Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal have announced the departure of head coach Jorge Jesus, following a disappointing run that has left the defending champions six points behind league leaders Al-Ittihad with only five games remaining in the 2024-25 season. The decision comes on the heels of a 3-1 defeat to Al-Ahli in the AFC Champions League Elite semi-finals, a result that proved to be the final straw for the club’s board.
The Portuguese tactician, who returned to Al-Hilal for his second stint in July 2023, enjoyed a stellar first season, leading the club to an unbeaten Saudi Pro League title, the King’s Cup, and the Saudi Super Cup, while setting a world-record winning streak of 34 consecutive matches. However, this season has been marked by inconsistency, with Al-Hilal securing only five wins in their last 13 league games, including a 4-1 loss to Al-Ittihad and a Riyadh Derby defeat to Al-Nassr.
In a statement released on Friday, Al-Hilal confirmed the mutual termination of Jesus’ contract: “The Board of Directors of Al-Hilal Club Company has agreed with the Portuguese head coach of the first team Jorge Jesus to terminate the contractual relationship between them.” The club appointed Mohammed Al-Shalhoub as interim coach to lead the team for the remainder of the season.
The 70-year-old’s exit follows a turbulent period for Al-Hilal, who started the season as favorites to retain their title. Despite boasting a star-studded squad featuring the likes of Neymar, Aleksandar Mitrovic, and Marcos Leonardo, the team struggled to maintain their dominance. A 2-2 draw against Damac in February and a 1-1 stalemate with Ettifaq in April highlighted their vulnerability, allowing Al-Ittihad to seize control of the title race.
The loss to Al-Ahli in the AFC Champions League Elite semi-finals on April 29, 2025, intensified scrutiny on Jesus. Al-Hilal, the most successful club in Asian football history with four Champions League titles, were just 90 minutes from reaching the final but faltered against their Saudi rivals. Jesus himself acknowledged the mounting pressure, stating, “Things didn’t go the way I planned, and when the result is negative, we look for a victim.”
Fans and analysts have expressed mixed sentiments about Jesus’ departure. On X, posts reflected the sentiment that the move was inevitable, with one user noting, “Big overnight news, which had been coming: Jorge Jesus out at Al Hilal. #ACLElite semi-final defeat to Al Ahli his final match.” Others praised Jesus’ previous achievements, citing his 100-18-11 record across all competitions during his two stints with the club.