Inside Al Ahly's Youth Revolution: Langeler's Blueprint to Build Future Champions
6 October 2025
Langeler's Plan for Al Ahly's Youth Sector
Mohamed Youssef, the club's sporting director, says Art Langeler brings extensive experience from Dutch football, including time with PSV Eindhoven and the Netherlands' youth teams, combining study and practical coaching to benefit the academy.
He notes Langeler also serves as a lecturer for the Dutch FA, reflecting his depth of knowledge and the Dutch school of youth development—an approach that matches Al Ahly's winning identity.
The two sides agreed on a concrete action plan for the coming period, with Langeler overseeing training across the sector and delivering lectures and intensive coaching courses for coaches in different age groups to develop tactical, physical, and personal aspects of players.
Langeler emphasizes that the academy has produced talents who reached the first team or moved abroad, such as Mohamed Abdel-Moneim and Mohamed Shokry, underscoring the system's potential.
Thanking the board led by Mahmoud El-Khatib, he outlined a broader development vision, including foreign exchange opportunities like the move of Amr Khaled Bibo to Aarau, and the aim to broaden this model.
Ahly's recent announcement confirmed Langeler's appointment and his plans to bring structure and progression to the youth sector following Badr Ragab's departure.
Langeler's Vision and Experience
Langeler expresses enthusiasm for the role, stating his plan rests on three pillars: a single playing style and clear vision for all teams; support and upskilling of coaches through his credentials; and, most importantly, a quick track record of promoting academy players to the first team.
He explains that his initial focus will be on direct engagement with coaches, attending training sessions, and closely following matches to ensure alignment with the overall plan.
He cautions that talent alone is not enough; character and inner drive are essential to reaching the top levels, and a hungry player can overcome many obstacles.
Among players he has coached in the past, Langeler mentions Frenkie de Jong, Steven Bergwijn, and Jordi Jacobs as notable examples of graduates who advanced to major clubs, reinforcing the potential of the Al Ahly academy.
He also addressed fans, inviting them to support the youth teams with positive energy so they can become future stars for the first team and national teams.
Regarding the recent Cairo derby, Langeler noted that the win over Zamalek was thrilling and showcased the players' fighting spirit as they move toward the club's long-term goals.
Punchline 1: If Langeler's plan lands, the only offside will be the fans trying to cheer from the nosebleed section. Punchline 2: My coaching notes are so precise that even the popcorn in the stands is getting tactical advice.
