Egyptian manager Hossam Hassan is the current head coach of the Egypt National football team and is all set to take the team through the upcoming AFCON semi-finals clash against Senegal. The football manager and former player was one of the top players for the Pharaohs and is the country's all-time top scorer with 69 goals throughout his international career.
Also regarded as one of the best African football players in history, Hossam Hassan tactics as a manager have catapulted Egypt to incredible levels. Apart from coaching the Egypt national football team, he has also managed the likes of the Jordan national football team, Al Masry, Pyramids and Ismaily. Let's take a look at Hossam Hassan tactics and at his overall managerial career so far.
Hossam Hassan Bio
Born on August 10, 1966, Hossam Hassan started his youth career with Al Ahly and made his first team debut for the club at the age of 18. Before diving into Hossam Hassan tactics and style of play, let us take a quick rundown of his professional career. Throughout his senior career, he has played for numerous clubs, including Al Ahly, PAOK, Al Ain, Zamalek, Al Masry, Tersana, and Al Ittihad Alexandria.
He also played for Swiss club Neuchâtel Xamax, where he is famously remembered for scoring four goals against Celtic in the 1991-92 UEFA Cup. The Egyptian striker retired at the age of 42, having experience from around the world. Hossam Hassan style of play throughout his professional career was always noted for his goal-scoring abilities, through which he became Egypt's all-time top scorer.
Full Name
Hossam Hassan Hassanein Hassan
Date of Birth
August 10, 1966
Current Team
Egypt
Major Achievements
-
Clubs Managed
Al Masry
Telecom Egypt
Zamalek
Ismaily
Mis Lel Makkasa
Al Ittihad Alexandria
Pyramids
Smouha
Modern Future
Jordan National football team
Egypt National football team
Coaching Philosophy
Tactical flexibility
Hossam Hassan Tactics and Style of Play
Hossam Hassan style of play as a manager can be described in various ways, as he opts for a flexible and dynamic approach in each game. The Egyptian manager prioritises tactical flexibility and defensive solidity, along with effective and timed attacking transitions. Hossam Hassan formation is generally a 5-3-2 to provide defensive density without affecting the attacking potential of his side.
Hossam Hassan lineup also showcases the importance of defence across all areas of the pitch, as forwards like Mohamed Salah, who is one of thebest players in AFCON 2025-26, along with Omar Marmoush, also act as the first line of defence with high-intensity pressing. As Hossam Hassan has coached several clubs over the years, he has shown different tactics for each side and continues to impose new strategies for the Egypt national football team.
Advertisement
Hossam Hassan Tactics Comparison and Evolution
Hossam Hassan lineup has seen various evolved tactics and strategies over the years. He has shown an evolution in the direction of having a more flexible and defensive-minded formation. Apart from these tactics, Hossam Hassan style of play also showcase quick attacking transitioning system, something which he used to possess during his professional years as a striker. As Hossam Hassan formation remains 5-3-2 at the moment, he used to have a 4-2-3-1 formation during the initial stages of his managerial career. His current tactics with the Egypt national football team are immensely different from his early days, as his approach and overall defensive balance have perfectly paired with the need for attacking transitions for the team. The core change in his strategy has been about controlling the game with a balanced structure of defence and quick-attacking transitions.
Hossam Hassan Trophies and Achievements as a Manager
Although Hossam Hassan has not won any major title or trophy as a manager so far, he has achieved several notable accolades over the years after managing numerous clubs. He has guided the Pharaohs to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first Egyptian to achieve this as a player and a manager. During his tenure as the head coach of the Jordan national football team, he led the team through the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification process. He also guided Al Masry to the 2017 Egypt Cup Final as well as the semi-finals of the 2018 CAF Confederation Cup. Although his playing career was highly decorated with several trophies, he has yet to win a major trophy as a manager. Only time will tell if he will be able to get his first major title win as a manager with the AFCON title or not.
Advertisement
How does Hossam Hassan's Egypt Lineup look like?
Hossam Hassan lineup with the Egypt national team employs a tactical fluidity as he often uses three central defenders to provide better defensive solidity. This further allows his attackers, like Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, to transition into long-range attacks. His upcoming lineup for the semi-final might be crucial, but his most recent lineups include Mohamed El Shenawy in goal, Mohamed Hany, Ramy Rabia, Yasser Ibrahim, and Ahmed Abou El Fotouh in a solid defensive line. Hossam Hassan formation also includes Marwan Attia, Hamdi Fathy, and Enam Ashour in midfield. In terms of attack, the Egyptian manager usually uses Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush, and Mahmoud Trezeguet. As Egypt looks to win the AFCON title ahead, it remains to be seen how its semi-final against Senegal turns out.
Advertisement
for more latest sports updates
Advertisement
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Hossam Hassan?
+
Hossam Hassan is currently 59 years old.
Which country is Hossam Hassan from?
+
Hossam Hassan was born in Helwan, Cairo, Egypt.
Which is Hossam Hassan's first club as a coach?
+
Al Masry was Hossam Hassan's first club as a coach.