Emad El Nahhas (; born 15 February 1976) is an Egyptian football coach and former player, last in charge of Al-Zawraa SC. El-Nahhas finished his career at Al Ahly after retiring, undertaking training several times.
El Nahhas began his football career at the Maghagha Youth Center, where he played alongside players such as Ahmed Hassan. In 1996, at age 21, he moved to Aswan SC after being approved by coach Mohamed Amer.
After two successful seasons with Aswan, El Nahhas joined Ismaily SC in 1998, despite interest from other clubs including Al Ahly, Zamalek, and Al-Masry. His move was approved by German coach Frank Engel.
El Nahhas helped Ismaily win the Egyptian Premier League title in the 2001âÂÂ02 season, scoring five goals that season. As a result, Ismaily qualified for the 2003 CAF Champions League and reached the final. El Nahhas captained the team in the first leg of the final against Nigerian club Enyimba, which ended in a 2âÂÂ0 defeat. Ismaily won the return leg 1âÂÂ0 in Ismailia but lost on aggregate, finishing as runners-up.
After five and a half seasons with Ismaily, El Nahhas joined Saudi club Al-Nassr on loan for six months in 2004. His contract with Ismaily expired in the summer of 2004 after his return from the loan.
In June 2004, Al Ahly signed El Nahhas on a three-year deal worth EGP 400,000 per season. His move angered some Ismaily fans, who believed that his loan to Al-Nassr was a step toward joining Al Ahly. El Nahhas denied having signed with Al Ahly before his loan to Saudi Arabia.
El Nahhas joined Al Ahly during a team rebuild led by Portuguese coach Manuel José. Other key signings included Mohamed Aboutrika, Mohamed Barakat, and Islam El-Shater, forming the core of a squad that would go on to win numerous titles.
Despite being a defender, El Nahhas scored eight goals in the 2005âÂÂ06 season. These included a hat-trick against Al Ittihad Alexandria in a 6âÂÂ0 win, a solo goal against Renacimiento in the 2006 CAF Champions League, and a goal against Zamalek in the Egypt Cup final (3âÂÂ0 win). He also scored the decisive penalty in the shootout that secured Al Ahly the African Super Cup against ÃÂtoile du Sahel.
El Nahhas is known for his strong character and sportsmanship on the field.
After retiring, El Nahhas began his coaching career as assistant football director at Al Ahly for the 2009âÂÂ10 season. He then became vice president of the youth sector before resigning in May 2014.
In 2010, he took on the role of sporting director at Al-Merrikh SC, a position he held for one year.
El Nahhas took his first managerial position in July 2014 with Aswan SC, then in the Egyptian Second Division. In the 2014âÂÂ15 season, he led the team to promotion to the Premier League after an 11-year absence. Aswan finished 15th in the top tier the following season, avoiding relegation by 10 points. However, a poor start to the 2016âÂÂ17 season led to his resignation in November 2016.
On 8 February 2017, El Nahhas was appointed head coach of El Sharkia SC. After 17 games and a series of poor results, he left the position on 31 July 2017.
He took over as head coach of El Raja SC on 28 September 2017, replacing Khaled Al-Qashmakh. El Nahhas was dismissed on 24 December 2017 due to poor results, with the team bottom of the league table.
El Nahhas became the coach of Tanta SC on 1 March 2018. After only seven games and a disappointing run, he left on 27 April 2018.
He took charge of Al Mokawloon Al Arab SC on 24 October 2018, succeeding Alaa Nabil. He resigned from the role on 29 December 2021.
On 9 February 2023, El Nahhas was appointed head coach of Tala'ea El Gaish SC during the latter stages of the 2022âÂÂ23 season.
In April 2025, El Nahhas returned to Al Ahly SC as interim coach, guiding the team to their 45th Egyptian Premier League title at the end of the 2024âÂÂ25 season. In September that year, he was reappointed as interim head coach following the dismissal of José Riveiro.
Al Ahly: