Saudi Arabia's head coach Hervé Renard has been officially dismissed, and his successor is Greek national Georges Donis.

2026-04-24 13:05

Saudi Arabia's head coach Hervé Renard has been officially dismissed, and his successor is Greek national Georges Donis.

The Saudi Football Federation (SAFF) announced on Thursday the dismissal of Hervé Renard as head coach of the Saudi national team. No further details were provided at this time regarding the specific reasons for Renard's dismissal.


The 57-year-old Renard is from France and has led Zambia and Ivory Coast to Africa Cup of Nations titles during his coaching career. He also served as the head coach of Saudi Arabia from 2019 to 2023, leading the team in the 2019 Arabian Gulf Cup and the 2022 World Cup.


In October 2024, Renard returned to the Saudi national team after more than a year. During his second term, he coached Saudi Arabia in 28 matches, with a record of 11 wins, 6 draws, and 11 losses.


Along with dismissing Renard, the Saudi Football Federation confirmed that 56-year-old Greek Georgis Donis would take over as national team coach. The two sides signed a one-year contract, valid until July 2027.


This appointment will be Donis's first time as head coach of the Saudi Arabian national team. He has previously managed numerous teams, including Ilicia Kos, Larissa, AEK Athens, Atromitos, Paok, Nicosia APOEL, Al-Hilal, Sharjah, Panathinaikos, Tel Aviv Magabi, Mecca Unification, Al-Hasa Conquest, and Al-Sahit Gulf. His accolades include the 2006/07 Greek Cup, the 2013/14 Cypriot First Division, the 2013/14 Cyprus Cup, the 2014/15 Saudi Cup, the 2015/16 Saudi Crown Prince Cup, and the 2015/16 Saudi Super Cup.


For Donis, his primary task is to lead Saudi Arabia to the upcoming World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. According to the schedule, Saudi Arabia will play their first World Cup match on June 15th in Miami, USA, against Uruguay, Spain, and Cape Verde, all in Group H.


Image source: Internet

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