Al-Hilal Names Richard Hughes as New Sporting Director

Al-Hilal has appointed Richard Hughes as its new sporting director in Riyadh, with the club confirming that he has formally begun work within its football operations in September 2026.

The move forms part of an ongoing restructuring of Al-Hilal's football setup. Hughes has been given a mandate to raise the quality of technical work, develop the club's recruitment and scouting processes, and bring the various football-related departments into closer alignment.

The appointment and the accompanying contract were finalized by the board of Al Hilal Club Company, chaired by Prince Nawaf bin Saad, and were announced through the club's official digital channels and social media accounts.

While the move has been widely described as involving a substantial financial package, no official contract value, salary figure, or fee in Saudi Riyal has been disclosed by the club or any Saudi government platform as of this reporting.

Why it matters

Bringing in an experienced sporting director signals Al-Hilal's intent to strengthen the long-term structure behind its first team rather than focusing solely on results on the pitch. For fans and residents following the Saudi Pro League, the appointment reflects a broader push by leading clubs to professionalize their football operations and modernize how players are identified, signed, and developed.

Appointments of foreign professionals such as this are handled internally by the club as employer, using the standard framework for expatriate employment, including work visa issuance, residence permit management, and labor contract registration under Saudi law. There is no special procedure specific to the sporting director role, and no new 2026 regulation has been introduced for it.

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