though Egypt narrowly missed out on qualification after losing in the final playoff round to Senegal, Elneny continued to be an influential player for the national team.

Role in the National Team:

Elneny is considered one of the most experienced players in the Egyptian national team. His defensive qualities, passing range, and ability to control the pace of the game have made him a key asset for Egypt’s midfield.

Playing Style:

Balance Between Attack and Defense: Elneny is known for his ability to strike a balance between defensive solidity and offensive contribution. His versatility allows him to perform a variety of roles in midfield.

Accurate Passing: Elneny is recognized for his precise passing, whether it’s a short pass or a long diagonal ball. His vision allows him to break defensive lines and provide assists.

Shooting from Distance: He is also known for his powerful shots from outside the box, making him a threat in attacking situations.

Defensive Coverage: One of Elneny’s key strengths is his tactical awareness and ability to cover space defensively, making him a crucial player in disrupting the opposition's flow.

Achievements and Awards

Club Achievements:

FC Basel:

Swiss Super League: 3 titles (2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15)

Swiss Cup: 2 titles (2013-14, 2014-15)

Arsenal FC:

FA Cup: 1 title (2017)

Community Shield: 2 titles (2017, 2020)

International Achievements with Egypt:

Africa Cup of Nations: Runner-up (2017)

FIFA World Cup 2018: Participated in Egypt’s first World Cup after 28 years.

Personal Life:

Mohamed Elneny is known for his humility and strong character, both on and off the pitch. In addition to his football career, he is also active in charity work, supporting causes that help the underprivileged.

He comes from a sporting family, with his father also being a former footballer, which contributed to his strong sporting background.

Religious and Social Commitments: Elneny is also known for his commitment to his faith and his social responsibilities, often participating in charity events and helping out in various humanitarian projects.

Conclusion:

Mohamed Elneny is one of the most accomplished Egyptian footballers of his generation. His journey from Al-Mokawloon Al-Arab to top European clubs like FC Basel and Arsenal, and his current role at Al-Jazira Club in the UAE, has shown his ability to adapt and perform at the highest levels of football. With his vast experience in domestic and international competitions, Elneny remains a key figure in Egyptian football.