Former Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny has earned his UEFA A Licence, allowing him to move into coaching after his playing career ends.

Mohamed Elneny receives his UEFA A Licence (Photo via Elneny on Twitter)
Mohamed Elneny receives his UEFA A Licence (Photo via Elneny on Twitter)

Mohamed Elneny has confirmed that he’s now completed UEFA’s coaching course and earned his A Licence, making him eligible to enter the world of management in senior football.

“So proud to announce that I have successfully earned my UEFA A License,” Elneny wrote on Twitter.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to develop my coaching skills and knowledge and I’m very excited for the journey ahead as I continue to grow and make a positive impact in the world of football!”

BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 27: Mohamed Elneny of Arsenal thanks the support during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Brentford and Arsenal at Gtech Community Stadium on September 27, 2023 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
BRENTFORD, ENGLAND: Mohamed Elneny of Arsenal thanks the support during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Brentford and Arsenal at Gtech Community Stadium on September 27, 2023. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

The UEFA A Licence is the second-highest coaching licence that UEFA provides, allowing the holder to be the head coach of a youth team up to the age of 18, a reserve team for a top-flight club, or a men’s professional second-tier club.

That means Elneny is now eligible to take over the Arsenal u21s (for example), or a Championship team, should he wish to return to England.

If Elneny wanted to manage the first team at a Premier League club like Arsenal, he’d need to get his UEFA Pro Licence first.

A caretaker manager doesn’t need the Pro qualification, but they can only take charge for a maximum of 12 weeks. After that, they have to have their Pro Licence.

Mohamed Elneny with his Man of the Match award with Al-Jazira (Photo via Al Jazira Club on Twitter)
Mohamed Elneny with his Man of the Match award with Al-Jazira (Photo via Al Jazira Club on Twitter)

For the time being, Elneny is still kicking on with his playing career. The 32-year-old has made eight appearances for Al-Jazira Club in 2024/25, playing 90 minutes on every occasion.

That’s a big step up from his final days at Arsenal, with his 720 minutes in the UAE already surpassing his final two campaigns with the Gunners combined (450 minutes).

Things are going well for the former Gunner on and off the field, and long may that continue.