13 Facts About Michael Emenalo

Michael Emenalo was born on 14 July 1965 and is a Nigerian sports director and former professional footballer who played as a left-back.

Michael Emenalo is sports director of the Saudi Pro League.

Michael Emenalo is the former director of football of Chelsea and AS Monaco.

Michael Emenalo played for Molenbeek in Belgium, Eintracht Trier in Germany, and Notts County FCin England before going back to the US.

Michael Emenalo was part of the original allocated players for Major League Soccer and spent two seasons with the San Jose Clash.

Michael Emenalo won 14 caps for Nigeria and played in the 1994 FIFA World Cup, missing the first game through injury but then, played against Argentina and Greece before Nigeria was knocked out by Italy.

Michael Emenalo became director of player development at the Tucson Soccer Academy in the US in 2006, before joining the coaching staff at Chelsea when former manager Avram Grant was in charge in 2007.

Michael Emenalo completely restructured the club's academy, scouting, loan and women's team setups, and is credited as a key figure behind the club's success having overseen the scouting and transfers of key players including Juan Mata, Thibaut Courtois, Kevin De Bruyne, Mohamed Salah, N'Golo Kante, Eden Hazard, and Cesc Fabregas.

Michael Emenalo has been credited by numerous sources as being the driving force behind Chelsea's most influential signings.

Michael Emenalo has been credited for the development of the Chelsea Football Club Academy as well as the recent resurgence of the Chelsea Football Club Women's Team.

On 10 June 2013, Michael Emenalo requested that his contract be terminated "to facilitate the return of Jose Mourinho".

On 12 August 2019, Michael Emenalo left Monaco by mutual consent.

On 12 July 2023, The Athletic reported that Michael Emenalo would become the first director of football of the Saudi Pro League.