The transfer of Mohamed Elneny from FC Basel to Arsenal in January 2016 marked the first instance of an Egyptian player appearing for the London club. Signed for an undisclosed fee reported between £5 million and £7.4 million, Elneny established himself as a defensive midfielder capable of competing at the highest levels of European domestic and international football.
Early Development and Egyptian Beginnings
Born in El Mahalla El Kubra on 11 July 1992, Elneny developed his interest in football early. His youth career included time with Al Ahly before he transitioned to Al Mokawloon in 2008. By the 2010–2011 season, he secured a place as a regular starter. His domestic progression was interrupted in early 2012 following the Port Said Stadium disaster, which led to the eventual cancellation of the remainder of the 2011–12 Egyptian Premier League season.
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Elneny moved to the Swiss club Basel in January 2013 after impressing manager Murat Yakin during a training camp in Estepona. Initially joining on loan, he transitioned to a permanent contract in May 2013. During his tenure at Basel, which lasted until 2016, he won eight honours, including the Swiss Super League title in each of his four seasons. He made 169 appearances for the club, contributing 13 goals across all competitions, including Champions League and Europa League fixtures.
Arsenal Tenure and Loan Periods
Following his move to Arsenal in 2016, Elneny wore the number 35 shirt and made his debut in the FA Cup against Burnley. He won the FA Cup with the club in 2017. Over his time in London, he secured two Arsenal Player of the Month awards in 2016 and scored his first goal for the club against FC Barcelona in the Champions League. He spent the 2019–2020 season on loan at Beşiktaş before returning to Arsenal, where he remained until his departure in 2024 as the club's longest-serving player. Following his Premier League tenure, he moved to Al Jazira, where he secured the UAE League Cup in 2025.
International Representation
Elneny has earned over 100 caps for the Egyptian senior national team since 2011. His international involvement includes participation in the 2012 Summer Olympics as part of the under-23 squad. He has represented Egypt in four editions of the Africa Cup of Nations—2017, 2019, 2021, and 2023—scoring a goal during the 2017 final. He also competed in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Fast facts
- Born: 11 July 1992, El Mahalla El Kubra
- Arsenal debut: 30 January 2016
- Swiss Super League titles: 4
- International caps: Over 100
- First Egyptian to play for Arsenal: Yes
- UAE League Cup winner: 2025
Questions readers ask
Which club did Mohamed Elneny join after leaving Arsenal?
After departing Arsenal in 2024, Elneny joined the UAE Pro League club Al Jazira.
How many times did Elneny win the Swiss Super League?
Elneny won the Swiss Super League title in each of his four seasons at FC Basel.
