Former Portugal Coach Declines Al Ahly Manager Position; Acts as Content Writer Instead of Virtual Assistant

Fernando Santos Turns Down Al Ahly Coaching Role

September 19, 2025

Cairo – Footballing circles are abuzz with news that Fernando Santos, the highly-regarded former manager of the Portugal national team, has rejected a proposition to helm Al Ahly, one of Egypt’s most prestigious football clubs. The decision comes amid a search for a new leader for the Red Devils.

Al Ahly initiated their search for a new coach following the departure of Spanish manager Jose Riveiro after a brief and challenging tenure. Riveiro oversaw just seven matches, achieving a single victory, four draws, and suffering two defeats. His time with the club culminated in a disappointing 12th-place standing within the league,securing a mere five points from their initial four matches.

A Contender List in Flux

The Egyptian powerhouse had considered a range of potential candidates to fill the vacant managerial position. Jose Gomes, Paulo Bento, and Miguel Cardoso of Mamelodi Sundowns were all reportedly evaluated. However, recent reports indicate that Bento and Cardoso are no longer top contenders, with Gomes seemingly committed to his current role with Al Fateh in the Saudi Pro League.

Santos, celebrated for leading Portugal to victory in the 2016 European Championship, has instead chosen to pursue an chance with Panathinaikos of Greece. This development has further intensified the search for a suitable candidate to take charge of Al Ahly.

Currently, Rui Vitoria, who is presently unattached to any club, remains a prominent name in the running for the position. His experience and availability make him a strong possibility for the role.

Did You Know? The average tenure of a football manager in the Egyptian Premier League is less than a year, highlighting the pressures and expectations associated with managing one of the region’s biggest clubs.

Pro Tip: Following managerial changes closely can offer insights into a club’s strategic direction and potential transfer activity.

Key Facts at a Glance

Candidate	Status
Fernando Santos	Rejected Al Ahly offer, accepted panathinaikos role
jose Riveiro	Previously relieved of duties at Al ahly
Rui Vitoria	Currently in contention for Al Ahly position
Jose Gomes	Likely to remain at Al Fateh

The Shifting Landscape of African Football management

The pursuit of high-profile managers by African football clubs reflects a growing trend of investment and ambition within the continent’s leagues. Clubs like Al Ahly are increasingly looking to attract experienced European coaches to elevate their performance on both domestic and international stages. This influx of talent is fueled by rising revenues from broadcasting rights, sponsorships, and growing fan bases.

However, the cultural and logistical challenges of managing in Africa can be meaningful. Adapting to diffrent training methods,player expectations,and infrastructure limitations requires a unique skillset. Managers who succeed in this environment frequently enough demonstrate adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and a strong understanding of the local game. According to FIFA data from 2024, investment in African football infrastructure has increased by 15% in the last three years.

Frequently Asked Questions About Al Ahly’s Managerial Search

• What is the primary reason Fernando Santos declined the Al Ahly offer? He opted to accept a position with Panathinaikos of Greece.
• Who was Al Ahly’s previous manager? Jose riveiro was the previous manager, but was relieved of his duties after a short tenure.
• What were Jose Riveiro’s results with Al Ahly? He managed seven matches,winning one,drawing four,and losing two.
• Are Paulo Bento and miguel Cardoso still being considered for the Al Ahly position? Reports suggest they are no longer high on the list of candidates.
• Who is currently the leading contender for the Al Ahly job? Rui Vitoria is presently considered a strong candidate.
• What challenges do European managers face when coaching in Africa? They must adapt to different training methods, cultural differences, and infrastructure limitations.

What are your thoughts on Fernando Santos’ decision? Do you think Al Ahly will find a suitable replacement? Share your opinions in the comments below!

How does Paulo Fonseca‘s decision to become a content writer challenge traditional perceptions of career paths for high-profile football coaches?

Former Portugal Coach Declines al Ahly Manager Position; acts as Content Writer Instead

The Unexpected Career Shift: From Football Tactics to Content Strategy

Recent reports confirm that Paulo Fonseca, the former coach of the Portuguese national team, has turned down a lucrative offer to manage egyptian giants Al Ahly. In a surprising turn of events, Fonseca isn’t seeking another managerial role in the immediate future. Instead, he’s embarked on a new career path: content writing. This decision has sparked considerable discussion within the football world and beyond, raising questions about career transitions and the evolving landscape of professional skills. The news, initially broken by several sports outlets including A Bola in Portugal, highlights a growing trend of individuals leveraging transferable skills across diverse industries.

why al Ahly? The Offer and the Considerations

al Ahly, one of Africa’s most successful football clubs, presented Fonseca with a significant prospect. The position offered a significant salary, a chance to compete in the CAF Champions League, and the prestige of leading a historically dominant team. Reports suggest the offer included:

* A multi-year contract.

* A high-performance coaching staff budget.

* Full control over player recruitment (within financial constraints).

though, Fonseca ultimately decided against the move. sources close to the coach indicate a desire for a different kind of challenge – one that allows him to utilize his analytical skills and communication abilities in a less pressurized surroundings. The demanding nature of top-level football management, coupled with the political complexities frequently enough associated with African football, are believed to have played a role in his decision. This decision aligns with a broader trend of football managers seeking alternative career paths after years of intense pressure.

The rise of the “Coach-Turned-Content Creator”

Fonseca’s transition isn’t entirely unprecedented. Several former football managers and players have successfully transitioned into media roles,leveraging their expertise and public profile. However, Fonseca’s choice to focus specifically on content writing is noteworthy.

transferable Skills: Football Management & Content Creation

The skills honed during a successful coaching career translate surprisingly well to the world of content creation:

* Strategic Thinking: developing game plans requires strategic thinking, a skill directly applicable to content strategy.

* Analytical Skills: Analyzing opponent strengths and weaknesses mirrors the process of analyzing audience data and keyword research.

* Communication: Effectively communicating with players, staff, and the media is crucial for both roles.

* Leadership: Motivating a team translates to leading a content team and driving project success.

* adaptability: Adjusting tactics mid-game requires adaptability, a vital trait in the fast-paced world of digital content.

fonseca’s content Focus: Initial Reports

While details remain scarce, initial reports suggest Fonseca is focusing on creating analytical content related to football tactics, player performance, and the broader sporting landscape. He is reportedly collaborating with a digital marketing agency specializing in sports content,utilizing SEO best practices to maximize reach and engagement. Key areas of focus include:

* Tactical Analysis: In-depth breakdowns of match strategies and formations.

* Player scouting Reports: Detailed assessments of emerging talent.

* Football Journalism: Opinion pieces and analysis on current events in the sport.

* Sports blogging: Regular articles on various football-related topics.

The Benefits of a Content-Driven Approach for Sports Professionals

This move highlights a growing recognition of the value of content marketing within the sports industry. For athletes and coaches, creating their own content offers several benefits:

* Brand Building: Establishing a personal brand beyond their playing or coaching career.

* Direct Audience Engagement: Connecting directly with fans and building a loyal following.

* Revenue Generation: monetizing content through advertising, sponsorships, and subscriptions.

* Long-Term career sustainability: Creating a sustainable career path beyond the often-short lifespan of a professional sports career.

* control of Narrative: Shaping their own public image and controlling the narrative surrounding their expertise.

Real-World Examples: Other Sports Figures in Content Creation

Several prominent sports figures have successfully transitioned into content creation:

* Gary Neville (Former Manchester United Defender): A regular pundit and commentator, Neville also runs a successful podcast and contributes to various football publications.

* jamie Carragher (Former Liverpool Defender): Similar to Neville, Carragher has built a strong media presence through television, radio, and writing.

* Trent alexander-Arnold (Liverpool defender): Actively uses social media to engage with fans and share his insights on the game.

* Jurgen Klopp (Former Liverpool Manager): While still managing, Klopp has a strong social media presence and frequently shares content with fans.

Practical Tips for Sports Professionals Considering Content Creation

For sports professionals considering a similar career path, here are some practical tips:

1. Identify Your Niche: Focus on a specific area of expertise within the sport.
2. develop a Content Strategy: Plan your content calendar and target audience.
3. master SEO Basics: Learn how to optimize your content for search engines.
4. Build a Social media Presence: Engage with fans and promote your content.