The Saudi Arabian Football Federation has reportedly settled on Hervé Renard’s successor as coach of the Saudi national team, according to the Al-Riyadh newspaper. However, the timing of the change remains unknown.
Renard faced harsh criticism during the March international break following a 4-0 friendly defeat to Egypt. The idea of dismissing the French coach was raised two months before the start of the 2026 World Cup in hopes of salvaging the team and improving results.
Ultimately, the French coach remained in his position, but his departure is only a matter of time. The Saudi Federation has settled on Giorgos Donis, the current Al-Khaleej coach, to take over, and discussions have already begun between the two parties.
The Saudi Federation compiled a shortlist of coaches familiar with Saudi football, such as Pedro Emanuel, coach of Al-Fayha, Brazilian Chamusca, coach of Al-Taawoun, and Moroccan Hussein Ammouta, before settling on Donis after a meeting with the coach.
It is widely believed that Donis will take over as Saudi Arabia’s coach after the 2026 World Cup, and it is currently unlikely that the Saudi Football Federation would take any step that could be perceived as rash, such as dismissing Renard with the World Cup just around the corner.
The 56-year-old coach has a long and distinguished career in the world of coaching, having previously won the Saudi League title in 2015.
Within the Saudi Professional League, Donis has coached several clubs, starting with Al-Hilal, then Al-Wehda and Al-Fateh, before settling with Al-Khaleej since July 2024.
