Former Arsenal star swaps football boots for backroom role

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Former Arsenal and Ivory Coast defender Emmanuel Eboué has embraced a new chapter off the pitch, landing a key administrative role with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as an Assistant General Coordinator (AGC).

The 41-year-old, who made over 200 appearances for the Gunners and played in the 2006 UEFA Champions League final, is now part of CAF’s efforts to deliver elite-level youth tournaments. Eboué is currently working behind the scenes at the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, helping to ensure the smooth running of the competition.

Once a mainstay in both Arsenal’s defence and the Ivorian national team—with 79 international caps and a 2010 FIFA World Cup appearance—Eboué brings invaluable experience to his new role. Despite facing financial and mental health struggles after retiring in 2016, he has found fresh purpose in supporting the next generation of African footballers.

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“I am so happy to do the job, even though I know it’s not easy,” Eboué told CAFOnline. “It is a very good thing for young players to see a legend like me involved. Football is my life, and people know me because of football.”

Eboué’s journey into sports administration began when he was invited by CAF to serve as an AGC at the U17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. His impressive contribution earned him another opportunity at the U20 tournament in Egypt.

“Being on the pitch every game is a thrill,” he said. “I didn’t know how much work was involved behind the scenes. There are meetings, paperwork, team support, and you even work closely with kit staff. It’s a lot to learn, but I enjoy it.”

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Despite many of the young players not immediately recognising the former Premier League star, Eboué shared how their reactions change once they learn of his legacy.

“Some of the boys don’t know who I am at first,” he said. “But when their coach tells them, ‘this is Emmanuel Eboué,’ they search for me online, and it’s wonderful to see them excited to take pictures.”

Eboué expressed gratitude to CAF for the opportunity to stay connected to football beyond his playing days and highlighted the need for players to prepare for life after retirement.

“One of the biggest challenges for African players is planning for life after football,” he added. “CAF has given me this opportunity, and I’m grateful. As a player, you must think about your future.”

Now serving as a mentor and organiser, Eboué is proving that legends of the game can continue making a difference—even after hanging up their boots.

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