Al-Hilal Appoints Richard Hughes as Sporting Director

Al-Hilal has appointed Richard Hughes as its new sporting director, the club confirmed in September 2026. The move brings an experienced football executive into a central role overseeing the sporting side of one of Saudi Arabia's most prominent clubs.

The appointment came after Hughes departed Liverpool. Al-Hilal said the contract had been finalized and that he began his duties immediately upon arriving in Riyadh, signaling the club's intent to have him involved without delay.

A sporting director typically shapes a club's long-term football strategy, including recruitment, squad planning, and coordination between the coaching staff and management. Hughes's arrival adds senior leadership to Al-Hilal's front office as the club continues to build its structure both on and off the pitch.

For fans and the wider community in Riyadh and across the Kingdom, the hiring reflects the continued growth and professionalization of Saudi football, with clubs attracting established international expertise to strengthen their operations. Al-Hilal's supporters will be watching closely to see how the appointment influences the team's direction in the seasons ahead.

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