Ismail Youssef

• Full Name: Ismail Youssef Awad Allah Mohamed
• Date of Birth: June 28, 1964
• Place of Birth: Giza, Egypt
• Age: 60 years
• Height: 1.77 meters (5 feet 10 inches)
• Nationality: Egyptian
• Position: Defensive Midfielder
• Nickname: Tigana
• Siblings: His brother, Ibrahim Youssef, is also a former football player, who was a prominent figure at Zamalek SC and the Egyptian national team during the 1970s and 1980s.

Football Career:

Early Days at Zamalek:

• Zamalek SC (1983–1997):
  • Ismail Youssef joined Zamalek SC in 1983, rising quickly through the ranks due to his exceptional talent.
  • He earned the nickname "Tigana" after the French football legend Michel Platini due to his tactical playing style, skillful ball distribution, and versatility in midfield.
  • He played as a defensive midfielder, excelling in ball recovery, quick passing, and reading the game well. His leadership on the pitch helped Zamalek dominate during the late 80s and 90s.

Egyptian National Team:

• Egypt National Team (1987–1997):
  • Youssef played for the Egyptian national team from 1987 to 1997, earning 86 caps and scoring 4 goals.
  • He was part of the national team that competed in Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and World Cup qualifiers, solidifying his place as a key figure in Egyptian football during the 90s.

Major Achievements and Titles with Zamalek SC:

1. Egyptian Premier League:

   • Won the Egyptian Premier League 5 times (1984, 1986, 1991, 1992, 1994).

2. CAF Champions League:

   • Won the CAF Champions League twice (1984, 1993).

3. Egypt Cup:

   • Won the Egypt Cup 4 times (1988, 1992, 1996, 2000).

4. CAF Super Cup:

   • Won the CAF Super Cup twice (1994, 1997).

5. African Cup Winners' Cup:

   • Won the African Cup Winners' Cup once (1996).

6. Egyptian Super Cup:

   • Won the Egyptian Super Cup twice (1994, 1996).

Football Style and Abilities:

• Defensive Skills:

  • Ismail Youssef was known for his solid defensive skills. As a defensive midfielder, he excelled at intercepting passes, blocking opposition attacks, and maintaining defensive stability.

• Accurate Passing:

  • He was also known for his precise passing and ball distribution, which helped orchestrate attacks from midfield.

• Game Intelligence:

  • Youssef had a great footballing IQ; he knew when to make tackles, break up opposition attacks, and when to contribute to the attack. His positioning and awareness on the field made him a key figure in both defense and midfield.

• Leadership:

  • He was a vocal leader on the field, providing direction to teammates and offering motivational support, making him a natural leader for the team.

Coaching and Administrative Career:

Coaching Career:

1. Zamalek SC (1998–1999):

   • After retiring from playing, Youssef began his coaching career as part of the technical staff at Zamalek SC in 1998.

2. Egypt U-20 Team (2001–2003):

   • He served as an assistant coach for Egypt U-20 during this period, helping develop young talent.

3. Egypt National Team (2004):

   • He worked as an assistant coach with the Egypt national team in 2004, under head coach Hassan Shehata.

4. Gouna FC (2007–2010):

   • He managed Gouna FC from 2007 to 2010, where he helped improve the team’s performance in the Egyptian Premier League.

5. Telecommunications Egypt (2010–2011):

   • Youssef coached Telecommunications Egypt in 2010-2011, where he worked on enhancing the team's tactical approach.

6. Zamalek SC (2011–2012):

   • He returned to Zamalek as an assistant coach, before briefly taking charge as interim head coach in 2012.

7. Al-Intag El-Harby (2013–2014):

   • Youssef was appointed as the head coach of Al-Intag El-Harby in 2013, where he made a significant impact on the team.

8. Zamalek SC (Director of Football, 2014–2016):

   • He served as the Director of Football at Zamalek SC from 2014 to 2016, overseeing the team's activities and providing administrative guidance.

9. Zamalek SC (General Supervisor, 2016–Present):

   • Since 2016, he has held the position of General Supervisor of Football at Zamalek SC, where he is responsible for overseeing the football operations and ensuring the smooth coordination between the players, coaches, and management.

Contribution to Egyptian Football Development:

• Youth Development:

  • Youssef played a pivotal role in the development of young players, particularly during his time as assistant coach for the U-20 Egypt national team and later as Director of Football at Zamalek, where he helped nurture young talent.

• Administrative Role at Zamalek:

  • As General Supervisor of Football at Zamalek, Youssef has had a lasting impact on the club’s organizational structure and football operations, overseeing the daily operations and working closely with management to ensure Zamalek remains competitive at the highest levels.

• Zamalek Legacy:

  • Youssef remains one of the most iconic figures at Zamalek SC, having spent the majority of his career with the club, both as a player and in administrative roles.

Conclusion:

Ismail Youssef, or "Tigana," is undoubtedly one of the most influential figures in the history of Zamalek SC. With his skillful play as a defensive midfielder and his tactical understanding of the game, he became a key player for Zamalek and the Egyptian national team. His transition to coaching and administrative roles further solidified his legacy, ensuring his continued contribution to Egyptian football.