Biography
Who is Mohamed Elneny?
Early life and beginnings
Mohamed Naser Elsayed Elneny was born in El Mahalla El Kubra, Egypt. During his youth, his parents encouraged his interest in the sport, and his father actively supported his training from a very young age. This early support helped establish the foundation for his future professional path.
He began his youth football development with Al Ahly. In 2008, he moved to Al Mokawloon. He progressed through the ranks there, eventually earning a spot in the starting lineup during the 2010 to 2011 season. His development in the Egyptian Premier League provided the experience needed to eventually transition to European football leagues.
Career in Switzerland
In January 2013, Mohamed Elneny joined the Swiss club FC Basel. After an initial loan period, the club signed him to a permanent contract. He quickly became a consistent part of the squad, contributing to multiple league titles during his four seasons there. His time at Basel included participation in both the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League, gaining valuable exposure to high-level continental competition.
During his tenure in Switzerland, he played a total of 169 matches across all competitions. He contributed 13 goals during this period, including strikes in league play, domestic cup matches, and European tournaments. His performance at Basel attracted international attention and led to his eventual move to the English Premier League.
Arsenal and international career
Mohamed Elneny transferred to Arsenal in January 2016. He became the first Egyptian player to represent the club. During his time in London, he won the FA Cup in 2017 and the FA Community Shield in 2020. He was also loaned to the Turkish club Beşiktaş for the 2019 to 2020 season before returning to Arsenal. He departed the club in 2024 as their longest-serving player at the time.
On the international stage, he has earned over 100 caps for the Egypt national team since 2011. He competed in the 2012 Summer Olympics with the under-23 squad. Also, he represented his country in the Africa Cup of Nations tournaments held in 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2023, and played in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Recent professional developments
After leaving Arsenal, Mohamed Elneny joined the UAE Pro League club Al Jazira. In 2025, he celebrated a victory in the UAE League Cup with his new team. This move marked the latest chapter in a career that has spanned multiple countries and continents.
His professional path has also included a stint with the Super League Greece club Levadiakos. Throughout his career, he has maintained a reputation as a defensive midfielder focused on passing accuracy and mobility. His ability to adapt to different tactical systems under various managers has been a recurring theme in his long professional tenure.
Birthday and age
Mohamed Elneny was born on July 11, 1992, which makes Mohamed 34 years old today. That birthday falls under the Cancer sign. Mohamed shares the date with 66 other famous people.
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