Bruno Lage brings title-winning pedigree to ambitious Al Diriyah

Al Diriyah have underlined their ambitions ahead of their first-ever Roshn Saudi League campaign by appointing Portuguese coach Bruno Lage as head coach for the 2026-27 season.

The experienced 50-year-old arrives with an impressive CV, having lifted four domestic trophies in Portugal, including the Primeira Liga title with Benfica in 2018-19 and the Portuguese Super Cup last year.

Lage also boasts considerable experience outside of his homeland, with spells in the English Premier League at Wolverhampton Wanderers and in Brazil with Botafogo.

However, it was at Benfica where the former winger enjoyed his greatest success, establishing himself as one of Portugal's leading coaches.

The appointment marks another significant step in Al Diriyah's rapid rise. After securing promotion by finishing third in the Saudi First Division last season - Abha and Al Faisaly came home first and second, respectively - the club will become the 35th side to compete in the top flight.

Since privatisation in June 2023, Al Diriyah has invested heavily in building a squad capable of competing at the highest level and should add even more quality to the increasingly competitive RSL.

Meanwhile, Lage's arrival represents part of a fresh wave of coaching appointments across the division ahead of the new campaign, which kicks off on August 13.

The Setubal-born tactician becomes the seventh new head coach confirmed for the 2026-27 season, joining Jose Gomes at Al Khaleej, Fabio Carille at Al Fayha, Zarko Lazetic at Al Taawoun, Arthur Papas at Al Ettifaq, Giovanni Solinas at Al Faisaly and Ange Postecoglou’s exciting appointment at champions Al Nassr.

Al Ittihad, the 2024-25 RSL winners, are expected to announce Sergio Conceicao’s replacement soon also.