My story

Shady Daoud

Football has always been at the heart of my life. From playing on the streets to stepping onto the pitch in professional environments, the game has shaped who I am and what I stand for.

My journey began in some of the most respected youth academies around the world. I had the privilege of playing for PFC Slavia Sofia in Bulgaria, Al Ahly in Egypt, Académie JMG in Mali, and FC Den Bosch here in the Netherlands — all during my youth development years. After my time at Den Bosch, I earned a professional contract with Al Ittihad Al Sakandary in Egypt, a major milestone in my career.

 

However, as with many athletes, my path was met with challenges. Due to injuries and complex contract negotiations, I made the difficult decision to terminate my contract by mutual agreement and return to the Netherlands. It was a turning point — but also a new beginning.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I officially began my coaching journey as a personal coach. I became a certified Fitness Trainer A coach and earned additional certification in football injury recovery training. These qualifications, combined with my playing experience, allow me to offer players a deeper, more personal approach to development — both physically and mentally.

I founded The Football Journey with one clear mission:
To inspire and support aspiring footballers to become the best version of themselves.

This isn’t just about training — it’s about discipline, confidence, and enjoying the process of growth. Whether you're chasing a professional dream or just want to improve your game, I'm here to guide you — because I know what the journey takes.

Let’s walk that road to glory — together.

The Football Journey

Founded in 2025, The Football Journey was created to bridge the gap between personal experience at the highest levels of youth football and a coaching approach focused on individual growth.

Built during a time of reflection and reinvention, the brand emerged with a clear mission: to provide tailored, high-quality training for players who are serious about improving their game. Backed by professional expertise and certified coaching, The Football Journey has quickly become a trusted name for those looking to take their skills to the next level — with discipline, purpose, and passion at the core of every session.