Nabil Emad

Nabil Emad Aly Elmahdy, better known as Donga, is an Egyptian professional footballer who anchors the midfield as a defensive midfielder for Saudi Pro League club Al-Najma and represents the Egypt national team. Born on 6 April 1996 in El Mahalla El Kubra, a city in the Nile Delta known for producing football talent, Donga has built a reputation as a hard-tackling, disciplined presence in the center of the pitch.

As of 2026, Donga is an active player, having joined Al-Najma in February 2026 from Zamalek SC, where he won the CAF Confederation Cup and the Egyptian Premier League. He is also part of Egypt's squad for the 2026 World Cup. Known for his combative style and leadership, Donga has become a reliable figure in midfield, with a growing fan base that follows his every move on social media. [edit]

Nabil Emad grew up in El Mahalla El Kubra, a city in the Nile Delta with a rich football culture. From a young age, he showed promise on the pitch, joining the youth ranks of his hometown club, Ghazl El Mahalla. The club's academy was his training ground, where he honed the defensive instincts and passing discipline that would define his career.

He progressed through the youth system and eventually broke into the senior team, making his professional debut for Ghazl El Mahalla. His performances in the Egyptian Premier League caught the attention of bigger clubs, and in 2019, he made the move to Zamalek SC, one of Egypt's most decorated teams. The transfer marked a turning point, giving him a platform to compete for major honours and eventually earn international recognition. [edit]

Donga's breakthrough came after his 2019 transfer to Zamalek SC. In his first season, he helped the club lift the CAF Confederation Cup, a major continental trophy. The following year, he was part of the squad that won the Egyptian Premier League in the 2020–21 season, cementing his status as a key midfielder.

His club form earned him a call-up to the Egypt national team, and he made his senior debut in 2021. He has since featured in World Cup qualifying campaigns and other competitive fixtures. In February 2026, Donga moved to Saudi Arabia, signing with Al-Najma in the Saudi Pro League. The transfer came amid financial strain at Zamalek, and he now wears the number 80 jersey. He is also part of Egypt's squad for the 2026 World Cup, adding to his international resume. [edit]

Donga is known for his hard-tackling, combative style of play, which has earned him a reputation as a disciplined defensive midfielder. In Egyptian and Saudi football media, he is described as reliable and hard-working, with a leadership presence on the pitch. His nickname "Donga" is widely used by fans and commentators.

His social media presence, particularly on Instagram, gives fans a glimpse into his life as a professional footballer, though he keeps his personal affairs largely out of the spotlight. Despite recent controversies, he remains a popular figure among supporters who appreciate his tenacity and dedication. [edit]

Nabil Emad, known to fans as Donga, navigates the global stage as a disciplined defensive midfielder whose public profile is defined by on-field grit and recent controversies rather than a distinct cult of personality. His social media presence under @d__o_n_g_a_14 draws approximately one million followers, yet these accounts reflect standard athlete-fan dynamics without evidence of organized campaigns, named fan clubs, or ritualistic support structures common among global superstars. While viral moments like the April 2026 incident involving Cristiano Ronaldo have sparked online discussion, they frame him as a figure of conflict rather than a source of legendary adoration. The narrative surrounding his career remains grounded in professional milestones, such as his transfer from Zamalek SC to Al-Najma, and disciplinary records rather than mythic folklore. Unlike players with dedicated movements, Emad's audience engages primarily through match coverage and club news. iFANN has evaluated Nabil Emad's global standing, but he currently does not hold a placement in the published Global Top 1,000 rankings. Consequently, no specific ordinal rank or score is assigned to his current fame level.[edit]

Born in El Mahalla El Kubra, Nabil Emad stands 1.79 meters tall and weighs around 73 kg, operating as a right-footed anchor in the midfield. His full Arabic name is نبيل عماد دونجا, and while his nickname appears as both "Donga" and "Dunga" across media, its origin remains undocumented. He maintains an Instagram handle at @d__o_n_g_a_14, where his bio highlights his tenure with the Egyptian National Team and former club Zamalek. A notable viral moment occurred in April 2026 when footage surfaced showing him engaging in behavior that caused Cristiano Ronaldo to lose his temper during a match. This incident became a point of contention for fans, contrasting sharply with his reputation as a hard-working player. Earlier in his career, he faced significant scrutiny following a group assault incident in Abu Dhabi in October 2024 involving several Zamalek teammates. In October 2025, the Egyptian Football Association confirmed a four-game suspension for him due to unspecified infractions, adding to a pattern of disciplinary challenges. Despite these events, his move to the Saudi Pro League in February 2026 marked a significant financial and professional shift in his career trajectory.[edit]

Details about Donga's family are scarce, as he keeps his personal life private. He was born in El Mahalla El Kubra, a city known for producing football talent, and it is likely that his family supported his early football development. No public information is available about his parents, siblings, or any children. [edit]

Donga has crossed paths with several notable figures in football. In April 2026, Cristiano Ronaldo lost his temper at Donga's behavior during a Saudi Pro League match between Al-Najma and Ronaldo's club. He was also teammates with Mustafa Shalabi at Zamalek, and the two were jointly sentenced in the Abu Dhabi assault case. Mahmoud Saber replaced Donga in the Egypt squad after his injury in October 2024. [edit]

Nabil Emad keeps his personal life private, and no public information is available about his dating history or romantic relationships. As of 2026, he is not reported to be married, engaged, or publicly dating anyone. His focus appears to be on his football career. [edit]

Per iFANN's editorial analysis, Nabil Emad's net worth is estimated at $2 Million as of 2026. This valuation reflects his steady career progression from Egyptian club football to the high-profile Saudi Pro League. His primary income streams originate from lucrative professional contracts, including his tenure at Zamalek SC and his subsequent signing with Al-Najma in February 2026. The Saudi league's reputation for significant financial investment likely contributed to a substantial salary increase upon his arrival. Beyond base wages, Donga accumulates wealth through appearance fees and bonuses earned while representing the Egypt national team. Although a transfer fee was paid to Zamalek for his release, exact figures remain undisclosed. His financial growth mirrors his rising status as a key squad member for the 2026 World Cup cycle.[edit]

Nabil Emad has won two major club honours with Zamalek SC: the CAF Confederation Cup in 2019 and the Egyptian Premier League in the 2020–21 season. No individual awards are documented. [edit]